Setting New Sights & Laying Foundation in California

When we first started Camp Yoshi, building community outside was top of mind when we set all other intentions. Along with diversifying the outdoors, it’s important for us to set a strong foundation while we’re out there, and a part of doing that is connecting with other people in the spaces we visit, collaborating with them, and forming bonds over time. We had the pleasure of strengthening the bonds we have with our friends at Rhino Adventures Gear. They took us up to Death Valley for a world shifting experience.

Starting our trip in San Diego, the Rhino team had one of their overlanding vehicles prepared and equipped with any and everything we could need. Each one has been outfitted with massive tires, modified suspensions, rooftop tents, a fridge and stove out of the back of the truck-- everything you would need for self-reliance on the road.

After grabbing provisions, we set a course for Death Valley to scout for the best campsites and find out what this overlander lifestyle is all about. We drove five hours until we reached gorgeous sets of rock formations. Alabama Hills is a popular tourist destination and was the perfect location to camp for the night before entering Death Valley the following day.

The next morning we awoke to sunshine pouring down on the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range. After making breakfast the overlander way (cooking out of the back of the truck), we packed up and headed out to Death Valley National Park. Driving northeast, and this was when the real four-wheeling off-road adventure began. We took an off-road trail, which was an excitingly bumpy ride-- one that would have felt terrible in an ordinary truck, but as mentioned before  these were Rhino’s trucks meaning they were decked out with suspensions designed to handle these roads. 

After ascending into the mountains we reached a beautiful area called Papoose Flat at about 9,000 feet of elevation. Papoose Flat overlooks the Owens Valley. We descended down into Eureka Valley, in that valley was the Eureka Sand Dunes and this is where we would camp for the night.

The sand dunes were difficult to explain in any way other than breathtaking. In the middle of the valley, these huge mounds of fine sand are about three miles long. Climbing to the top of the sand dunes, you feel like you’ve departed from California at some unknown point and landed in the middle of the Sahara. After a morning of playing in the sand dunes like kids in rain puddles, we packed up and took off north, heading through the Steel Pass. This is a treacherous mountain pass that only 4WD vehicles could survive. It was thrilling at worst and spirit-freeing at best, watching the 4WD trucks in action, literally climbing rocks to get through the pass. After making it past Steel Pass Road, like a gift from nature for making it through the pass, we came across a majestic family of Bighorn sheep.

 Following our pseudo animal safari experience, we drove over the mountain range and into another valley. After a few hours, we reached an oasis… a beautiful oasis complete with tall trees and hot springs, a truly hidden treasure of the desert that was every bit worth the drive. We set up camp a few miles away from the hot springs, and cooked dinner. That night on the valley floor, which was at a lower elevation than the two nights prior, made for a temperature much more suitable for comfortable sleep.

The next day was spent driving over peaks and through valleys with epic views including valleys full of Joshua trees and beautiful mountain ranges. We passed a former ghost town that had recently been bought and renovated into a tourist attraction. After descending into another mountain range, we reluctantly exited Death Valley and were back onto the paved road. Ironically, after a few days of fun camping and iconic views, we surely left Death Valley feeling more alive than ever.

Endless thanks to our guys at Rhino Adventure Gear for their support and guidance on this trip that has surely helped inform many Camp Yoshi adventures to come. Glad to have some new friends on the west coast.