Trailblazer

TOUR OVERVIEW

Visit ghost towns and exciting cities, explore this continent's breathtaking National Parks and unspoilt scenery - on this once in a lifetime 9 week all encompassing adventure!!


INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist cruise
• Night time illumination tour of Washington D.C monuments
• New Orleans' Bourbon Street
• San Antonio's Riverwalk
• Alien spotting in Roswell
• Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
• Scenic walks and hikes
• City tours of Las Vegas, Hollywood and San Francisco
• Sightseeing in Charleston, St. Augustine, Miami, Florida Keys, Santa Fe, San Diego, Seattle, Vancouver and Chicago
• Walk amongst Giant Sequoias
• National parks and monuments - Everglades, Carlsbad Caverns, Rocky Mountains, Arches, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Yellowstone, Glacier, Banff/Lake Louise, Redwood and Yosemite
• Services of a TrekAmerica tour leader
• All transportation by private adventure vehicle
• 51 nights camping fees & equipment (except sleeping bag) + 2 hotel nights in New York

FLEXIBLE ITINERARY

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local conditions and passenger requests vary, no two trips will ever be the same. With the guidance of your Trek Leader you may modify certain nightstops and highlights to give a truly unique experience!


Days: 1-2 Los Angeles & San Diego

A quick tour of Hollywood to get the ball rolling before heading down the coast to San Diego. This city is all about the beach: bronzed bodies, big shades and baggy shorts. Wow fellow beachgoers on your surfboard or let the world-famous San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld steal the limelight.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 3-4 Las Vegas

Next, Las Vegas - the greatest show on earth! The Strip, the shows, the casinos, the clubs; Sin City's glitziest and brashest spots are sure to impress as you cruise the Las Vegas Boulevard on an included limo ride! Hop onto one of the world's highest thrill rides at Vegas' Stratosphere and it won't just be your head that's spinning. And if that's not enough, take a helicopter flight down The Strip or just gamble the night away in one of the world class casinos.
Accommodation: 2 en-route hotel nights paid locally


Days: 5 Zion National Park

Another batch of topnotch trails provides one final hiking fix at Zion National Park. Swim and explore the hidden canyons or maybe hike to the top at Angels Landing. Okay, so getting up there can be devilish at times, but the famous trail puts Zion on a 360-degree display of this magnificent national park.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 6-7 Bryce Canyon National Park & Lake Powell

Bryce is next with it's knobbly hoodoos striking their crazy poses as your camera clicks away at a perfect sunset. What's a hoodoo when it's at home? Actually, Hoodoos are weird and wonderful rock spires arranged in rows as far as the eye can see. They will leave you searching for your own way to describe this 'indescribable' place. Now it's time for some stunning R&R, basking in the clear blue waters of Lake Powell ringed by deep red rock. Swim, ride a waverunner, horse-ride in the desert or just sit back on the shore and soak up the powerful rays of this beautiful and surreal man-made desert oasis.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 8-9 Grand Canyon National Park

Next we come face to face with the most awe-inspiring national park of them all, Grand Canyon. Nothing you have ever seen before will prepare you for this spectacular site! Hike from the forest above to the desert below, or take a helicopter flight above it all and marvel at the brilliant colours. One thing's for sure though, this place looks incredible from any angle, especially walking along the rim at sunset or sunrise.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 10 Monument Valley

Navajo legends rise from crimson flats at Monument Valley. The only things to pre-date the origins of Native American culture are the massive towering rock formations which dominate the awe-inspiring landscape. Take the opportunity to experience it close-up with an optional Navajo guided jeep ride before setting up camp on the edge of Monument Valley. What a place to swap campfire stories and songs.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 11-13 Arches National Park & Colorado Rocky Mountains

Arches - the park's name says it all. Some 2,000 orange sandstone arches strike their poses. The scenery here is breathtaking and a sunset stroll to Delicate Arch tops most 'to do' lists. Take on the famous "Slick Rock" mountain bike trail, float down the Colorado on a scenic rafting trip or tackle the terrain high above on a guided jeep tour. Next, distant peaks sport snowy caps and pines huddle together as you pit yourself against amazing hiking and biking trails in the Rockies.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 14-15 Mesa Verde & Sante Fe

Explore the ancient dwellings of Ancestral Pueblans cut into the cliff face in Mesa Verde National Park; viewings are highly recommended! Next, soak up the artsy vibe of Santa Fe, the oldest US capital city, high in the desert foothills, and check out the International UFO Museum and Research Centre (and gift shop!) in Roswell! They say Aliens crashed to Earth and they have proof!
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 16 Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Do you know your stalactite from your stalagmite? Carlsbad Caverns is one of the largest cave systems in the world and boasts over 100 limestone caves sporting bizarre rock formations. Pack the amphitheatre atdusk as thousands of resident bats swarm out.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 17-20 Texas

Look for gators on our optional Louisiana swamp tour through the mysterious bayous of Cajun country (a must do!). Then don your Stetson and toast marshmallows as the Lone Star bids you a big-hearted welcome for four nights in the mighty Texas. The second biggest of the states has plenty of oil, cowboys and southern hospitality. Feel that tumbleweed vibe at the Alamo in San Antonio and don't forget to checkout the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, crammed with cowboy curiosities.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 21-22 New Orleans

Now we're talking all that jazz! We head into the enchanting French Quarter of New Orleans! Hear the real deal at Preservation Hall, echoing with chirpy trumpet and smooth sax or sample a Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's! New Orleans has more than just food, drink and music to offer. Do the Huckleberry Finn thing as you chug along the Mississippi River. Then look for gators on the included Louisiana swamp tour through the mysterious bayous of Cajun country.
Accommodation: 2 nights en-route hotel paid locally


Days: 23-24 Panama Beach

Dream of lazy beach days or windsurf and jet ski the afternoon away. The heat of the beach simmers beyond sundown in this undisputed good-time town. Pack dancing shoes with your flip-flops as the party spirit simmers far into the small hours at the hippest, hottest haunts of the Gulf Coast.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 25-27 Orlando

It's not far from strip malls and souvenir shops to the Magic Kingdom. Escape from it all with an optional day at Disneyworld. Forget your age, it makes a big kid of one and all. With two nights here, fitting in extra thrills and spills is a piece of cake. Maybe slip-slide around Wet 'n' Wild, be drenched by killer whales at SeaWorld or cross the final frontier at Kennedy Space Center. Who wants to grow up anyhow?
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 28-29 Florida Keys

Over conch fritters and Key lime pie, admire a crimson sunset and swap tales from teeming reefs, before celebrating with a sunset party!
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 30 Miami

SoBe (aka South Beach) has it all! Stroll the art deco seafront or pose with the beautiful people on sugary sand and in ultra-cool nightspots. Magnificent Miami beckons with miles of white beaches and palm trees swaying in the breeze...
Accommodation: 1 en-route hotel night paid locally


Days: 31-32 Charleston & Carolinas

Historic Charleston is next. This place oozes old world charm, especially the gaudy mid-1700 houses of Rainbow Row. Then mountain views morph into swamps, plantations and palmetto palms in the Carolinas, time to enjoy a cozy campfire.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 33-34 Washington D.C

Washington D.C. is the social, cultural and political history of the United States. Explore D.C.'s parks by day and monuments by night. From the impressive Smithsonian Museum to the White House, to Georgetown's trendy bars, the capital has something for everyone.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 35-36 New York Area

Explore the sights and sounds of New York City. Splurge along Fifth Ave, hit the top of the Empire State Building, or soak up the trendy, laidback vibe of Greenwich Village
Accommodation: 2 hotel nights included


Days: 37 Niagara Falls

From the New York area to the the edge of Lake Ontario, the sensation of crashing water is stupendous, the noise immense, at America's greatest national attractions, Niagara Falls. Wait 'til you're down on the water aboard 'Maid of the Mist', where the cascades pound, churn and foam right before your eyes. That's what you call a front row seat!
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 38-40 Ohio & Chicago

Skirt around Lake Erie then cross Indiana bound for another of the great five: Lake Michigan. Chicago is next on the menu for two nights, famous for music, museums and Lake Shore Drive. Soar up Willis Tower for dizzying views over the Windy City, trawl the upmarket malls of Magnificent Mile and grab a slice of Chicago's deep-dish pizza before peddling on the included famous "Bobby's Bike Hike" tour. Then hit the blues groove, drop into a corner bar or seek out heaving dance and hip-hop beats in the hangouts of Wicker Park and Bucktown.
Accommodation: 1 night camping included | 2 en-route Chicago hotel nights paid locally


Days: 41-42 South Dakota & Badlands

From the North Star State, cross native American Sioux terrain and America's original western frontier. Resident coyotes may utter the occasional howl as you settle back for some shut-eye under canvas. The Spawn museum is cool too! Never mind the "bad lands", touching down here feels like a moon landing. Low-slung buttes, chiselled spires and saw-tooth ridges have a bizarre lunar quality. Spend the afternoon exploring the park's surreal landscape and don't forget your camera for sunset!
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 43-44 Black Hills & Cody, Wyoming

You'll agree with the Lakota people, from afar the pine-coated hills do appear black. We're talking Mount Rushmore next and the uniquely sculptured faces of our four gradest Presidents Close by, another rock-carved epic is shaping up: the Crazy Horse monument, a nod to the famed Lakota Indian war leader, very impressive! Next, it's into Wild Wyoming, the heart of cowboy country, This is what Cody is all about. Named after William Cody (aka Buffalo Bill), the old west is alive and literally kicking here. After all, "Cody is rodeo", with nightly summer shows.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 45-46 Yellowstone National Park

Pitch up in the world's first National Park, Yellowstone. This is a superb wilderness of spouting geysers, waterfalls and simmering mud pools. A-grade American stars grace the trails - keep your eyes peeled for this abundant wildlife. Large herds of bison and elk roam the park and if you're lucky, you may even see bear or wolf.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 47-49 Montana & Glacier National Park

Montana is often referred to as 'Big Sky Country' because of its numerous stars, but it is also a trekkers' paradise. With two days in Glacier, you'll have plenty of time to explore the alpine meadows, snow-streaked cliffs and shimmering lakes. This area sure adds a healthy dose of the wow factor. Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 50-51 Banff National Park

Blaze show-stopping trails in the footfalls or horse tracks of pioneers before you. Perhaps bounce across the bumpy terrain by mountain bike or hover above all by helicopter. One dunk in the hot springs and a drink or two later, you'll sleep like a log.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 52-53 Lake Louise & British Columbia

A nickname like the "gem of the Rockies" is a lot to live up to, but it's no sweat for Lake Louise. The imposing chateau looks on as mountains cluster round the turquoise surface. As for you, well, you could always hike out to the Plain-of-Six-Glaciers or inspect the scene by paddle power on an optional canoe trip. Heading through BC, appreciate the mirrored lakes, grizzled peaks and spectacular scenery as dark conifers and shadowy summits drift by.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 54 Vancouver

Along the highway, prime vistas escort you right into Vancouver. With its stunning combination of mountains and coastline, the city boasts outstanding views. Take to Stanley Park on two wheels, then regain your inner city slicker around A-grade museums and galleries or bustling Granville Market. Why not check out the city nightlife in Gas Town or the eclectic "Robsonstrasse" tonight.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 55 Seattle

Beam yourself up! Well, take the glass-fronted elevator up the iconic Space Needle and gaze over the Emerald City with a hot cup of Starbuck's best brew! Then tonight blare out guitar-loaded classics in the city that gave the world Hendrix and Nirvana.
Accommodation: 1 en-route hotel night paid locally


Days: 56-58 Oregon & Redwood National Park

The Oregon coast is rugged and perfect for some dune-buggy fun! You will amazed to walk amongst the towering forest giants of Redwood National Park - home to the tallest trees in the world and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on the Pacific Coast. Leave footprints on what is virtually your private Pacific beach or traipse between gigantic Redwoods, feeling like ants in their mighty shadow.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 59-60 San Francisco

Next, "Everybody's Favourite City", San Francisco. This town will blow you away. Sunlight on the bay, wispy fog around Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars climbing steep streets: it's a
24-carat stunner. After we view the Bay and Alcatraz on our included sunset sailboat cruise, the party people flock to trendy bars and clubs in North Beach or Haight-Ashbury and that friendly vibe gets even better.
Accommodation: 2 en-route hotel nights paid locally


Days: 61-62 Yosemite National Park

Heading east through California's gold country we following the scenic drive into the Yosemite National Park region and a chance to hike or bike, through the extraordinary landscape of glacier-carved granite monoliths and spectacular waterfalls. Either way, this park rocks! Once deep inside Yosemite, keep your eyes peeled for black bears. Coyote roam freely as well and when the sun goes down, their howling often echoes amidst pines and sequoias. Admit it, this is what clicks the spirit of the great outdoors up a notch or two.
Accommodation: Camping included


Days: 63-64 Pacific Coast & Los Angeles

From coastal California to Hollywood, we're back in Los Angeles where this awesome 2 month adventure first started.
Accommodation: Camping included on day 63.

Tour ends at approx 17:00 hours in Los Angeles on day 64.