Mammoth Lakes, California, is a destination I return to time and again. Tucked along Highway 395, it offers a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. With its natural hot springs scattered across the rugged landscape, Mammoth Lakes has become my favorite place to unwind after a day of exploring Yosemite, skiing at Mammoth Mountain, or adventuring through the Sierra wilderness.
Read MoreYour Year Round Guide to Wild Willy's Hot Spring In Mammoth Lakes, CA
Located in the Inyo National Forest, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is a natural wonder that attracts adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts year-round. If you're planning a trip to this hot spring, you're in for a treat! In this guide, we'll give you everything you need to know about visiting Wild Willy’s Hot Springs near Mammoth.
Read MoreWe Needed a Place to Relax, and the Shores of Kenai Lake Called Our Name
Camping at Kenai Lake gave us the perfect reset after two intense weeks of road-tripping in our van around Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Kristin and I were tired—physically and mentally—and in desperate need of a place to park, relax, and recharge. When we stumbled upon a camping spot on iOverlander right on the edge of Kenai Lake, we knew we’d found our answer.
Read MoreWe Should Have Come to Bixby Bridge for Sunset, But We Came at Sunrise Instead
As our alarms sounded at 3:30 am, we packed up our van and hit the road, eager to experience one of California’s most iconic landmarks. The plan? Arrive at Bixby Bridge for sunrise. Neither of us was sure whether sunrise or sunset would showcase the bridge at its best, but sunrise felt like the right choice for our night-owl road trip vibe.
Read MoreGetting Altitude Sickness Changed My Mind On Climbing 14ers Solo
When I first started my peak-bagging journey, I was obsessed with climbing 14ers. Living in California gave me some great options, but nowhere near the variety Colorado offers. The flipside? Not as many people in California are chasing those 14,000-foot summits. In Colorado, the peaks are buzzing with climbers.
After my first few successful summits in California, I felt invincible. I tackled these mountains car-to-car and stuck to routes no harder than Class 4. Climbing solo felt completely fine—until the day I experienced altitude sickness.
Read MoreThe Local's Guide To The Bixby Bridge
When road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway, the Bixby Creek Bridge stands as an architectural marvel that effortlessly merges with the breathtaking natural landscape of Big Sur. The first time I drove across this bridge, I knew that I had to stop and get out, to look at what I was crossing. It was kind of terrifying, at first. What sets this bridge apart is not just its structural elegance but its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the raw beauty that defines the region.
Read MoreThe Ancient Sites of Luxor, Egypt Are Overwhelming Without a Guide
When you picture ancient Egypt, you're likely imagining the wonders of Luxor. This “small town” along the Nile River is a treasure trove of history, home to some of the most iconic sites in the world. From the Valley of the Kings and Queens to the sprawling Temple of Karnak and the Luxor Temple, the sheer scale and significance of Luxor's ancient sites are breathtaking. Yet, without a guide, it can be hard to fully appreciate the depth of what you’re seeing.
Read MoreWe Discovered Paddington Cove By Accident, and It Was Amazing
Driving along Highway One in Big Sur is like flipping through a photo book of California’s greatest hits. On this particular day, the skies were impossibly blue, the hills were lush and green from recent rains, and the Pacific Ocean seemed to stretch forever into the horizon. There were four of us packed into the car, road-tripping without much of a plan—just friends looking for adventure.
I was behind the wheel, enjoying the rhythm of the winding road, when someone in the backseat shouted, “Hey, this looks awesome, stop here!”
Read MoreOf a Lifetime by The North Face Makes You Want to Charter a Sailboat To Antarctica
When I first saw Of A Lifetime pop up on my computer screen, I figured I’d give it a quick watch. Five minutes in, I realized this was no ordinary ski video. This was something special. I paused, headed to my TV, and settled in to experience the full 44 minutes on the biggest screen in my house. It was the best decision I made all week.
Read MoreStepping onto Antarctica’s White Continent Was Emotional For Me
Growing up, I dreamed of visiting all seven continents. I didn’t just want to see them from afar—I wanted to stand on the land, breathe the air, and hear the sounds of each one. As a kid, this felt impossible. What working-class child gets to travel the world? It seemed like a distant fantasy. But as my career path developed, opportunities appeared that I never thought possible. One of those doors recently opened, leading me to Antarctica.
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