Gallery • 6 Photos

Photo courtesy of Sophia Pimentel-Yoder

Pimentel-Yoder poses for a photo in The Narrows at Zion National Park.

Wake up, explore a new place, all in an RV, across the country, every day, for a month.

Junior Sophia Pimentel-Yoder spent a month of her summer on a trip out west with her family. For years, Pimentel-Yoder’s family had planned on taking this trip, they finally did it June 17 

”It’s been our dream to travel out west for years. Our family [has] also never been [beyond] the east coast until this summer,” Pimentel-Yoder said. 

This sort of trip was completely new to Pimentel-Yoder. She and her family were able to trek through many different states, cities and attractions. 

“[We went to] Tennessee, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. We [also] stopped in [various] places including The Grand Canyon, Magnolia Farms in Waco, [Texas],  Zion, Arches, Bryce National Park, Los Angeles (LA), San Francisco, Napa Valley, The Great Sand Dunes, Yosemite, Sequoia National Park, John Muir Woods, Carlsbad Caverns, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde and Santa Fe, New Mexico,” Pimentel-Yoder said.

Spending a month in an RV was a big adjustment for Pimentel-Yoder and her family.

“It  was definitely an experience. It was great being able to travel with all your clothes and food, but I prefer sleeping in my bed. Driving in an RV for a couple [of] weeks can get annoying,” Pimentel-Yoder said. 

With weather playing a factor in Pimentel-Yoder’s trip, her family wasn’t able to follow through with all of their plans.

“We weren’t able to [go on] some hikes because it was so hot,” Pimentel-Yoder said.

As Pimentel-Yoder was able to visit many new places, the ones she cherished the most were LA and Zion National Park. 

“I’ve always wanted to go to LA, so that definitely was one of my favorite [stops]. Zion National Park was also incredible and I wish we had more time there,” Pimentel Yoder said.

Spending time away from home can be hard, but according to Pimentel-Yoder, it makes room for learning new life lessons. 

 “[I was able to learn] how to appreciate nature and detach from my phone and live in the moment,” Pimentel-Yoder said. 

Pimentel-Yoder is thankful for the memories she created with her family on this trip.. She got to see places she never would have dreamed of seeing. 

“I loved being able to travel with my family and finally being able to check this trip off [our] bucket list. I also loved [spending time] in nature and seeing cities you usually see in pictures,” Pimentel-Yoder said.