Calypte Vanna was built as a senior physics thesis at San Francisco State University, custom-designed and built from the ground up on a cargo van base. The name comes from the Anna's hummingbird, Calypte anna: fast, iridescent, and native to California. The van was built for California's deserts, mountains, and coastline, with the engineering precision of an academic project and the warmth of a home.
✦ December 13–14: Geminid Meteor Shower ✦
Up to 120 shooting stars per hour under a near-new moon.
Joshua Tree is 2.5 hours from pickup. This is the best stargazing night of the year. Geminid Dark Sky package available for those exact dates. Book early.
THE VAN:
Patent-pending convertible sleep system
Radiant heated floors
Composting toilet
500W solar + two large battery banks (fully off-grid)
Dual-Zone Iceco fridge/freezer
Two-burner induction stove + fully stocked kitchenette
High-speed WiFi + two swivel work seats
Insulated window covers
This is a fully engineered living space, road-tested across the Southwest.
Where Guests GO:
Joshua Tree NP (2.5 hrs)
Star gazing, sunrise boulders, desert silence
Anza-Borrego Desert SP (1.5 hrs)
Wildflower season February through April
Death Valley NP (4.5 hrs)
Salt flats, sand dunes, world-class dark skies
Big Sur coastal route (7-8 hrs)
Gray whale migration January through March
Sierra Nevada (7-9 hrs)
Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, John Muir Wilderness, Lassen Volcanic
Packages:
Four themed packages available: a stocked fridge, printed destination guide, and curated gear for your specific route. See Trip Recommendations below for details and pricing. You can also book the van as-is.
PET Friendly
The host's dog has traveled every route in this van. Pet-friendly bookings are warmly welcomed.
Questions about the van or your route? Message us. We're responsive and genuinely invested in your trip.