Travel | Van Life by Design
Stories and destination guide from our van life adventures across North America — from coastlines to canyons and everything in between.
Getting Started It was a brisk morning in mid-June when we started our journey to Wilcox Pass in Jasper National Park. The sky was a canvas of ocean blue, dotted with sugar-spun clouds, and the weather conditions were good. It was a perfect day for hiking in the mountains, and we were thrilled to get…
Discovering Serenity on the Icefields Parkway As we traveled along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park, we made a memorable stop at Bow Lake. It was early June, a time when nature starts to wake up from winter. The sky was grey and cloudy, and some snow still lay on the peaks, holding on…
An Unforgettable Adventure in the Canadian Rockies Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, Parker Ridge offers hikers an extraordinary journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. Much like Wilcox Pass in Jasper, the trail to Parker Ridge is renowned for its stunning vistas and wildflower meadows. Panoramic views…
Notch Trail in the Badland National Park is a 1.5-mile out-and-back hike that is loaded with adventure. It has some challenging sections, which include a ladder and walking ledge. Ultimately, the path points hikers to the “Notch” for a dramatic view of the Badlands. Meandering through the canyon to the overlook takes some physicality but…
While traveling through South Dakota on our way to Montana, we spent a couple of days at Badlands National Park. Considered the longest route in the park, the 10.3-mile out-and-back Castle Trail was definitely our favorite hike while we there. The overall elevation gain was only 305 feet, so it is relatively flat and considered…
Located in the southwest corner of South Dakota, the first impression of the Badlands reminded us of what Mars must look like. The rugged landscape stretched as far as the eye could see. For over a million years, Mother Nature had carved jagged rock formations and deep canyons in this place and we were there…
Nestled in the heart of Montana’s Gallatin National Forest, Lava Lake is a hidden gem for hikers and adventurers. This stunning, crystal-clear alpine lake sits at an elevation of over 8,000 feet, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and lush forests. Gail and I met up with a high school friend of mine named Anne, whom…
If you’re looking for a roadside attraction that perfectly captures the quirky side of Texas, look no further than the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. The iconic installation features classic Cadillacs that are buried nose-first in an open field. It’s a bizarre sight that has been attracting visitors for over 45 years. After seeing pictures…
At the heart of Custer State Park lies 14 miles of winding pavement called the Needles Highway. Built in the 1920s, the road is an engineering marvel that’s located within the South Dakota Black Hills. Known for its three narrow tunnels, steep climbs, and hairpin turns, the 2-lane road offers park visitors an unforgettable driving…
Nestled inside the stunning Custer State Park and the Black Hills of South Dakota, Sylvan Lake offers visitors an opportunity to experience nature at its best. The pristine lake is surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush forests, creating a breathtaking backdrop for nature lovers. After a long hike to Black Elk Peak, a swim…
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of those places that surprises you — not because it’s hidden, but because it’s far bigger and more dramatic than you expect. Carved deep into the Texas Panhandle just outside Amarillo, this vast canyon stretches for miles with layered red rock walls, winding trails, and wide-open skies that…
Hiking the Black Elk Peak Trail is considered by many to be the best hike in Custer State Park. The 7.5-mile loop starts near Sylvan Lake and winds through the Black Forest Wilderness area. At the summit, hikers stand on a 7,242-foot granite peak—the highest point in South Dakota. Perched on top of the mountain…
Little Devil’s Tower was one of our favorite hiking destinations when we visited Custer State Park in South Dakota. On our second day in the park, we met a local couple who strongly suggested we climb the rock tower. They were very knowledgeable about the park generally and convinced us we should add the hike…
