Must-See Destinations
The West Coast is filled with iconic attractions. The towering Redwoods of Northern California, the rugged coastline of Big Sur, and the vibrant cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are just the beginning. Research your destinations well – perhaps include some less-traveled gems such as the Carrizo Plains or the Oregon Caves National Monument.
Oregon Coast: Cannon Beach, Cape Kiwanda
The Oregon coast is a land of contrasts, where the raw power of the Pacific Ocean meets the serenity of forested shores. Cannon Beach, with its iconic Haystack Rock rising from the surf, is a must-see for any traveler. Meanwhile, Cape Kiwanda dazzles with its natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping activities such as sand-boarding along the dunes. This is a place where you can watch the sunset over the ocean, the air filled with the cry of gulls and the tang of salt.
Washington State: Olympic National Park, San Juan Islands
Olympic National Park boasts some of the most diverse ecosystems in the country. Here, you can wander through old-growth rainforests, bathe in hot springs, and even hike to the glacier-clad peak of Mount Olympus. The San Juan Islands, a cluster of forested isles adrift in the Salish Sea, offer a quieter, more contemplative escape. With an abundance of wildlife and a network of charming towns, island hopping in a camper van provides a unique view of this maritime paradise.
Big Sur: Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls
Jam-packed with scenic brilliance, Big Sur never fails to awe with its unbroken coastline and towering cliffs. The Bixby Creek Bridge, a graceful arc against the rugged terrain, is an Instagram favorite. Meanwhile, the secretive McWay Falls, which descends directly into the ocean, is a hiker’s delight. Big Sur is a destination that resonates with the soul, a place where the land seems to meet the sea in an everlasting embrace.
Joshua Tree National Park: Desert Landscapes, Starry Nights
For a striking change of scenery, head inland to California’s Joshua Tree National Park, where the unfamiliar landscape of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts await. This is a land of peculiar rock formations and the eponymous Joshua Trees, standing like sentinels against the cerulean sky. After dark, the stargazing here is unrivaled, as the park is away from the light pollution that plagues more populous areas.
Capitol Reef National Park: Utah’s Mighty Five, Rock Formations
The least visited of Utah’s mighty five outdoor favorites is Capitol Reef National Park. It’s a haven for those seeking solitude among its stunning rock formations. The Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in the park and can accommodate camper vans RVs up to 40 feet. There are no hookups, but with the Capitol Dome at dawn from your door, who needs them?
Capitol Reef is known for its monoliths and its distinctive white Waterpocket Fold, a warp in the earth’s crust that has variously been a barrier for settlers and the reason for the park’s unique geological features. For RV travelers, the park’s scenic drive provides a taster of the natural grandeur while hikes like the Hickman Bridge offer more up-close exploration. More experienced hikers and climbers can find solace in the park’s remoter areas, which are best accessed with a sturdy 4×4 camper van.
Petrified Forest National Park: Ancient Dwellings, Vibrant Colors
Trekking across Arizona in a camper van, you might wonder if you’ve landed on an alien planet. The Petrified Forest National Park fuels such musings with its colorful badlands, distinct petrified wood, and the ancient pueblo remnants of the Puerco Ruins. You’ll find the remains of ancient trees that have turned into rock over millions of years. The brilliant reds, blues, and purples that streak through the logs are due to the presence of minerals — a testament to the diverse and dynamic natural forces that shaped this land. The Blue Mesa and Crystal Forest trails provide up-close encounters with these petrified giants and the Painted Desert, another exquisite feature of this park.
Sedona’s Red Rock Country: Whirlwinds, Spiritual Awakening
Not far from Arizona’s bustling cities lies a land straight out of a painter’s canvas — Sedona’s Red Rock Country. Its kaleidoscopic cliffs, famous for their vibrant red and orange hues, are a playground for hikers, mountain bikers, and — of course — RV travelers. As you weave through the canyons and hills, you’ll be enchanted by the otherworldly beauty and a serenity that seems to seep from the surrounding landmarks. Sedona is renowned for its vortex sites, believed by some to radiate Earth’s energy more strongly than usual. While the science behind these claims may be debatable, the feeling of tranquility and spiritual awakening you might experience is not. A must-visit is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a modern architectural marvel nestled among the rocks.
