California, Hidden Gems

Get outside the glitz, glam, and traffic jams of the big cities of California and check out these 5 off the beaten track, naturally beautiful, destinations:

Natural Bridges and Archways in Death Valley National Park

Known as one of the hottest places on the planet, an RV is the perfect way to tour the amazing scenery: air conditioning keeping you cool, and your fridge full of cold water. With many points of interest that can be seen from the comfort of your RV, plan to spend a couple of days cruising through the park. Up to bracing the intense heat? go on a short 15-minute hike to the Natural Bridges and Archways.

Pack your swimsuit and jump into the refreshing water-filled canyons. With many options for camping, seen here, you may opt to choose one with higher elevation to get cooler temperatures at night. A perfect adventure in the RV to take in the scenery with protection from the elements!

Ladder Canyon Trail in Painted Canyon

Ready to get out of the RV and into some adventure? Head to the Ladder Canyon trail, located in the Mecca Hills Wilderness area. This adventurous and challenging hike includes beautiful scenery highlighting the natural diversity of the area. This unique trail requires climbing ladders up dry waterfalls, through slot canyons, gaining views of the vast desert, Salton Sea, and the natural colors of the Painted Canyon. Just over 5 miles long, go early in the morning and in the spring to try and beat the heat. Double-check road conditions before you go as the road can close due to flash flooding. Get your camera ready and be sure to bring lots of water.

Bristlecone Pine Forest

Located to the east of the Sierra Nevada this forest is home to the oldest trees in the world. Estimated to be over 4500 years old, these trees are the oldest living things in the world. There are two groves: Schulman Grove and the Patriarch Grove, which is home to the largest Bristlecone Pine in the world. Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery these trees are definitely worth checking out. With an early start visit both groves in one day and camp nearby. Load your RV with water and supplies before heading to this fairly remote destination.

Mammoth Lakes

Situated on the earth’s largest volcanic calderas, in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The granite domes, lava tubes, lakes, and ancient forests make this an outdoor adventure paradise. The scenery is jaw-droppingly beautiful and the activities are as mammoth as the mountains surrounding, which is too large to list. See the full list here, but make sure to check out the 600-year-old earthquake fault, the Devils Postpile, the 101 foot Rainbow falls, craters, an old mine and finish off your day of adventure and sightseeing by having a soak in one of the natural hot springs nearby.

Guadalupe Dunes

The second-largest dunes in California at the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes County Park area. The paved access road is perfect in an RV, leading you through the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve and down to the beach. Take in the scenery and great birding from the comfort of your RV. Then pop out for a quick swim or surf. In the 1930s the silent film “The Ten Commandments” was filmed here to recreate ancient Egypt. Today many of the artifacts from the film have been dug up and are on display at Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center in Guadalupe. Can’t go to California without a little glitz and glam of Hollywood. With all the comforts of home, enjoy your RV trip beyond Hollywood and the big cities. Discover the rugged beauty and hidden gems of the natural side of California.

Follow us on facebook.com/usarvrentalscom or on Twitter @usarvrentalscom for promotions and exciting articles about life in an RV!