Aliso and Woods Canyons Wilderness Park is a great place for any van or RV nomad to hike and mountain bike. The park offers miles of trails throughout the park that range from easy to hard. There’s a nice pay for parking lot at the trailhead with a restroom. Its a great place to spend the day.

Nestled amidst the rugged terrain near Lake Mead lies a hidden gem awaiting adventurous vanlifers: the Anniversary Narrows hike. This lesser-known trail offers a thrilling mix of stunning landscapes, challenging terrain, and secluded camping spots, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an off-the-grid adventure.

Hiking to the Bridge to Nowhere is a fantastic option for van or RV nomads wishing to get out of the city and see a genuinely one-of-a-kind Los Angeles landmark in the San Gabriel Mountains. The East Fork Trail is a popular loop that passes by a waterfall and requires hikers to cross the river several times on their way to the bridge. Bungee jumping off the bridge is an option as well.

Nestled within the rugged landscapes of the Mojave Desert, the Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs Trail offers avid hikers a thrilling adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain, and the ultimate reward—a rejuvenating soak in natural hot springs.

Indian Canyons makes a wonderful adventure for any van or RV nomad who wants to hike and learn more about the Indian culture surrounding Palm Springs. It’s comprised of Palm, Andreas, and Murry Canyons. Each canyon offers trails that take you back into these vast canyons with their towering walls. During the winter and spring months, the river will be flowing, and the wildlife will be on display.

Iron Mountain is a great place to go hiking for any van or RV nomad. Iron Mountain is located between the cities of Poway and Romona. The hike is one of the most popular hikes in San Diego because of the moderate elevation change. When you make it to the summit, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounded areas.

Tahquitz Canyon a great quick getaway in Palm Springs. The canyon is one of the most beautiful and culturally sensitive areas of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. Tahquitz Canyon is home to a spectacular 60-foot waterfall, rock art, ancient irrigation systems, native wildlife, and plants. Located at the canyon entrance, the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center offers educational and cultural exhibits, displays of artifacts, an observation deck, and a theater room for viewing.

Three Sisters Falls Trail is a fun day hike for any van lifer looking for an adventure out of the city. The hike is a 4.1 mile out and back trail located near Julian that features three waterfalls and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. There’s a steep descent into the canyon where the falls are located so make sure you have enough energy for the return hike.

The Trail of 100 Giants, located within the Sequoia National Forest in California, beckons van lifers to embark on a remarkable journey into the realm of the colossal sequoia trees. This accessible and awe-inspiring trail offers an array of adventures, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature’s giants.

The Whitewater Preserve is a great place to visit if you are traveling through the Palm Springs and Joshua Tree areas. The preserve has the Whitewater River which runs year-round going through it which supplies water to its pools. The canyon has a robust population of bighorn sheep, deer, bears, and is an important wildlife corridor between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains.