Vanquinox

Vanquinox

Vanquinox 2024 has been cancelled due to the Waptiti Fire. See post below for more information.

About Vanquinox

Vanquinox originated around the campfires at Syncro Solstice yearning for a planned opportunity for van enthusiasts to get together more than once a year, landing on a fall event to bookend summer. Synquinox happened in 2020 but the event wasn’t meant to be an off-roading rally and not specific to Syncros, let alone Vanagons. Hence the new name. The South Fork of the Payette River, including the Grandjean valley section, has long been a favorite destination of local Idaho weekend escapists, full time van-lifers, overlanders, hot springs enthusiasts, and all lovers of the outdoors.
We’ve partnered with Sawtooth Lodge because they’re in such an amazing location with so many outdoor recreation options right at their doorstep plus they’ve allowed us the opportunity at the end of their season to camp in our vans on their large meadow normally dedicated to walk-in tent campers all summer. It’s an ideal location, and being the beginning of fall weather can be unknown so there’s peace of mind knowing there will be a guaranteed camping spot, restrooms, hot showers, and meals available. It’s truly a unique and special place but to reserve the entire meadow, we have to organize and scale up the event a bit to share costs. There is no corporation or other for-profit entity behind Vanquinox, just a few like-minded individuals trying to have one last epic campout before the snow hits. All are welcome to Vanquinox and Sawtooth Lodge, we expect all to be treated with respect and kindness, we are an LGBTQ+ ally. Golden rule, people!

Space is limited and is on grass so on site camping is limited to vans and overlanding vehicles 25 ft or under in length. If you have a larger vehicle, check the FAQ for options.

*UPDATED* – Please see our CODE OF CONDUCT

2020 Event Gallery an event dubbed “Synquinox”

Vanquinox is happening at Sawtooth Lodge, nestled right up that valley seen in this photo at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains
Aerial view of 2020 event at Sawtooth Lodge
Drone view of the waterfall a very short walk from the camping area at Sawtooth Lodge
Possibly the last photo of Curtis’ beautiful Syncro before he hit a deer on the way back home from this event. Luckily Curtis was not harmed and the van has been restored better than ever.
Dispersed camping a short distance away from Sawtooth Lodge on the South Fork of the Payette
The South Fork in fall has gem clear waters and many opportunities for fly fishing, cliff jumping, rafting, kayaking, and dispersed camping along the banks. Unfortunately the only warm water you’ll find is at the hot springs along the river.
The Sawtooths stay pretty chilly most of the year so you’re likely able to find huckleberries in the area well into September
Managed to get the ONE parking spot right at the natural springs, everyone else has to walk in a ways
Michael Howard’s Syncro is dope
New van friends who joined the 2020 event after crossing paths with another van headed to Sawtooth Lodge
Bob approves of Sawtooth Lodge
This gorgeous lake is a 10.3 mile out and back hike from the Grandjean Trailhead
Waterfall
One of the dozens of waterfalls between the Grandjean trailhead and Trail Creek Lakes in the Sawtooth Range
Natural Hot Springs about 1/4 mile from Sawtooth Lodge
Can’t get a much better soak than the gem clear waters at Sacajawea Hot Spring on the South Fork of the Payette River. No sulphur smell at all!
@trimom208 hanging out in @zappvanagon
Hoping whoever ends up owning this incredible van brings it back to Vanquinox this year!
Just as beautiful as other lakes in the Sawtooths but much less crowded than lakes accessed from trailheads on the east side of the range.
Head in to the Sawtooth Wilderness to experience untamed alpine terrain
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