Yosemite & Death Valley NP in a ‘71 VW Bus | off grid camping & exploring California to Nevada

Join us as we take our 1971 VW Westfalia Bus on an unforgettable road trip from California to Nevada! In this vlog, we explore Yosemite and Death Valley National Parks, camping off grid, hiking scenic trails, and soaking in some of the most dramatic landscapes in the U.S.

After starting our adventure in Fresno, California, we hit the road through the Sierra Nevada, stopping for amazing views, hidden campgrounds, and plenty of roadside memories. This journey is all about combining the classic VW bus lifestyle with the beauty of America’s National Parks.

4 days on the road: Fresno to Sierra National Forest, a ride on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, camping under the stars, and a full day exploring Yosemite Valley. We crossed Mono Basin, Lee Vining, and the June Lake Loop before pushing on to Lone Pine and a scorching hot Death Valley… our 18th national park. The trip wrapped with a night in Las Vegas, cruising the Strip, passing The Sphere, and snapping a classic photo at the Vegas sign.

This episode:
• Camping in a 1971 VW Westfalia Bus
• Exploring Yosemite’s iconic views and trails
• Crossing into the desert landscapes of Death Valley NP
• Tips for off-grid camping in California & Nevada
• The adventure of vintage VW bus travel

Already looking ahead to the next adventure in just two weeks.

If you love van life, classic Volkswagens, camping adventures, or National Parks, this video is for you! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more VW rescues, restorations, and road trips.


Chapters
00:00 intro
03:59 starter problems
08:22 on the road
10:59 Yosemite mountain sugar pine railroad
17:38 Primitive camping outside Yosemite NP
24:25 Day 2
25:15 Yosemite National Park
26:52 bear!
30:01 bridal veil falls
33:00 Yosemite Valley
33:58 Falls
41:20 Harden Flat Rd dispersed camping
48:18 Day 3
51:30 Tioga Rd
52:45 Half dome Overlook
54:22 Tenaya Lake
56:18 sitting on the side of a creek
59:25 Tioga Pass Tioga Peak
1:00:25 Lee Vining
1:01:56 June Lake Loop
01:02:37 Vanagon spotting at a rest area
1:05:06 Lone Pine
1:05:46 Alabama Hills dispersed camping
1:12:30 Day 4
1:14:44 Death Valley National Park
1:16:14 Zabriskie Point overlook
1:17:21 Nevada state line
1:18:50 Las Vegas
1:20:32 Day 5
1:21:59 Outro/home


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