Sierra Mountain Range + Black Rhino Wheels
Some places just hit differently.
The eastern side of the Sierra Mountain Range is one of those places. Towering rock formations, dusty desert roads, and the Sierra Nevada rising dramatically in the background, it’s a landscape that feels almost cinematic. If you’ve ever spent time out there, you know exactly what I mean.
Recently I had the opportunity to head out there for a photoshoot with Black Rhino Wheels, capturing some content around the Black Rhino Vanguard wheels mounted on my Tacoma. And honestly, there are few places better suited for a shoot like this than the Alabama Hills. I was joined by my good friend and fellow photographer Kai Larson. You can view his work on website, IG and YouTube. While this was Kai’s project, it was a great opportunity for me to also capture some images but also shadow how another creator creates magic. Magic was created!!!
When the Landscape Becomes the Backdrop
Alabama Hills has this way of making everything feel bigger. The rock formations, the endless desert roads, and the towering peaks of the Eastern Sierra all combine to create a setting that looks like it was built for adventure rigs.
For this shoot, that landscape became the backdrop.
Rolling the Tacoma through the dirt roads and weaving through the granite formations made it clear why this area has been used for countless film productions. Every turn revealed another view, another angle, another moment worth capturing.
The Setup: Black Rhino Vanguard Wheels
For this shoot, the Tacoma was sitting on Black Rhino Vanguard wheels, and they couldn’t have been a better match for the terrain.
The Vanguard has a bold, purposeful design that fits perfectly with an overland build. They have an aggressive stance without feeling overdone, and they carry the kind of rugged look that belongs in places like the Alabama Hills.
A few things that really stand out about the Vanguards:
A strong, aggressive spoke design
A stance that complements the Tacoma platform
Built with off-road durability in mind
A finish that looks right at home in dust, rock, and desert light
When the truck was parked among the granite formations, it all just worked.
Dust, rock, and desert light… the kind of environment these wheels were made for.
From the Sprinter to the Tacoma
For years, most of my adventures centered around the Sprinter van. That platform opened up a lot of opportunities and took me to some incredible places.
But this Tacoma build represents a new chapter.
A different platform, a different style of adventure, but the same goal: getting outside, exploring new places, and capturing the journey along the way.
Seeing the truck sitting out in the Alabama Hills with the Black Rhino Vanguards felt like the start of something new.
And honestly, it’s a build that I’m really excited about.
Why the Alabama Hills Never Gets Old
Every time I make my way out to the Alabama Hills, it reminds me why this area is such a special place. The combination of rugged terrain, open desert, and the dramatic Sierra backdrop makes it one of the most unique landscapes in California.
Whether you're there to explore, camp, photograph, or just take in the views, it’s the kind of place that always delivers.
And this time, it made for the perfect setting to showcase the Tacoma’s new setup.
Final Thoughts
Huge thanks to Kai & Black Rhino Wheels for including me in this shoot and trusting me to represent the Vanguard wheels out in one of the most iconic landscapes in the West.
Moments like this are a reminder of why I started sharing these adventures in the first place.
Because the best part isn’t the gear.
It’s the places it takes you.
