February Travelogue
Last week, we returned to Johnson Valley and King of the Hammers for the third time—and it was the best event we’ve attended there yet. The route down reminded us just how much variety California packs into one state.
We left Sunday morning for the first leg of the trip, heading to Big Sur. It was one of those bright blue, crisp days that remind you just how beautiful the California coast is—and how lucky we are to live here. We charged in Marina and picked up provisions for dinner before heading south. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park was spectacular. We scored a creekside campsite in the redwoods and met some really nice folks from the Netherlands who were also taking advantage of the newly reopened Highway 1.
Matthew going the distance to capture an image of this regal couple
The drive from Big Sur to Pismo Beach the next day was surprisingly quick. While Highway 1 has reopened, some sections are still one lane to accommodate ongoing repairs. The Whale Watchers Cafe lived up to its name—we spotted a few spouts while enjoying a very good turkey club. And though we didn’t stop, we passed huge groups of elephant seals basking in the sun as we wound slowly along the coast. Before long, we were rolling into the Pismo Beach RAN to charge. Our campsite was about as close to the water as possible—just a short walk over the dune to a wide, open beach dotted with seagulls and giant empty clam shells.
Just after sunset at Pismo Beach
The drive from Pismo Beach to Johnson Valley felt like entering another planet. The lush coast gave way to desert as we worked our way through back roads in Los Padres National Forest, passed a surprise video shoot featuring a Faraday Future, and eventually rolled into Johnson Valley and the controlled chaos that is King of the Hammers.
This year, Rivian Clubs took the lead organizing trail runs for Optima’s King of the Hammers Unplugged event for EVs. Wednesday’s runs featured a strong Rivian showing, Kyle Conner from Out of Spec in a Silverado Trail Boss, a handful of Cybertrucks, and even a couple of Kias. We tackled rock gardens, sandy dunes, and everything in between. Thursday was Rivian-focused, with more technical routes. For those who stayed through Friday, it was the highlight—spicy moments, big laughs, and great trail time with Rivian’s Off Grid Racing crew and the Bay Area Rivian Club’s own CJ, who recently launched the Sierra Nevada Off Road Academy.
View from the top near Chocolate Thunder (IYKYK)
Trips like this remind us why we care so much about building gear that works anywhere—from damp coastal mornings to dusty desert afternoons. Coast to desert in a few days, and every mile worth it. Already looking forward to the next one.
