The Califiornia central coast is a place I like to roam when there’s too much snow for my enjoyment in the Sierra. I try to take an annual trip to Big Sur for backpacking in the spring when the creeks are flowing and the weather is nice. I was looking forward to a new trail, one I hadn’t hiked before since I was use to returning to the same few trails year after year.
The minute I stopped waiting for others to join me on trips was the day I fell in love with solo traveling, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t the best thing I could have ever done for myself. Unfortunately, the number one thing that stops women the most from traveling solo is the sence of not feeling safe or capable of doing things alone. Imagine living your life waiting for others? I’ve gathered 10 of my favorite simple and secure saftey tips for solo female travel.
When I found out that Wandervans had currently opened a location in Phoenix, Arizona- I knew exactly how I wanted to spend my time roaming the desert on my solo road trip.
As silly as it may sound, I did in fact drive over 500 miles to see the Saguaros in Tucson, Arizona. Springtime in the desert is the best time to explore, and even though temperatures stayed just below 100°, this Cali girl remains grateful for all of the amenities that come with the Cabana Van.
As someone who’s not a big fan of snow, when winter rolls around you’ll most likely find me road-tripping rather than on the trail, but this year I decided to go backpacking in Big Sur!
Mount Whitney was the shit! Not a bad climb from Guitar Lake and I didn’t have to summit solo! JMT DONE! Safely made it down to Whitney Portal!
Just as I was about to fall asleep around 7 PM last night ‘Hey Vanessa Renee!” I heard on the trail heading… my way?
I wish you could see where I’m journaling from this morning. This campsite was the literal cherry on the top from yesterday’s hike over Forester.
Slow morning today. Did some camp chores, had oatmeal for breakfast, re-organized my food, did some laundry, washed some dishes. Kinda sounds like a Monday,huh?
What a day. Charlotte Ranger station saved my JMT trip! I didn’t have to hike an extra 15 miles + climb Kearsarge Pass-twice, just to get more food lol!
Started earlyish today, like 8:45 I believe. Pinchot Pass wasn’t too bad, but I thought it was going to be easier, lol! It was all downhill after that.
Today I met Ranger Sam. Right before calling a NERO and backtracking about .5 miles from Mather Pass, I ran into Ranger Sam.
I’ve been sheltering myself from this storm for a few hours now. The long climb up to Palisade Lake didn’t make it to Upper before the thunder.
Sweet camping spot tonight at Le Conte Canyon. Pretty sure I’m like 30 ft. from the creek though.
Wasn’t tired to stop, but needed water before reaching the ranger station. Don’t know why, just feel like I might get caught up talking with people.
