COAST TO CANYON ROUTE
Hey everyone!
Today, I wanted to share something super exciting with you. The routes for this year's Vanhalla Rally have been officially announced, and I couldn’t be more excited for all of you to experience these routes this summer! We spent months researching these routes, and know these are stops you are going to absolutely love. The Coast to Canyon route kicks off in March 2026, so let’s start there and talk about the route and why we chose the stops we did.
Kickoff in San Diego, CA
We’re starting off this in San Diego, CA! If you’re flying in for the rally, fly into San Diego, check out the Coronado Beach, La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, pick up your rental vehicle, and head on up to to the registration site (coming soon!). Registration will start that evening– where you’ll get to meet everyone else attending, eat some food, hangout, and more.
Day 1: San Diego to Palm Springs
The first day we are taking it pretty easy with a short drive to Palm Springs! Catch the sunrise at Pacific Beach and then head east to Palm Springs. The drive is gorgeous, and you’ll see all different types of landscapes. Once in Palm Springs, check out the incredible architecture, head to a date farm (don’t forget to grab a date shake, they’re my favorite!) and check out the palm tree oasis in a nearby hike. And of course don’t forget to check out Joshua Tree National Park!
Day 2: Palm Springs to Death Valley National Park
Next stop, Death Valley National Park! As you drive through the desert to our next location, we’ll be there taking EPIC pictures of your van/cars going across the gorgeous landscape. From there you have a full day of hiking/exploring at Death Valley National Park. I personally haven’t got the chance to visit Death Valley, so I’m super excited to cross this one off my list!
Day 3: Death Valley National Park to Las Vegas
Just a short drive from Death Valley National Park, we’re heading east to Las Vegas! Known for the Vegas Strip, the Sphere, the (mini) Eiffel Tower, and more — we have no doubt Vegas will be a good time. And if you’re not into the ‘Vegas scene’ — no worries! There are so many incredible restaurants and shops to check out while you’re in the city.
Day 4: Las Vegas to Page, AZ
We are headed to Arizona! One of my favorite places out west is Page, AZ. Right on the border of Arizona and Utah, there are TONS of things to do in this less known town. Checkout Horseshoe bend, the Glen Canyon Dam in the morning, and then head over to Antelope Canyon. This underground canyon is by far one of the coolest experiences I have ever had, just make sure to book your reservations in advance! Later in the afternoon, head over to Lake Powell for kayaking, boating, hanging out.
Day 5: Page to Grand Canyon National Park
Day 5 we are heading to Grand Canyon National Park! There is so much to do and see at the Grand Canyon, allowing you to spend as much time or as little time as you want there. It is something that is on a lot of people’s bucket list, and for good reason!
Day 6: Grand Canyon National Park to Sedona
Bend is the next gem on our list. Our sales rep, Micky, is from Bend and raves about it, so we knew it had to be on our list! And while you make your drive up to Bend, make sure you plan plenty of time to go to Crater Lake National Park! Or, if you want even more time at Crater Lake and aren’t looking to get your van upfitted, head from Redwoods directly to Crater Lake, and head to Bend from there.
One of my favorite places is Sedona, Arizona. It is every hikers dream location, with red rock canyons, a creek that runs through it, a city packed with awesome shops and restaurants — what’s not to love! Hike Bell Rock, book a Pink Jeep Tour, and don’t forget to try the famous Prickly Pear ice cream.
Day 7: Sedona to Phoenix
We’re wrapping up our first rally of 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Checkout Old Town Scottsdale, the Phoenix Zoo, South Mountain, and the awesome food scene before you say goodbye (for now) to all the van-lifers you met on this once-in-a-lifetime rally!
So, if you’re thinking of signing up (and I HIGHLY recommend you do), I hope this helped break down in a little bit more detail of what you can expect on the Vanhalla Rally, Coast to Canyon, route.
See you out west this summer!
