USA Explorer 2009 Round Trip from New York/Boston: Sun, Jul 19 - Fri, Aug 21 34 Days: $1426 plus $452 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 Explorer
34 Days

Explore the very best the USA has to offer on our round-trip coast-to-coast adventure!

After pickups in Boston and New York City, we'll make our way to the Allegheny Mountains for camping, hiking, and swimming.  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, walk the Window Trail at Badlands National Park 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.

Hike the Rim Trail or the Fairyland Trail through the wind-sculpted rock hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. In Zion National Park, climb up to Angel's Landing for views of sheer sandstone cliffs. In Las Vegas, take a limousine tour of the Strip, or ride the high-speed roller coaster at New York, New York.

In San Francisco, you'll have two full days to explore the city, either on your own or with your new friends. Ask our friendly hostel and travel office staff for tips on walking tours, museums, bike rentals, parks and beaches, day trips to Muir Woods and Wine Country, funky shopping streets, bars, clubs, and music venues.

In Yosemite National Park, hit the trail early for some spectacular hiking, rent a cruiser bike or a river raft, or explore the valley floor via the free Yosemite shuttle. Admire the beauty of Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls, spot rock climbers on El Capitan, or hike up the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Camp in the high desert terrain of the Eastern Sierras, float with ease in the salty, alkaline waters of Mono Lake, and watch for birds while exploring the fragile tufa spires.

Enjoy another refreshing dip at June Lake. Embark on a scenic drive over 9,945 ft. Tioga Pass to Tuolumne Meadows, the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierras. Scale glacier-covered Lembert dome or swim in the Tuolumne River, and bring your camera to capture a stunning array of summer wildflowers.

Walk through an ancient grove of Giant Sequoias, the largest living things on earth, before returning to San Francisco for one more exciting day in the City by the Bay.

In spectacular Zion National Park 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 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.

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 the Texas 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 toward New York City, then Boston, for a final farewell.

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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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