TRVL Journal: Big Sur with Dylan Efron
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"If you're roadtripping through California, it's so easy to skip this stretch of the PCH. There are faster and straighter freeways to get you from point A to point B. But Big Sur is a perfect example that sometimes the journey is better than the destination."
Dylan Efron
“Growing up in the Central Coast, Big Sur was this place we could escape to. It really captured that sense of freedom as a kid…” says athlete, content creator, and outdoor travel host, Dylan Efron. “Whether we went camping, surfing or just jumped in the ocean- it always felt like we came unprepared, but that was the beauty of it.”
Decades later, little has changed in that regard. The only plan on Dylan’s recent trip back to this iconic stretch of coastal highway and treelined cliffs was that there wasn’t one–proof that unplanned adventures are often where the best memories are made. With no set expectations, no signal, and no reservations, Dylan, his friend Shane, and pup Booey luckily snagged the last spot at Plaskett Creek Campground after discovering their first choice, a road off the beaten path, was closed.
“I think there are definitely better ways to road trip, set a plan and follow it… but I love that bit of chaos of being on the brink of a bad situation— and it all working out in the end,” says Dylan.
His advice for those looking to make the trek off the beaten path? Maybe book that campsite ahead of time after all...
Favorite hikes?
“Sykes hot springs is an amazing overnight camping/backpacking hike. It’s about 20 miles round trip. There’s an awesome creek crossing depending on what time of season you’re going, and at the end you’re rewarded by a natural hot spring to enjoy and warm up.”
Favorite moments from this trip?
“Spending time with my little brother and sister. It’s so fun to see them run around in the ocean and play in my Sprinter Van. Those are the memories that will stick with me most from this trip.”
Favorite camping traditions?
If the group is big enough, I’ll always try to get a game of Mafia started. Such a fun way to spend the night when you don’t have cell signal or any distractions. Otherwise I’m huge for watching the stars at night. Hard to beat a new moon and just laying up watching the show.
Advice to anyone wanting to go camping/exploring in Big sur?
Probably reserve a campsite lol. Especially if it’s your first time, having that home base locked in for a couple nights will give you the freedom to explore without any of the stress of not knowing where you’re going to sleep. And bring firewood!
SPEED ROUND!
Things you can’t go on a roadtrip/camping without?
Speaker, lawn chairs, boardshorts, towel, and booey.
Favorite roadtrip song?
Canned heat - Going up the country
Favorite camping snacks?
Hummus, deli meat, tortilla chips. ALWAYS hits the spot.
Favorite Vuori pieces that you wore on this trip?
- Puerto Boardshort. Love these shorts, awesome retro California style, hoping for a black and white version to drop soon!
- Sunday joggers. Comfiest sweats out there and so nice to where to fall asleep in as the temperature dropped at night.
- Monterey insulated jacket. Big Sur in the winter can get chilly with that coastal breeze, and this jacket kept me warm with no extra layers.
Be sure to follow all of Dylan's adventures and stay tuned for more Vuori TRVL Journal every month!