Wonderhussy: Lighting Up the Desert with Adventure, Humor and Heart
By Laura Henkel
As an art aficionado, I’m drawn to people who boldly live life on their own terms, embracing curiosity, creativity and a sense of adventure. Sarah Jane Woodall, better known as Wonderhussy, exemplifies these traits. With humor as her compass and an endless thirst for discovery, she uncovers life’s most unconventional corners. Whether discovering a remote hot spring, exploring a forgotten ghost town or unraveling untold histories, she captivates her audience with fearless authenticity and a radiant sense of wonder.
Wonderhussy and her Desert Throne, Photo by CJ Photo
The Birth of Wonderhussy
Long before becoming a YouTube sensation, Wonderhussy was born out of her determination to break free from creative limitations. While working for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, she contributed to their After Dark guide, chronicling adult-themed Vegas. Yet her features often clashed with the publication’s conservative limits, leaving her censored and creatively stifled.
In 2008, she launched Wonderhussy.com, a platform where she could write without restrictions. The name Wonderhussy embodied her irreverent humor, independence and bold individuality. What began as a personal outlet grew into a vibrant storytelling hub, attracting an audience drawn to her honesty, wit and distinctive voice.
From Las Vegas to the Great Basin
After more than two decades in Las Vegas—a city built on constant reinvention—her curiosity led her to the untamed beauty beyond the Strip. In 2016, visiting an abandoned brothel sparked a fascination with Nevada’s hidden treasures, such as expansive landscapes, quirky landmarks and forgotten histories scattered across the Great Basin and Range.
With a camera in hand and a knack for seeing the extraordinary in the overlooked, Wonderhussy evolved into a fearless explorer and documentarian. Her journey from city life to desert adventurer brought her—and her loyal viewers—to some of Nevada’s most remote and awe-inspiring locations.
Her artistic eye and playful spirit shine in moments like her now-iconic pose atop a retired fighter jet in the desert. Dressed in vibrant pink, she transforms forgotten relics into striking visuals, bridging the past with her bold, modern energy.
Wonderhussy as the Electric Showgirl. Photo by Elvis Koo
Immersive Adventures
Wonderhussy’s travels are more than simple journeys. She reveals a world many might overlook, from secluded hot springs tucked into canyons to forgotten mining towns.
Her gift for storytelling turns each destination into a living character. Abandoned towns, relics of bygone eras and roadside oddities come alive in her narratives. She brings a unique blend of research, humor and creativity to every adventure, captivating audiences with her vibrant curiosity.
Wonderhussy as a True Artist
Wonderhussy isn’t just an adventurer—she’s an artist who captures the humanity and beauty hidden in forgotten places. Her work goes beyond exploration, offering fresh perspectives on the value of imperfection and history.
As a nudist at heart, her comfort with her natural self infuses her work with a layer of unfiltered authenticity. While her content remains playful and PG-13, her approach is sincere and free of pretense, resonating with viewers who value individuality and objective truth. She reminds us that life’s imperfections and quirks often hold its greatest treasures.
Finding the unexpected in the Mojave Desert, Wonderhussy strikes a pose! Photo by Katharsys Kreations
Supporting Causes with Creativity
Beyond exploration, Wonderhussy uses her platform to make a difference. From raising funds for the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District in Tecopa, California, to championing sustainable practices in fragile environments, her work often serves a purpose larger than entertainment.
One unforgettable moment while supporting a nonprofit’s fundraiser was when she dressed in full showgirl attire, complete with feathers and sequins, posing with the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. With characteristic humor, she “powered” the sign using a cord attached to a cleverly placed electrical outlet on her costume. This whimsical stunt showcased her playful spirit and dedication to blending fun with purpose.
Why Wonderhussy Matters
Wonderhussy is a beacon of unapologetic creativity in a world that often stifles individuality. She inspires curiosity, breathes life into forgotten histories and reminds us that adventure awaits in the most unexpected places.
For those feeling trapped by routines or hesitant to explore, Wonderhussy offers a fresh perspective: the world is rich with surprises if you’re willing to look. Whether lighting up Las Vegas with humor or uncovering the quiet magic of a desert sunrise, she invites us to embrace life’s unexpected joys.
Wonderhussy isn’t just a persona—she’s a force of nature. With curiosity, laughter and an open heart, she challenges us to see the beauty in the unconventional and to celebrate the world’s quirks, one adventure at a time.
Follow Wonderhussy on YouTube to join her adventures and discover the hidden wonders of the West.
We have been watching Sarah’s videos for quite some time now, she is a great storyteller, and full of visual entertainment, thanks WonderHussy, what a gal💕😁
Great 👧 gal.
Wonderhussy you’re amazing, I would love to purchase a 2025 Calendar.
She’s sexy, witty and smart and we enjoy her YouTube channel. A true Naughy Hottie
Excellent story Laura! Wonderhussy is a shining beacon of the desert
A well written story. Wonderhussy has so many talents, so many qualities it’s a challenge for any writer to touch on every aspect she brings to her followers.
For me, Wonderhussy Adventures allows me to experience through Sarah Jane’s eyes and sense of wonder, experiences I other wise would not have been able to experience. The dedication she puts into every video is obvious. The stories, the background she obtains through research of remote places is shared with deep enthusiasm. If Wonderhussy is unable to find fact based data to share, she has such a talent of conning up with stories of what might have been with logic and humor as she allows her imagination to ruin wild
I’m grateful to Sarah Jane for all her hard work. Her hours of travel, capturing video, research, imagination and hours upon hours of editing. Not only all that, with all that is involved down to costumes, she actually reads and responds to thousands of emails. When she can, she reads and responds to each individual as if that person actually means something to her. I believe we, as her fans, her peeps, her followers are as important to her as she is to us. Sarah Jane, if you read this: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do. You truly do mean a lot to me. Take care of yourself.
Been watching you for awhile now and will continue. Hopefully we will cross patches and have drink.
Great article Laura! As a long time follower of Wonderhussy, I think you nailed the unique character of this life artist.
I’ve been following her for years, drawn in by her incredible explorations of abandoned places—a passion of mine as well. She truly is one of a kind!
I am so glad that I ran across her post about 12 years ago
I love ❤️ all of the adventures and her videos are amazing
I’m a long time fan. Enjoy your personality and quirkyness. Very entertaining and educational.
Thank you..
Great article
Great article ! I love watching her videos. She shares her experiences throughout the west.
She is so beautiful! I enjoy her every week!
She’s a Wonder! You just never know what she will say and do next…, , she’s an individualist, and not afraid to say how she feels and to marches to her own drummer and I can appreciate !! I bet she talked her parents head off with all that curiosity ! She’s a hoot can
Keep on keeping on Sarah Jane 👍
I’m a big fan of hers and have been following Wonderhussy on youtube for several years now. I love her free spirit, creativty and curiosity. She shares it with us all and I’m grateful to have her presence in the world.