How I Spend My Summers Living in a Van

Like many who spend their time in vans – when the temperatures in the desert start creeping toward triple digits, I pack up my climbing gear, my ukulele, and I hit the road. While I don’t live full time in my van anymore, I still try to spend my summers away from the desert heat in the cooler temps found in more northern parts of this country. Summer living in a van gives me the freedom to chase cooler weather, better climbing conditions, and the quiet kind of peace that only nature can offer.

Summer, for me, is about movement, exploration, and simplicity. Here’s how I spend my summers living in a van.

Step 1: Drive North

As soon as the heat becomes unbearable, I head north. Living in Southern Utah, “north” means a lot of parts of the US and Canada. It might mean the granite boulders of Colorado, the steep alpine routes in the High Sierra, the offwidth mecca in Wyoming, or the forested valleys of the Pacific Northwest. Driving north is a kind of ritual—an annual migration toward cooler temperatures and longer days. The drive itself is a joy, (once you get past Nevada). I roll the windows down, blast my favorite playlist, and watch the desert fade into pine forests and mountain passes. It’s not just about escaping the heat—it’s about heading toward something that feels wild and full of possibility.

Friends and family know to expect me come summer time. So I do all the routine stops, check in on life in a different part of the world, and continue on towards my ultimate destination: Rock Climbing. 

Vanlife Tips 

• Take the scenic route, it’s always better than driving the interstate!
• Stock up on your favorite podcasts, audio books, and songs for the long drive. 
• Call your friends and family while enroute, it’s a great way to stay in touch while you’ve got all this time!
• Drive through the heat of the day, but make sure to find a public park or nature preserve to go for a hike when it cools off

Step 2: Find Rocks to Climb

No matter where I go, the rocks are always calling. Whether it’s a remote crag tucked into the trees or a well-traveled bouldering area with a little climber community, I seek out places where I can use my body, push my limits, and get that good kind of tiredness that only climbing brings. Some days are about projecting hard routes, others are for easy laps and crag snacks. Climbing in the summer time is a ritual of mine now. The days are long, it feels good to exist outside, and the climbing is unforgettable.

Climber Tips 

• Head to the local gear shop for information on places to meet climbing partners, gear shops usually have outdoorsy folks working for them and will know the best local spot to connect with other folks! 
• Make a wish list of routes you want to climb while in the area, this is the best way to make sure you prioritize the climbs you want to get on
• Check out local climbing gyms (if they exist) for rest day activities, and to stay strong for the season

Step 3: Park Near Bodies of Water

There’s something magical about waking up next to water. Lakes, rivers, streams—it doesn’t matter. When I can manage it, I like to pull up to a place where I can jump in after a long day of climbing or rinse off the dust from a trail run.

It also helps to keep me and my van cool, especially at night. The air blowing off the lake adds a refrigeration effect that helps keep the heat down. Mornings are for coffee by the shore, journal in hand, toes in the cold water. Evenings are for floating, swimming, or just lying still and listening to the wind ripple the surface. Water is grounding, cleansing, and always welcome after a day in the sun and stone.

The only thing to watch out for is the mosquitos! Sometimes being near water can come with lots of unwelcome visitors, so I keep bug spray and a bug net handy nearby. 

Camping Tips

• Forest Service land is a great place to park! Check out apps like iOverlander for good camping information
• Find some flat rocks to push up under your tires so you can level your parking space for a good nights sleep
• Lakes and rivers can be buggy! Investing in a bug net for your camping set up will save your sanity

Where are you going this summer?

Living in a van during the summer isn’t always smooth. There are bugs, it can be too hot at night, and often it’s hard to find a quiet place to park. But despite the occasional frustration, it’s a rhythm that works for me. I get to move with the seasons, spend my days outside, and keep things simple. While I only get to live it for a short while each summer—it’s exactly the kind of life I want to be living.

---

Cover photo credit: Kaya Lindsay