After living in a small Colorado mountain town for five years, my husband and I were itching to explore a bit. Sure, we were considering a West Coast move, but really we wanted to see some of the beautiful places we’ve had on our list for a while. We were able to rent our place out pretty easily, which gave us some financial safety, and also forced us to start planning even more seriously. We made a spreadsheet.
One reason we decided on this trip was because we felt an urgent need to visit some of the country’s most impressive parks before it’s too late. Due to Republican-led defunding efforts, Public lands and National Parks are more vulnerable than they have ever been before—now is the time to see them, and help protect them, too.
Joshua Tree National Park
We both work remotely, so we figured we’d take six months to really explore California, Oregon, and Washington State. And for good measure, we decided to visit Jasper and Banff in Canada as well.
Planning the trip initially felt daunting—we were leaving everything familiar, and heading to mostly places we had never been before. But ultimately, once we were on the road, it didn’t feel as intimidating as it sounds.
We finished our travels at the end of August. Now that I’m on the other side of the trip, I’m kind of in awe of what we accomplished. We saw some of the most popular sights, and some of the off-the-beaten-path adventures. Our time included a combination of van camping, staying with friends, renting Airbnbs, and an occasional hotel. We were rarely off the grid for more than a day, and continued working throughout our travels. We had a few hiccups, but nothing we couldn’t figure out.
And now, I feel like an expert on how to do this kind of travel. For the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing highlights and tips from the Pacific Northwest portion of our trip, so that you can take your own coastal adventure, starting with my recommended stops for California. To hit them all, I’d allocate at least four weeks, but you can certainly spread it out much longer. Just keep in mind that we were working remotely, not purely sight-seeing and vacationing. We usually spent at least a week at every stop, and sometimes 2-3 weeks. We’d recreate when we could, but certainly not every day.
Our fully loaded van at camp
How to Think about Packing for a Six Month Road Trip
Instead of providing you a complete packing list, let me give you a piece of important advice. You don’t need as much as you think.
We set off on our trip with way more stuff than we needed. We left our home in February and returned in August. The weather was pleasant almost the entire time. We never encountered horrible cold, and it didn't get above 75 degrees until late July. We were kind of chasing perfect spring weather all the way up the coast. That meant a lot of the hardcore winter stuff we initially thought we need ended up being dead weight.
I also brought too much of the same thing. I didn't need four pairs of shorts and three jackets. Once we set off, I realized I should have just packed for my multi-month adventure the same way I would pack for a week-long one. After all, we never went more than a week without access to laundry.
Luckily, we found a solution to our overpacking: we mailed a huge bin of stuff back to our storage unit in Colorado before we had left California.
One thing I wish I had pack: better supplies for our dog. Coming from the high desert of Colorado, I did not realize how many ticks there would be in California. We ended up having to go to a vet in Marin County to get a prescribed topical gel to keep them off our dogs. I also didn't realize how much poison oak, poison ivy, and stinging nettles we’d encounter. If you also want to travel with your furry friend, plan to bring lots of anti-itch cream, and lots of soap to wash poison oils off.
Upper Yosemite Falls
Pro Tips for a National Parks Road Trip
Learn How to be Flexible: When you’re on a very long trip, things will go wrong. Have goals, but know that things will change. Weather will be a factor, wildfires will break out, parks and trails will close, and any number of unexpected circumstances will come up quickly. Choose some Plan B and Plan C hikes and activities in case your initial plan doesn’t go. Don’t think of these things as hindrances, just opportunities to practice adapting and problem solving. Sometimes when plans change you get to unexpectedly see something new! If you get upset every time something gets in the way of the plan, you will be upset a lot. When we were in Yosemite, a trail we wanted to hike was closed for rockslides. In Olympic, a search and rescue team closed a section of the park for a mission. In the Enchantments, there was an ongoing manhunt. Roll with it, be flexible, know that your plans aren’t the most important things on the planet and there are always other options.
Get Travel insurance: Because so many factors are out of your control, and especially if you’re going to be gone for an extended period, it’s always a good idea to get travel insurance. We found great coverage with Faye. If you’re bringing a pet or bikes, those require additional insurance coverage. It’s worth some time to research different options, to make sure that you’re safe and covered if anything happens.
Double-check everything: If you’re constantly putting bikes on a bike rack, packing a roof box, or carrying gear in various bins, have check-lists. Always make sure you check and re-check your stuff before each stretch of travel. We once drove almost 300 miles—from northern California to southern Oregon, with our roof box unlocked. Luckily, we somehow didn’t lose anything, but it gave us a huge scare when we pulled off the highway for a coffee stop and someone said, “It looks like your roof box is open.”
Do your part: Perhaps the most unexpected and upsetting aspect of the trip was the realization that people are not respecting these wild spaces. In Yosemite, people were cutting switchbacks and ignoring signs informing visitors that trails were closed because of potential dangers. In the Enchantments, there was noticeable trash and human waste at the lake. We even saw an entire abandoned tent. With park staff limited and strained, now is the time for individual action. We carried trash out as often as possible, but it takes more shared responsibility to protect these places. If you visit any local, state, or national park, please be considerate of your place in the ecosystem. Leave no trace, and if possible, help out to make these lands available for generations to come.
California's Must Visit
National Parks & State Parks
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
How long do you need? 3-4 days.
What it’s known for: Joshua Tree, is, of course, named for the Joshua Trees, which are part of the agave family. They’re native to the Mojave Desert, and cartoonish in appearance. Long before settlers arrived in the area, the plants were used in various ways. The Cahuilla people referred to them as hunuvat chiy’a or humwichawa. The tough leaves were woven into baskets and sandals, and the seeds were used as food sources. Joshua Tree was designated a National Monument in 1936, and upgraded to a National Park as part of the California Desert Protection Act in 1994. It’s now home to an estimated 870,000 Joshua Trees.
Vibe of the park: We were there in early March and it still felt like pre-season, though I highly recommend this time. Early spring felt a bit sleepy and not as frantic as some. People aren’t lining up before dawn (in March) to do anything. The vibe of Joshua Tree (the town) is pretty relaxed, not overly touristy. Some cute coffee shops and restaurants, and a visitor’s center right in town.
Accommodation recommendation: Just pick an Airbnb near the park entrance. We stayed in a reasonably priced house in Joshua Tree, with a hot tub and a fenced yard, just 20 minutes from the gate. I recommend this above any sort of resort in the surrounding area because it gets you almost as close as camping in the park, and is fairly reasonable (again, in March). One thing we discovered, especially around National Parks, is that the nearby towns are often struggling. If you can find a house to rent that’s locally owned, that feels like the move.
Recommended hikes near Joshua Tree National Park
Lost Horse Mine Loop: This loop is more secluded and peaceful. We started just before sunrise and didn’t see anyone else for the entire hike. There’s a nice variety of views, including tons of Joshua Trees, valleys, mountains, and the old gold mine. This loop is 6.7 miles with 1,000 feet of climbing. It took us under two hours, but admittedly, we were run-hiking.
Chaparrosa Peak
Chaparrosa Peak: This hike is outside of the national park, so it’s dog friendly. As usual, we started at sunrise and had the place to ourselves. This trail is mostly packed dirt and easy to follow. It goes through beautiful desert terrain, with stunning views of the setting moon if you time it right. The highlight is reaching the summit, where you can take in sweeping views of the entire area. This is a really fun option if you want to escape the National Park crowds and take a pup along. This out and back was 6 miles with 1,500 feet of climbing. It took us just over 2 hours to complete.
Morrow Bay State Park
Morro Bay State Park
How long do you need? 2-3 days.
What it’s known For: Two of the Nine Sisters chain of volcanic peaks leading from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay, Black Hill and Cerro Cabrillo, are within park boundaries. The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro Rock, which is off-limits for climbing on. You’ll no doubt notice a lot of marine life in the area (sea otters, seals, ocean birds, and whales just offshore). The Morro Bay State Marine Reserve & State Marine Recreational Management Area are two marine protected areas located just offshore from Morro Bay. These protected areas help safeguard ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.
Vibe of the park: Nice and quiet, very relaxing. The town and the park are so nice you’ll probably want to move here. There are tons of options for hiking and mountain biking within the state park, and along the bay. Lots of cute restaurants along the boardwalk, and also in Los Osos.
Accommodation recommendations: Camp at the state park! It’s right near the water, with nice hot showers and great camp sites for tents, vans, or RVs.
Morrow Bay State Park
Recommended hikes near Morro Bay State Park
Morrow Bay State Park Trails: We did multiple loops on foot and on mountain bikes of the trails in the state park itself, and can report they’re all very well built and offer beautiful views. Even when the temperatures climb, the sea breeze always keeps you comfortable. Most people get around on foot and on bikes, so it feels very safe.
Black Hill Trail" The second to last of nine volcanic plugs that lie between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. It’s only 2.5 miles with 650 feet of climbing, but offers panoramic views of the greater Morro Bay area at its summit.
The Morro Rock Natural Preserve: Aka, the big obvious rock in town. I also highly recommend the Morro Rock Natural Preserve. It’s mostly paved and/or beach walking, but very beautiful, and a bird sanctuary. Lots of animals and sea life.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
How long do you need? 2-4
What It’s Known For: Big trees. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest State Park in California: it was acquired in 1902. It is home to some of California’s biggest trees, and epic redwood groves. Some of these giants are more than 50 feet around and over 300 feet tall. At 1,000 to 1,800 years old, some may predate the Roman Empire. In August, 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire swept through 97% of the park's property. The fire destroyed all of the historic structures and changed the landscape. But most of the old-growth trees survived, and the park is steadily recovering.
Vibe of the park: We stayed in Santa Cruz, California for about 3 weeks, and visited Big Basin numerous times on bike and on foot. The park entrance is 25-miles from Santa Cruz, and takes under an hour to drive. There are lots of fire roads that are great to explore by bike, and the hikes are a great way to see huge trees without tons of effort. We loved this park because it was quiet and not overwhelming. We rarely saw others, even mid-day. Overall, this park is great for some easier days, or some epic days by bike, especially if you’re coming from Santa Cruz.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Accommodation recommendations: Staying in Santa Cruz is a great way to be in town, but still gives you access to tons of parks and beaches. Better, if you manage to get there without a car, the Santa Cruz Metro offers a $2 bus pass to visit Big Basin on the weekends.
Recommended hikes near the Big Basin Redwoods
Redwood Loop trail: Only about a mile long, but you get to see some of the biggest trees in the park. Ocean View Summit Loop is about 4 miles and has nonstop old forest views, as well as…you guessed it, ocean views. There’s also quite a bit of fire damage that’s beginning to come back to life.
Upper Yosemite Falls
Yosemite National Park
How long do you need? 3-7 days, but you could easily spend 2+ weeks.
What It’s Known For: As one of the earliest established National Parks, Yosemite still stands as one of this country’s greatest gems. It covers nearly 1,200 square miles. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant of 1864, which declared Yosemite as federally preserved land. Then in 1890, John Muir led a successful movement to encourage Congress to establish Yosemite Valley and its surrounding areas as a National Park. All of this eventually led to the National Park System, perhaps the most exceptional federal work we’ve ever accomplished. Today the National Park System encompasses over 85 million acres of land.
Vibe of the park: There's a good reason that this is one of the most visited National Parks in the country. Yosemite usually sees around 4 million annual visitors, and most of those are in the summer. There’s no way around it: Yosemite gets busy. But if you do it right, you can enjoy the popular Yosemite Valley spots, and the lesser visited areas. We only spent 3 days here, but we’re planning to come back in September for a full week to get in some longer backcountry hikes. Of course, that week of activities is something we had to book three months in advance. This is one of those parks that requires some planning and strategy, but can be enjoyed without the Disneyland feel if you’re willing to work a little.
Upper Yosemite Falls
Accommodation recommendations: Camping in the park requires reservations that book out far in advance, but they are so worth the effort.There’s nothing like dawn and sunset in Yosemite, even if you have to be in like sardines at the campsites with close quarters to see it. Other options include questionable boondocking along one of the roads into the park, or staying in a nearby town, none of which are truly nearby. If you’re staying in Mariposa, it will likely take you 90 minutes to drive to the park … if there’s no traffic. Backcountry and overnight permits also get snatched up fast (like, within seconds of being released). It’s clear that many break the rules and camp in random parts of the park without permits, but please don’t do this. It’s dangerous for you, if you need to be found by Search and Rescue and haven’t registered your location, and it creates more congestion and stress for the wildlife. It’s so crucial to follow the rules and protect the land.
Recommended hikes near Yosemite National Park
Upper Yosemite Falls: While this is one of the most popular hikes in all of Yosemite, it’s 100% worth it. If you start before 6 am, you will have at least half of the hike to yourself. We started before sunrise in mid-April and didn’t see a single other person until we were well on our way down. In the final mile, though, we must have passed 100 people. Start early, beat the heat, and you will be rewarded. This is a 7-mile roundtrip stair climber, with more than 3,100 feet of climbing. We were done in just under 4 hours, even with lots of stops to enjoy the views.
Vernal Falls
Vernal and Nevada Falls: Another incredibly popular hike in the Valley, but also worth it. There are so many incredible views of waterfalls and of the whole park, so it makes sense that this one is popular. Once again, start super early, and loop around on the John Muir Trail: you’ll likely only see a couple backcountry folks while you’re up high. Most people go up the Mist Trail and then turn around. We once again had some of the most popular views in the park all to ourselves. This one was 9.5 miles and 2,500 feet of climbing. It took us just under 4.5 hours.
When we return to Yosemite in September, we’re looking forward to trying out Clouds Rest Trail, which boasts 12.5 miles and more than 3,000 feet of climbing, with views of the whole park. And Mount Hoffman, which has 1,900 feet of climbing in 5.5 miles, and might be perfect for sunset. We’ll also be camping up at Wawona, so we’ll definitely check out the Mariposa Grove.
