About The Open Mile

Every adventure begins with a single mile.

A serene view of an empty road stretching through a desert at sunset with distant mountains.

About

The Open Mile is an online magazine with a focus on the outdoors. Offering expertise on a wide range of topics including overlanding, budget rig builds, mountain biking, camping, trail guides & more. The goal is remembering our journey is just as important as the destination.

A serene forest pathway illuminated by soft sunlight, creating a peaceful natural scene.
A mountain bike rests against a tree in a sunlit forest, surrounded by tall trees.

Big Bear

A Small But Welcoming Mountain Town

Jackson Lake California in the heart of the San Gabriel Mountains

Jackson Lake

Escaping the Putrid Socal Heat

Our Mission

At The Open Mile we don’t believe in spending your life savings just to journey our home planet. No matter what part of the world you live in, we encourage people to explore and believe that adventure doesn’t require expensive equipment. From beginners to experts, Earth is equally all of ours.

avenue, trees, path, sunbeams, sunrays, woods, woodlands, forest, trail, forest path, forest trail, nature path, nature trail, nature, landscape, netherlands, forest, forest, nature, nature, nature, nature, nature
Explore the preserved wild west ghost town of Bodie in sunny California.

What You’ll Find Here

Indulge on stories of all shapes and sizes. From adventure stories, overlanding, trail guides, mountain biking, photography, rig builds, remote exploration and much more; join us on a journey of a lifetime.

Our Philosophy

Many explorers focus on the destination like it’s the only meaningful piece of the trip. At The Open Mile, we believe the journey matters more than the destination. Not just the journey beginning of the first mile from home. But the journey of using what you already own. The journey of instilling the courage in yourself just get outside and do it.

Stunning aerial shot of a lush green island surrounded by the blue Mediterranean sea.

Meet the Author

Man sitting in the middle of the street with car coming

Brandon Smith

Founder

The Open Mile is created by Brandon, an outdoor enthusiast, web designer, photographer, mountain biker, bike mechanic and lifelong vehicle builder.