Drive night:
Camp right
Stay at hotel or hostel
USA Expedition Round-Trip
Cross-Country USA: USA Expedition 2012 Departures:
Round Trip from San Francisco:
- Sat, Jun 23 - Thu, Jul 26
- Sat, Aug 04 - Thu, Sep 06
33 Days: $1898 plus $428 for food/parks. Hostel nights not included.
Frequent Crawler Program
- Points Awarded for this Trip: 10,000
- Points for Free Trip: 100,000
Join the Frequent Crawler Club today!
USA Expedition Round-Trip
Cross Country - 33 Days
An epic overland adventure bus tour of the best of the U.S.A., with a mid-trip break to explore the New York/Boston area on your own! The ultimate affordable cross-country camping trek and wilderness expedition awaits!
Start your adventure in spectacular Zion National Park, where you can hike to Angel's Landing for breathtaking views of Zion Canyon's sheer sandstone cliffs, then go for a swim or take an optional inner tube ride on the Virgin River. A camp night here gives us a chance for even more hiking the next day, followed by a night at the man-made wonderland of Las Vegas.
At Grand Canyon National Park, take a walk along the South Rim of the canyon, or hike down Bright Angel Trail for incredible views. A morning at the Gila Cliff Dwellings gives you a chance for an ancient cultural perspective.
At White Sands, climb the giant gypsum dunes in time for an unforgettable sunset. The following two days are spent exploring the remote, rugged lands of Big Bend National Park, with a stop at our favorite local "watering hole."
The next day finds us in famous Austin, Texas. Spend the morning swimming in the fresh water of gigantic Barton Springs, then head into town for the wonderful sightseeing, shopping and nightlife of Texas' state capital.
In New Orleans, explore the French Quarter, browse the open-air markets for a taste of authentic Cajun and Creole foods, and enjoy the sounds of sidewalk Zydeco, Dixieland jazz, or soft Delta blues. Making tracks for Florida's white sand beaches, we'll have a day of recovery.
After hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we'll build our final Tortoise campfire under the stars. You'll have a chance the following day to ride a horse through this Appalachian wonderland.
Our next stop is Washington DC, home to the Smithsonian Institution, an astounding collection of eighteen museums and the National Zoo, most with free entrance! Be sure to check out the famous monuments and memorials as well, before we head for your drop off in New York City or Boston, where you'll have a week to explore New England on your own (we have suggestions for accommodation and/or transportation).
The second leg of your Green Tortoise adventure begins with a pick up in either Boston or New York. The adventure continues with a camp out in Pennsylvania and then hiking or swimming in the Allegheny Mountains. At Presque Isle State Park, take an excursion through the lagoons via pontoon boat, or share a kayak with a friend. Our next stop is the bustling metropolis of Chicago, home to world-famous skyscrapers and museums.
After crossing the great Missouri River, we head to Badlands National Park. Walk the Window Trail for a far out view of peaks, gullies, buttes, and wide open prairies. Watch for bison as we drive through the park on our way to Pine Ridge Reservation for authentic Indian Tacos at the Cuny Cafe. Enjoy the historic kitsch of South Dakota's Mt. Rushmore, a giant tribute to four giant presidents.
At Glenwood Canyon, a rugged 12 mile gorge cutting through the Rocky Mountains of western Colorado, enjoy the fresh mountain air and an optional whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River. Moving on to Arches National Park, hike the Devil's Garden Trail past eight of the park's best known features, including Landscape Arch.
After visiting Canyonlands National Park, one of the best-kept secrets of the Southwest, experience some desert nightlife in the red rock town of Moab. The bizarre landscape of Bryce Canyon is our next destination. Hike to wind-sculpted rock hoodoos via the Rim and Fairyland Trails.
In Zion National Park, climb up to Angel's Landing for views of sheer sandstone cliffs. Finally it's time for a night out in the big city glitz of Las Vegas. Take a limousine tour of the strip, or ride the high-speed roller coaster at New York, New York.
After Las Vegas, we make our way to overnight San Francisco and drop you off in our beautiful city by the bay.
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Please note this is a combination trip. Please call our office for details.
Flexible Itinerary means that we may alter an itinerary depending on weather, local events, etc. Although we make every attempt to run our trips as advertised, please be aware that the itinerary may change to give you the best trip possible.
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