Vanlife Hack: Renting the Life For One Week

Exploring Utah's iconic Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks via minivan rental

Vanlife Hack: Renting the Life For One Week

Author

Adam Mowery

Photographer

Adam Mowery

Camera

Nikon D700

Film

Kingston 16GB CF Card

Hashtag Vanlife is appealing to a lot of us adventure seeking outdoor lovers. But for most of us, it’s not a reality or really even a possibility. We have families, jobs, and probably don’t even own a van. Instagram is flooded with these seemingly amazing people living the simple life, always being in the perfect place at the right time. Seems nice, right? But what if it could be us. Maybe not for life, a year, or even a month, but what about a week or even just a weekend? Enter minivan rental territory, and that daydream can come true. We recently did it on a trip to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, Utah, and loved every minute of it.

On average you can rent a minivan anywhere in the country for around $350 to $450 for one week. Lay down all the backseats, put your sleeping pad on the floor, throw in your camping gear, and let the adventure happen. Add in a mid week backpacking trip, and a few day hikes and climbs to get out and stretch your legs and explore. You don’t always have to be stuck driving back to the hotel at night and then getting up to drive back to the incredible view at sunrise. Sure you won’t have all the comforts that hotels offer, but this is supposed to be an adventure, remember? Experiences like these give you memories for a lifetime. 

Minivans aren’t just for soccer moms anymore

Hashtag Vanlifeforaweek works solo, and with a friend too. Just not two friends. Try and cram any more than two in a minivan and you’ll be very cramped and borderline miserable. Two people, plus gear, fit comfortably in the van as long as the front seats become your storage closet when you’re in the back. After those long days of waking up in time to catch the sunrise and hiking for miles will make you and your companion a little stinky, so we recommend finding the closest RV park and asking to trade a few bucks for a shower. Most are willing to oblige.

So next time you feel the itch to live the #vanlife, just remember minivans aren’t just for soccer moms anymore.

Mowery-Zion-Bryce-3
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-2
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-1
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-6
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-13
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-12
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-10
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-9
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-11
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-17
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-8
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-4
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-14
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-7
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-15
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-18
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-19
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-20
Mowery-Zion-Bryce-21
Related articles
What Is a Via Ferrata & the 11 Best Spots to Try It in the US
An Abridged Guide to the Via Ferrata & Where to Find a Course Near You

This fixed-route blend of rock climbing and hiking has origins in WWI and is experiencing a resurgence amongst adventurers of all ages

Inside Field Station, Moab's Newest Motel for Adventurers & Road Trippers
This New Hotel in Moab Sets the Stage for a Unique Stay in the Desert

From the minds of AutoCamp, the new basecamp near Arches & Canyonlands National Park offers guided tours, gear rentals, and Vanlife parking

The 14 Best Utah Glamping Spots for a Rejuvenating Stay in Nature
The 14 Best Places to Go Glamping in Utah

From geodomes in the red rocks to Oregon Trail-ready wagons, these are the most unique glampsites in Utah to spend a few nights this season

20 Film Photos from 4 Days of Hiking in Zion National Park
20 Film Photos from 4 Days of Hiking in Zion National Park

Desert season is here—here's a glimpse of the beloved park and its searing natural landscapes via the lens of one intrepid Los Angeles photographer

AutoCamp Launches Outdoors-Focused Hotel Company Field Station
This New Lodging Company Is Turning Old Motels into Basecamps for Adventure

Instead of Airstreams & glamping tents, Field Station is turning old motels into adventure basecamps with gear rentals and community-oriented designs

The 11 Best Cabins Rentals in Utah to Escape to This Season
Ski Cabins, Desert Dwellings, and More of the Best Cabin Rentals in Utah

From a slopeside A-frame at Alta to a treehouse-style retreat near Zion, these are the quintessential cabins for your next trip to the Beehive State

More articles
Vanlife Hack: Renting the Life For One Week

Gallery Mode

Photographer

Adam Mowery

Camera

Nikon D700

Film

Kingston 16GB CF Card

Back to article