Renting a camper van may seem like a gateway drug to - dare I say - “glamping,” but believe me when I say the perks of a mobile camp outweigh any notion that you may “miss out” on the camping experience. Here are a few things you need to know before you book your first campervan trip.

For those with just enough time to complete a longer hike, but may not be equipped for a backpacking trip, Klahhane Ridge via Switchback Trail is one of those sweet paths that fall right in the middle of beginner and intermediate. All you’ll really need for this trail is a great pair of hiking boots, strong legs, and a lot of patience. Oh, and your day hike essentials.

Wonder permeated our minds as soon as we crossed the gate into Joshua Tree National Park. Massive rock outcroppings set the stage for alien-like Joshua trees and cholla cacti. Every hour that passed through the park presented a new, vivid palette of colors unlike any we have ever seen.