ABOUT US
OUR STORY
The Vanhalla Rally established in 2024
The world feels smaller than ever. Satellites map every inch. Algorithms tell us where to go and what to expect. The blank edges of the map — the unknowns — are being filled in. In this hyper-connected age, have we lost one of life’s greatest joys: the unknown ?
That’s exactly why we created the Vanhalla Rally.
These aren’t pre-packaged road trips. They’re not tours with timelines. They’re modern-day quests for those who still believe the best stories come from the unexpected moments from the wrong turns, the last-minute detours, the strangers who become friends, and the views you never saw coming.
We give you the start and the finish line, the rest is yours to shape. You can caravan with new friends, go solo for a stretch, chase the sunsets, or stop when the vibes feel right. Our checkpoints bring us together, but the space in between? That’s where the real magic happens.
We could hand you a guidebook with every state fact, shortcut, and must-see stop between A and B… but that’s not how Adventure Van life works. This is about discovering places, people, and pieces of yourself, by simply choosing the open road and letting it unfold.
Your Rally. Your route. Because all roads lead to Vanhalla.
MEET THE FOUNDER
DARYN HILLHOUSE
Daryn is no stranger to the open road. As the creator of the legendary Put Foot Rally, which has carved its way through the wild terrains of Southern Africa since 2011, he’s built a life around adventure, storytelling, and bringing people together through unforgettable road experiences.
Now, he's bringing that same spirit to the United States.
For Daryn, launching Vanhalla Rally in America has been a lifelong dream. “Every state in the U.S. feels like entering a different country,” he says. “The accents shift, the food changes, the landscapes transform — from desert to mountain to coast in a single day. The diversity here is unlike anywhere else in the world.”
From Route 66 to Highway 1, from the red rocks of Arizona to the alpine passes of Colorado, the routes across this country are iconic — and endless. Vanhalla Rally is his way of inviting others to experience the richness of the American road trip, but with the energy and freedom of a social, choose-your-own-adventure rally.
Rooted in the South African philosophy of ubuntu — “I am because we are” — Daryn believes that travel is at its best when it's shared. Vanhalla is built on that same spirit: community, connection, and the joy of shared adventure.
BEHIND THE ROUTES
VEGAS TO VAIL
ROUTE BY: CAMERON HOBSON
We’ve all heard the wild tales of Las Vegas through movies, music, and the stories that seem too outrageous to be true. Those stories leave a mark, whether you’ve been there or not. I believe Vegas is one of those places you just have to experience. One of my favorite films takes place there, Ocean 11, and that’s exactly the kind of energy I wanted this route to carry. The thrill of not knowing what comes next, of taking a gamble and landing somewhere unforgettable.
Vail is a place that holds more meaning for me than I probably realize. Hiking has always been a big part of my life, and during the warmer months, Vail is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and connect with nature. But as a kid, I used to go skiing there with my dad racing down the slopes and making some of my best memories. While there won’t be any snow on this trip, it’s still an incredible chance to create lasting memories in an iconic location.
We end in Denver as it is a great spot to dive into craft breweries, catch live music, or just stroll through parks with the Rockies as a stunning backdrop.
These places couldn’t be more different and that’s exactly what roadtripping should be about.
COAST TO CANYON
ROUTE BY: LISA ADAMS
This route is something I had a ton of fun creating, as it's something I've done more than once! I grew up road-tripping all over the Southwest — my grandparents live in Arizona, and my parents actually lived in San Diego back in their 20s (they still have a bunch of friends there, so I’ve always gotten the local’s tour)! Coronado is my favorite part of San Diego (specifically Clayton's!) and I knew it had to be a stop on the rally.
A lot of the places on this route are spots I’ve either grown up visiting or had on my bucket list for years. Page, AZ is a big one — it’s been a regular stop on family trips, and there’s just something magical about it. You’ll actually see it on both routes, because I couldn’t not include it twice.
The goal with Coast to Canyons was to give people a chance to hit some of the most iconic, beautiful places out west — and hopefully discover a few hidden gems along the way.
So that’s the story behind the route. It’s not random. It’s stitched together from pieces of my own life,
BRINGING IT TO LIFE
Nothing feels more rewarding than helping people get off the couch, pack a bag, and chase something bigger than their day-to-day. The Vanhalla Rally has always been about more than just a route. It's about the pull toward the unknown, the thrill of exploring new ground, and the kind of connection that only happens when you're out there with like-minded people.
Bringing this idea to life—through concept art, the website, social, and merch—has been a chance to help shape something real. Something that nudges people toward action, toward memories, and toward a version of themselves they don’t always make space for.
I’m proud to have played a small part in turning Vanhalla into something tangible. Not just an idea or a map, but something that helps people chase freedom, adventure, and whatever dream they’ve been putting off.
—Brien Bell