Bridgeport, CA is a pass-through town along Highway 395 that’s filled with adventures, if you’re willing to stop. With one overpriced gas station, two coffee shops, a sandwich shop, and a general store that is rarely open, I didn’t think much of this town at first. But over time, a few of my favorite adventures led me to the outskirts of Bridgeport, CA, and I discovered it has much more to offer than meets the eye. This town is packed with activities like kayaking, rock climbing, hot spring soaking, backcountry skiing, camping, stargazing, and so much more. Below are just a handful of reasons to stop in Bridgeport, CA while road-tripping Highway 395.
Read MoreI Hiked Mount Tallac to Watch the Stars – You Should Too
Living in South Lake Tahoe, Mount Tallac has always been my constant landmark. Its familiar silhouette serves as a compass, grounding me whenever I wander through Tahoe’s endless beauty. Whether I’m kayaking on the lake or hiking a forested trail, Tallac’s jagged profile stands as a reassuring guide. But recently, I felt the urge to shift perspectives. Instead of looking at Mount Tallac, why not look from its summit and discover the view from above?
Read MoreIt’s Weird, I Know, But I Love Joshua Tree’s Backcountry
Exploring the backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park is an experience unlike any other. For some, the vast, barren desert might seem uninviting or even intimidating. But for me, it’s a place of serenity, creativity, and unmatched beauty. It may sound strange to some, but I genuinely love spending time in Joshua Tree’s backcountry, especially when I go solo. There’s something about being out there, surrounded by desert silence, that keeps calling me back.
Read MoreCalifornia's Mammoth Lakes Are Home To The Best Hot Springs
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 More15 Things to Know About Tunnel View Sunrise
Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the United States. At sunrise, this stunning vista offers photographers and nature lovers a magical experience as the first light of day illuminates the grandeur of Yosemite Valley. If you're planning a visit to catch the sunrise at Tunnel View, here are 15 things you should know to make the most of your experience.
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 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 MoreWhy Is Nobody Talking About This Free Campsite Near Joshua Tree National Park?
If you’ve ever tried camping at Joshua Tree National Park, you know how competitive it can be to snag a campsite. With limited spaces at popular spots like Hidden Valley Campground and Jumbo Rocks, visitors often face the disappointment of finding every site full, even with early arrival and perfect timing. After years of visiting Joshua Tree for climbing and photography, I’ve learned that camping near the park doesn’t have to be this frustrating. There’s a hidden gem that few people seem to be talking about: the free Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land just outside the park.
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