Lake Havasu, Arizona
6 Days / 5 Nights / 627 miles / 1009 km
Buses by the Bridge (BBB) is one of the most popular VW gatherings in North America and is the largest in the United States. Every January the campout brings 600+ vintage VW buses from all over the US and Canada. In 2023 BBB will be celebrating its 26th event on the desert shores of Lake Havasu, a large reservoir fed by the Colorado River along the border of California and Arizona - home to the famous London Bridge.
We certainly hope that you can join us, for this is sure to be another one of our funtastic, memorable, and quirky treks across the Californian desert!
Here's a peek at our itinerary...
Photo Credit | Matt Monath
DAY 1 :: Costa Mesa to Joshua Tree National Park
On the morning of day one, our caravan will leave from VSW’s headquarters and motor toward Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP). This year we are switching it up a wee bit and will be camping at a secret location adjacent the park. JTNP is one of the few places in the world where you will find these iconic Joshua trees, also known as Yucca Brevifolia. You’ll be free to explore this unique park, and then head on over to our campsite for the night where we will unwind under a fabulous sunset that only the California desert can provide.
Photo Credit | Fred Amico
DAY 2 :: Joshua Tree National Park to Lake Havasu City (Buses by the Bridge) via Route 66
On day two, the group will convoy towards BBB, but first we will take mystic Route 66 to Roy’s Café, a local site well known as a relic backdrop for movies, music videos, and photo shoots. After taking time out to shamelessly pose for selfies we’ll be back on the road - heading for Lake Havasu City. We’ll be arriving close to sunset, right on time to set up camp and take a stroll around our outpost for the next few days.
Photo Credit | Matt Monath
VW Surfari Road Trip from Eric Linus on Vimeo.
DAY 3 & 4 :: Buses by the Bridge, Lake Havasu City
After having spent the night stargazing under the expansive Milky Way, pondering the vastness of the universe you’ll wake up to to a sea of Volkswagen buses. You’ll spend the rest of the day nosing about the colorful buses and talking up their owners. And for those of you who never return home without a souvenir, there will be plenty of opportunities to purchase handmade goods from the vendors at the BBB event.
As this enchanted day draws to a close, those of you who crave adrenaline might consider taking a walk on the London Bridge (yes – this bridge actually came from London!).
On one of our nights in Havasu we’ll be sharing in a pot-luck dinner, so come prepared to share one of your favorite campout recipes with your new found VW tribe!
DAY 5 :: Lake Havasu City to Landers
This day will wind us along the edges of gorgeous Parker Dam and the Colorado River where we’ll share the road with wild burros! Then we'll drive a straight shot through the Mojave Desert toward our afternoon destination at a private old homestead cabin, ‘Landers Cove’ – just minutes from Pioneer Town and downtown Joshua Tree. Awaiting us at Landers Cove will be our private campsite located adjacent to the cabin complete with stunning views of Goat Mountain. Here we’ll prepare an evening meal to share together, relax, stargaze, listen to LP’s, watch an old western by the wood burning stove, sip Tequila on the patio, cozy up around the outdoor fire pit, and I’m certain all of us will want to enjoy a refreshing cleanse in the outdoor/indoor showers!
Now let's not forget Pioneer Town, home to Pappy and Harriet's Pioneertown Palace! Who knows what talent will be lurking on the eve of Sunday, January 16th!
Stroll around Pioneertown, sit outside in Pappy and Harriet's beer garden. play some pool or hang out and listen to music. Some of the shows are free, but either way, rest assured, there will be live music!
Pioneertown
DAY 6
Monday, January 16th :: Landers to Costa Mesa
Just because this is the last day of our excursion, it doesn’t mean the adventure is over. There's always more exploring to do in the light of day... if you'd prefer to break away from the group and poke around Palm Springs, or head back into Joshua Tree National Park it's totally your call. Just be home in time for, well, not dinner, but maybe your flight home ;)
Yes, our final destination is our starting point in Costa Mesa. Undoubtedly the end of this epic journey will be the beginning of lifelong friendships - established through the unforgettable moments shared on this sublime safari.
JOURNEY DETAILS
WHEN: Your adventure embarks from Vintage Surfari Wagons in Costa Mesa, CA on the morning of Wednesday, January 11th and will be returning from Landers arriving early evening, Monday, January 16th.
COST:
• Single Occupancy: $1800 USD
• Double Occupancy: $1440 USD (per person)
• Extra Travelers (up to 2 per bus): $80 USD (per person per day)
• Tag-along Buses: $600 USD (+$100 USD for each additional traveler)
• Kids 10 Years And Younger Travel Free
auto insurance not included
WHAT'S INCLUDED: Provided in the cost is the 6 day classic VW Campmobile rental, propane space heater, down duvet, camp chairs, kitchen galley kit, cooler, firewood, all camp fees, 3 ding dang tasty camp dinners and breakfasts, one nights stay at a secret spot adjacent Joshua Tree, one nights stay at Landers Cove Homestead adjacent Pioneer Town and downtown Joshua Tree. And let's not forget - experienced VDub road guides... Vintage Bill and Happy Harrigan!
MEALTIMES/PROVISIONS: Each camper has it’s own galley style kitchen complete with all the gear you’ll need to cook and eat with. We'll make stops strategically along our route so that everyone can purchase personal provisions. Fresh brewed coffee will be served up with a smile each morning. Be prepared to participate in a pot luck dinner, so bring along your fav dinner recipe!
OPTIONS: We will have access to pontoon boat rentals and if we have a large enough group interested in cruising the lake we’ll take one out for a spin. The cost of this option will be shared with all who participate.
MOVING FORWARD:
Deposit to hold a reservation is 50% of the tour cost
Balance is to be paid in full 60 days prior to the departure date
CANCELLATIONS:
More than 60 days from tour departure date: 50% of Deposit
Less than 60 days from tour departure date: 100% of Tour Cost
If we can fill your space cancelled prior to more than 30 days before the trip departure date a full refund will be given minus a $250 handling fee. Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain medical/trip insurance.
In the case of a natural disaster we will transfer your deposit or entire tour cost to a voucher for future travel. The voucher can be used for self drive or group tour bookings and is non-refundable.
CONTACT US: Speak to one of our guides first. Send us an email and we will schedule a phone call.
Your personal camp tour guides Happy Harrigan and Vintage Bill
NEAREST AIRPORT: John Wayne International Airport (SNA) is only 15 minutes away from VSW headquarters in Costa Mesa! If you'd rather land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you'll be about 50 minutes away (depending on traffic). There are several shuttle options from both airports, including Uber and Lyft. Please check with us and we can recommend the best option.
NEEDED: VW freaks n' fanciers like YOU!
Just a few... VW Freaks n Fanciers ;)