trek america the great 48

• North America

The Great 48

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Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best overnight stops, highlights and included experiences, with plenty of optional activities to choose from. No two Trek trips are the same, with stops at some of your tour leader's favourite places and occasional changes to the itinerary, so get ready for one awesome adventure!As this tour departs at 07:30 hrs we recommend that you book pre tour accommodation. Please request further details at time of booking.Reality Check: As this is a mammoth trip, with some off-beat destinations, things may not run exactly as listed below for each day. For example, some drives may be longer than expected; others shorter. But this is all part of the pioneering spirit of this exclusive adventure. Come with a fun, flexible outlook and let's make the road trip part of the journey!

Leave the beaches and glamour of Miami behind, it's time to get amongst the action with a highly recommended optional airboat ride in the Everglades area. Explore the 'River of Grass', where lazy alligators resting in the sun and turtles sunbathing on lily pads are a common sight. Spot wildlife in their natural habitat and then for the ultimate experience in this unique environment, spend the night in a traditional 'chickee'. These simple cabins on stilts have no electricity and bathrooms can be found in the communal central building. Though basic in nature, it’s a pretty special place to admire the sunset from.NB: Please be aware that Billie’s Swamp Safari keep an enclosure of animals. TrekAmerica do not endorse animals in captivity. This is one of the reasons why we recommend our passengers view native inhabitants of the Florida Everglades on an optional airboat ride, for an authentic experience of this unique environment.

• Billies Swamp Safari

The oldest city in the whole of Georgia is your stop for the next two nights. Get your first chance to sample the music, heritage and delicious grub of the Deep South in Savannah. With just over 20 historic squares it's easy to see why this was once the state's colonial capital. If you're looking for a combination of historic homes, park fountains and a huge helping of Southern hospitality (devilled crab and smoked pork anyone?) then you'll be in your absolute element.

Charleston is defined by its beautiful cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and pastel pre-Civil-War-era houses. Take a wander through the bustling French Quarter and Battery areas on a self-guided walking tour to really pull out the unique flavours of this city.

Your Deep South stretch takes an altogether wilder turn as you enter Asheville. Sandwiched between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge, the self-proclaimed ‘Land of the Sky’, charms visitors with its effortless bohemian vibe and panoramic mountain views.

This is what the Blue Ridge Mountains are all about and although this is America's most-popular national park you'll still be treated to a peaceful and inspirational natural experience that'll stay with you for years to come. Loads of hiking trails give everyone the chance to soak up the misty mountain views.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Just try and stop yourself singing 'Country Roads' as you head northwards out of North Carolina and into West Virginia. For those with an adventurous streak you won’t want to miss a spot of white water rafting or zip lining right next to New River Gorge National River.

• West Virginia

Cross the great state of Virginia and hike a section of the Appalachian Mountains on your way to Washington DC. Interestingly, Washington DC is not in a state, but its own District - the District of Columbia (DC for short). DC is home to some of the most well-known monuments including the White House, Jefferson Monument and Capitol Hill. Thanks to the Smithsonian Institution's generous attitude towards art and culture you'll be able to enter the majority of the capital's museums free of charge - great news if you're planning to save your dimes for a night out in New York!

• Washington, DC

The states on this side of the country are pretty ‘small’ so you can cruise through five of them in no time at all. Try to collect a souvenir from each state on your way through! After visiting the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the ‘Rocky’ steps leading up to Philadelphia's Museum of Art, it's time to move on to a few more famous film sites as you head for the city that never sleeps - New York. The next two days will be crammed full of iconic buildings, historic monuments and more razzmatazz and bright lights than vendors selling pretzels and hot dogs. This is your chance to revel amongst some of the world's most famous landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.

• Philadelphia
• New York City

After you've had your fill of the ‘Big Apple’ there are two more states to tick off your list as you make tracks for the cobbled streets and cultural trails of Boston, renowned as being one of the key locations for the start of the American Revolution. Aside from the Freedom Trail (which takes in 16 revolutionary sites), Boston is a legend on the food and drink scene. Delight in a whole host of Irish bars, coffee shops, and snack-joints providing the sustenance to keep you going until the wee small hours.

Onwards and upwards through New England and into Maine, which is not only the birthplace of Stephen King but also the home of Acadia National Park. This is the perfect place to hike, picnic and mountain bike. Mount Desert Island gives you the pick of beautiful natural areas and this stop is all about exploring the great outdoors with mountains, woodlands, lakes and ocean views providing an exceptional backdrop.

• Acadia National Park

After time spent in Maine, it's time to hop over to the neighbouring state of New Hampshire and discover over 100 miles of Appalachian Trail, criss-crossing through the White Mountain National Forest. This place will have you hiking and camping amongst some of the best terrain that New England has to offer. As weather conditions can change in a flash you're advised to pack accordingly but, with views above the timberline ranging from 'WOW' to 'OMG', a spot of drizzle will probably be the last thing on your mind.

• White Mountain National Forest

The ‘Greens’, as local hikers sometimes refer to this small mountain range, are a perfect introduction to this area. In Autumn this area comes alive with the changing of the colours, however in summer months the thick forest and beautiful views give you an excellent idea why so many Americans travel for miles to visit the Green Mountains.

• Green Mountains

Located on the shores of Lake Erie and packed full of arts and culture, Buffalo is a mere stone's throw from the thundering water of Niagara Falls - a certain highlight! Your visit to the famous falls takes place this evening and if you thought this incredible landmark looked cool in the day then try taking a look when it's illuminated with coloured spotlights at night. The word ‘magical’ just doesn't do this experience justice.

• Niagara Falls

Today you'll be donning your waterproof poncho and clambering aboard the ‘Maid of the Mist’ before you venture into the spray-drenching realm of pretty much the most famous water feature on the planet. After Niagara by day, you'll be skirting the edge of Lake Erie as you journey to Cleveland, Ohio, for a spot of free time and lake swimming.

You should be getting the hang of 'lake life' by now and you'll be pleased to know that for the next couple of nights you'll be located within Van Buren State Park which promises 400 acres of woodland trails, gigantic sand dunes and a mile of sandy beach. Unwind with some excellent spots for swimming and generally taking it easy!

• Van Buren State Park

Now for something completely different as you travel south to Indianapolis and the kooky capital of Indiana. Guaranteed to feed your cultural, retail and nightclub needs, Indianapolis is an awesome city with indie brewery tours, ethnic food corridors and mind-bending live shows always proving popular.

• Indianapolis

Continue south and into Kentucky where the world's longest known cave system, the aptly named Mammoth Cave, is awaiting your exploration. This is twice the size of the world's next largest cave setting with over 400 miles of sandstone and limestone passageways, corridors, rivers, stalactites and stalagmites providing an amazing adventure deep beneath the hills of Green River Valley.

• Mammoth Cave National Park

Nashville has so much more to offer than catchy country tunes and as you venture ever-further into America's Deep South you'll be treated to a whole host of things to do along the banks of the Cumberland River. The Country Music Hall of Fame, Civil War heritage, Elvis's recording studios and more honky-tonk bars than you can hit with a banjo - have fun y'all!

Time to tune into Lynyrd Skynyrd as you check into Birmingham, Alabama, the home of Southern jazz, civil rights and juicy country-fried steak with butter beans - mmmm!

If you've just started to get into jazz then prepare to crank it up a notch as you make your way into New Orleans' historic French Quarter. Here, you're never far away from a sax or trumpet, as well as some darn fine bars to kick up your heels. Your home for the next couple of nights is right in the beating heart of New Orleans and from tours along the Mississippi to tasty Cajun cuisine, this is the perfect place to celebrate your 30th day on the road.

• New Orleans

For all you lovers of slicked back hair and rock 'n' roll, Tupelo will certainly resonate as this is the birthplace of ‘The King'. An optional visit to the stomping ground and birthplace of Elvis Presley will no doubt inspire at least a couple of renditions of ‘Blue Suede Shoes', ‘Hound Dog' and many more classics!

Stop by Clarksdale, which many claim to be the birthplace of the blues, to see the famous crossroads of Highway 61. More musical heritage can, of course, be found in Memphis and as we turn our attention to blues and 60's soul, we'll stop for a couple of nights just to check that the largest city on the Mississippi has still got it going on. With Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters and Otis Reading to guide you, this stopover in Memphis is pure gold for music fans. Take the chance to visit Graceland and Sun Studio as well as the National Civil Rights Museum which presents a thoroughly absorbing tour.

After managing to scrape the swamp off those rhinestone boots you bought in Memphis it's time to hit the 'coasters and thrill rides at Six Flags, St Louis, before checking out the night life or sampling the local beer on an Anheuser-Busch Brewery tour.

Cross the state of Illinois heading north and you'll find your home for the next two nights surrounded by the shimmering towers, designer malls and the all-important Lake Michigan views of Chicago. The ‘Windy City’ is an exciting and fast-paced metropolis with a huge range of cultural museums, live music venues and deep-dish pizza houses. This promises to be an extremely exciting stopover as you near the halfway stage of your incredible tour of America.Due to the length of the tour, it is likely your tour leader will change in Chicago.

After all of that deep-filled pizza indulgence you may consider taking it easy for the next few days however, you're bound to find room for some tasty Wisconsin Dells fudge before you ease in the reigns. Aside from the sugar-laced loveliness, The Dells is jam-packed full of water parks, roller coaster rides and chances to tour on land and water on-board an amphibious Wisconsin Duck bus. Why not opt to visit the park (not included)?

• Wisconsin Dells

You've made it to the halfway stage of this phenomenal tour and now you'll get the chance to celebrate in Minneapolis on a short break for lunch at Black River Falls. More cascading water lies in store this afternoon at Minnehaha Falls and if you fancy going all 'Man v. Food' then chomping into a 'Juicy Lucy' burger before you check out America's largest mall. The Minneapolis nightlife comes highly recommended.

• Minneapolis

There's no place like home and as you travel through Iowa, Missouri, and into Kansas you'll get to stop at Des Moines for lunch before reaching the heart of Middle America. Steamboat museums, barbecue smoke pits and some fairly swanky country clubs provide plenty of options for your single night in Kansas.

• Kansas City

You're on the southern trail again where the wind comes rushing across the plain as you head to Oklahoma City; the home of cattle, cowboys and some of the wildest nightspots this side of Texas.

• Oklahoma City

Welcome to Texas, the largest of the ‘Lower 48’ states. Things are bigger in Texas and Dallas is no exception. You'll find several museums, as well as some terrific local steakhouses. The assassination of JFK is obviously one of the darker moments in Dallas' history, and with your free time you may want to check out the John F Kennedy tour featuring the grassy knoll and the infamous 6th floor of the School Book Depository. Dallas also has some great live music so may sure you venture out in the evening.

After taking in the stalactites and stalagmites in the Carlsbad Caverns you may be forgiven for thinking that things couldn't get much spookier. At night this area comes alive with bats -  millions of bats - that come alive with the setting sun. It’s worth checking out!

• Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Moving onto Santa Fe, we soak up the artsy vibe of the oldest US capital city, sat high in the desert foothills. Stroll down Canyon Road where locals are peddling their wares, check out contemporary art galleries and admire the Pueblo Revival architecture, with the noticeable style of earth coloured walls.

As you travel northwards and across the border into Colorado you'll be well aware of the ever-changing scenery that has formed the backbone of your tour. Entering Great Sand Dunes National Park provides yet another chance to immerse yourself in some incredible landscapes. After a spot of sand-surfing and swimming in Medano Creek it's time to spend a night surrounded by snow-capped mountains under a velvet blanket pin-pricked with twinkling stars. 

• Great Sand Dunes National Park

The moment when someone whispers ‘what's that?' is when you know that your wildlife trail has reached its high point. The chance to hike amongst the fantastic formations of the Rocky Mountain National Park has to be up there with the best of them! Spending two days exploring and keeping your eyes peeled for eagles, elk and bear is definitely an experience to savour.

• Rocky Mountain National Park

Check out the views as you travel further north through Nebraska and into South Dakota where you'll be treated to a photographic opportunity like no other as you edge ever closer to the chiselled presidential features of Mount Rushmore. Step into the shadows of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln prior to paying your respects to another heroic icon from American history, Crazy Horse, who also has a mountain memorial carved in his honour.

• Mount Rushmore

Next up, explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park. If you're starting to get into your birdwatching you'll have around 200 species to look out for including grouse, eagles and wild turkeys.

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park

As you start your journey heading west out of North Dakota and into Montana you'll no doubt be discovering more about America's often brutal past and nowhere has this been immortalised more than the place of Custer's Last Stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn. The national monument is a shrine to the Sioux and Cheyenne Native American struggle to survive in an ever-changing world and will no doubt give you the chance to reflect as you pay your respects.

• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Make sure you keep your eye on your picnic baskets as you head into Yogi country and the awesome range of experiences that abound in one of the best-loved national parks on the planet, Yellowstone. Spurting geysers, grazing buffalo, star-filled nights and no end of wildlife peeping out from lush green forest and valley trails, will make the next two days incredibly special, so enjoy every minute of it!

• Yellowstone National Park

The solidified lava flows at Craters of the Moon are the closest thing you'll get to a real lunar landscape. Explore the cinder cones and caves and appreciate this surreal experience that you'll no doubt remember for many moons to come.

• Craters Of The Moon National Monument

Temples, museums, heritage parks and hip-hop clubs can be all found in Salt Lake City, the Mormon capital of the world. For your evening’s entertainment, et the gang together for a night at the drive-in cinema. If you fancy a bit of a hop-on/hop-off sightseeing then the Salt Lake Connect Pass is the way to go.

• Salt Lake City

Photography students take note: if you're searching for a sandstone archway juxtaposed against an infinite blue sky you'll find plenty of that here - you won't know where to point your camera first! Arches National Park not only contains more than 2000 natural archways but it's also considered to be America's ultimate adventure playground with mountain biking, hummer safaris and canyon trekking all considered epic fun in the sun. Add in the Tower of Babel, the Organ, Delicate Arch and Dead Horse Point State Park - it's no wonder that Moab is Utah's inspirational adventure capital.

• Arches National Park
• Dead Horse Point

More movie moments arise today as you hit the trail into Monument Valley and those legendary landscapes that have formed the backdrop to a whole host of Westerns. Optional 4x4 tours with a Native Navajo guide will take you deep into the heart of the valley where you'll discover the sandstone formations and vast stretches of canyon that have long been the spiritual home of the Navajo Nation.

• Monument Valley

Undoubtedly the highlight of any trip to Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is simply a breathtaking experience that you'll want to enjoy again and again. Optional helicopter rides take you swooping through the valleys and buzzing over the river far below. No matter how you decide to spend your time, the sunset on your first day will prove to be another moment that'll leave you speechless. If your first day was spent looking down then the next day should all be about delving into the depths of the canyon from the Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point. The views of the epic Colorado River have never looked so grand!

• Grand Canyon National Park

There are road trips and then there's a journey down the infamous Route 66. As you leave Arizona behind and head west into Nevada you'll get that tingling feeling that something special is just around the bend. After a cheeky stopover in the long-preserved town of Seligman, it's time to hit the slots, soak up the sights and party like you've just been on tour for 67 days, that's right - you're in Vegas, baby! The Strip, the Fremont Street Experience, the Bellagio Fountains and a couple of nights in a hotel - is there any reason not to get excited? We’ll even throw in a party bus - the ultimate way to experience The Strip!

So, you've just left `Sin City', where next? Well, there's only one stop on the California trail that's going to top Vegas and that's the movie star-filled boulevards and beaches of LA. Los Angeles presents your first taste of the Pacific Coast with the brash and the beautiful! From Venice Beach and Santa Monica to Mullholland Drive and the Hollywood sign, this is where your tour really gets the VIP treatment.

• Los Angeles

Head away from the bright lights of Hollywood as you continue your Californian leg northwards and onto the prestigious waterfront attractions of Santa Barbara. If you're hoping to chill and watch the world go by over a coffee or sip on some tasty vino from a local vineyard, then you'll find plenty of opportunities to do so in Santa Barbara. There's also almost 700 eateries and a whole host of arts and crafts centres to help you get into the laid-back West Coast vibe, your time here is going to be awesome!

• Santa Barbara

From Santa Barbara, we travel north, making our way to the Big Sur / Monterey area. Unfortunately, we are unable to visit the McWay Falls viewpoint due to a landslide - however we’ll be showing you the best of the area under the Cali sunshine!

Drive to stunning Yosemite National Park, and get lost in the wilderness for a couple of days. Attempt to put your arms around a Giant Sequoia, dip your toes into the Merced River or simply marvel at the mountains as you hike or bike over some of the lesser-frequented forest trails - it's easy to understand why this is one of America's most treasured national parks. With legendary land features (Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks) as well as some of the world's highest waterfalls (Nevada, Vernal and Yosemite), Yosemite National Park will definitely be one of your road trip highlights!

• Yosemite National Park

Say goodbye to Yosemite and hello to San Francisco as you reach the epic red arches of the Golden Gate Bridge. With a tour of the famous bridge included, you'll also be treated to an array of classic San Francisco highlights with a free day enabling you to discover Chinatown, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf and even the foreboding walls of Alcatraz (make sure you book this well in advance of your tour as spaces fill up fast). Clam chowder, sea lions and cable cars by day, combined with clubs, bars and speakeasys by night - San Francisco is just one of the places that you'll want to return to again and again.If you are interested in visiting Alcatraz we recommend you book your tickets well in advance direct with Alcatraz Cruises. For this tour you should book your ticket for day 71 (anytime). See Tour Extras tab for more information.

• San Francisco

Hopefully you've saved room on your camera for a few more shots of California's giants as over the next couple of days you're going to be gazing skywards as you enter the realm of the tallest trees on the planet, the Giant Redwoods. Infinite prairies, sublime coastline and rushing river trails - there's going to be much more to Redwood National Park than you may have first imagined.

• Redwood National Park

Your penultimate day on tour sees you head to Portland where you'll have the chance to recount a few of the many awesome highlights that you've experienced over the past 79 days with your new Trek mates. Portland is one of the coolest cities on the West Coast and the hipster vibes and friendly locals will see that your road trip ends on a high. The micro-breweries and Voodoo Donut shop are yours to indulge in, so make sure you do! 

Seattle has one heck of a music scene and with Eddie Vedder ringing in your ears it's one last opportunity to get some souvenirs at the boardwalk empire of Pike Place Market. If you have any camera space left then the Space Needle is always worth a snap however, you may just want to save your last iota of memory for a group shot as your epic trip finally draws to a close. This tour ends at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs. 

What's Included

• We operate a Food Kitty on this trip - you will need to contribute US$10 a day which covers all your meals whilst camping

Accommodation

Food And Meals

Accommodation types.

We offer a whole range of travel extras with everything from additional hotel nights, travel insurance, city sightseeing and more so you can organise everything you'll need for your trip in one easy place.

Book Extra Nights in Miami

Our tours usually depart at 07:30am and finish around 5:00pm at designated hotels in our gateway cities, so it's a great idea to book a room for the night before and after your tour. It's also worth staying extra nights to explore the city more. You must book these hotels in advance either online with your tour or by contacting our friendly sales team. MIAMI - GENERATOR HOSTEL3120 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USACentrally located in Miami Beach, this hotel offers outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, breakfast and use of bicycles. Twin share (With a trekker of the same sex) From £106 | US$164 | Eur135| AU$218 | NZ$233 Price per person per nightFull room (Your own single or double room) From £188 | US$287 | Eur235| AU$380 | NZ$407 Price per room per night AIRPORT TRANSFER INFORMATIONIf you are flying into Miami, take a Super Shuttle service for approximately US$22 per person which operates 24 hours a day. You can pre-book your transfer on the Super Shuttle website by searching for the " Generator Hostel Miami" as your drop off point. If you wish to take a taxi, you can find one outside the terminal and should cost approximately US$35 and take 35 minutes depending on traffic.

Book Extra Nights in Seattle

Our tours usually depart at 07:30am and finish around 5:00pm at designated hotels in our gateway cities, so it's a great idea to book a room for the night before and after your tour. It's also worth staying extra nights to explore the city more. You must book these hotels in advance either online with your tour or by contacting our friendly sales team. SEATTLE - CLARION HOTEL3000 S 176th St, Seattle, WA 98188This hotel is conveniently located next to Seattle-Tacoma Airport, with a 24 courtesy shuttle and is adjacent to the Light Link Rail to downtown Seattle. Twin share (With a trekker of the same sex) From £75 | US$98 | Eur90 | AU$127 | NZ$134 Price per person per nightFull room (Your own single or double room) From £130 | US$171 | Eur156 | AU$221 | NZ$233 Price per room per night AIRPORT TRANSFER INFORMATIONThe hotel is located one mile from the airport and they provide a free 24-hour airport shuttle service (a nominal tip of approx. US$2 per person is recommended). When you arrive at the airport, go to the courtesy hotel phones in the baggage area and dial #38 to request a pick-up. To meet your shuttle follow the signs to the shuttle pick up area. Head up the escalators, over the sky bridge and to the third floor and wait at island 1 or 3.

Book City Tours Before/After Your Trip

Sticking around for a day or two after your trip? Arriving early for some big city fun? We don’t blame you. Making sure you catch ALL the highlights, we’ve partnered with GetYourGuide to show off the ultimate things to do in our fave cities.Check out our city tours below >Miami City toursSeattle City tours

Book Flights (UK only)

Our specialist flights department can offer UK customers a great airline fare to all of our Trek destinations. We have preferred contracts with many international carriers and have secured some of the most competitive prices in the industry. Why Book Your Flights with Trek?Secure your flight with a deposit of only £125 per personDate changes free of charge (subject to terms)We are ATOL protected and IATA licensedPersonal service - you're more than just a numberCall us now on 0208 682 8920 for today's special offers orRequest a flight quote

Travel Insurance

At TrekAmerica we believe that your safety and enjoyment are the most important parts of your holiday. That's why we recommend you take out insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed. TrekAmerica can offer you comprehensive travel insurance which is completely tailored for your trip and is specially designed to include all the activities listed we do.If you do not take our policy, you must ensure that the policy you do take offers an equivalent level of protection and covers you for the activities involved - be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict, coverage for this type of travel. ? See our insurance page or download our insurance tips pdf for more information.

Optional Activities During Your Tour

There are loads of exciting optional activities available for you to choose from during your trip giving you the flexibility to do the things you want to and leave out the things you don't. A list of optional activities and approximate costs are shown at the end of each day by day itinerary descriptions above. Your tour leader will arrange your chosen activities during the tour so no need to pre-book. You'll also pay for these locally so ensure you budget for the bucket list items! As local weather conditions and seasonality can change not all optional activities may be available on your trip and prices can be subject to change.

Pre-Book Alcatraz Cruises

Located in San Francisco bay, Alcatraz is best known as one of the world's most legendary prisons. Departing from Fisherman's Wharf, you can connect with Alcatraz via a return ferry where you explore within the concrete walls and cells with an audio headset to learn the history and conditions within the prison. Alcatraz tours can sell out far in advance so if you want to visit Alcatraz you will need to book your own ticket ahead of time directly with Alcatraz Cruises.Check the itinerary description for San Francisco above for the recommended date and time for your tour.Book tickets here with Alcatraz Cruises

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The California Bluegrass Association presents...

The Great 48 Jam

Bakersfield, ca, january 2025.

Registration Info

Hotels near the Marriot

• One block East, across from the Amtrak station: Best Western Hill House .
• 0.9 miles to the West (4 min drive) is the historic Padre Hotel , built in 1928, renovated in 2010, Bakersfield’s premiere boutique hotel.
• About two and half miles away to the southwest, is the Hampton Inn on Oak Street.
• Two miles away to the northwest and just a few blocks from the Buck Owens Crystal Palace is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites , the newest of all these hotels.

How it all started

What’s the craziest thing you had done in college?

With graduation looming on the horizon, this was a question a few of us were burdened with. We wanted to have a story to tell. A story of change, of inspiration, of adventure. But none of us had any money to do so. Typical broke college students if you may say so. We all fancied traveling – Mike, Chris and Ben had toured extensively through West Africa and backpacked through Europe. Brett was in Jordan this past summer and for me, America was the foreign land.

But it wasn’t enough.

We started to think locally. Well, all of us were yet to experience America as a whole so why not tour the states? That got the wheels rolling. Which states? Head east or west? Why not go through all of them?

Wait. What?!

There literally was a pause when Mike said this. And for some reason, none of us shot the idea down. On the contrary, we actually entertained the idea for a couple days before agreeing that it was a perfect situation of “Go big or go home.”

We wanted to explore the beauty of the continental US and the only way this was truly possible was by biking. Being broke didn’t leave us with much options either. But just the thrill of the trip wasn’t enough motivation to bike all 48 states. We lacked purpose. And so upon self-reflection, we realized that education brought us together and we needed to give that back to those that weren’t as privileged as us. The Great 48 team was born.

Gerry Geraghty

I was honored to meet you yesterday in Durango at Grace Church. What a great ” Mission from God” you are on. With each pedal stroke you are bringing life to someone. May the Holy Spirit go ahead ofd you to prepare the way and may the Holy Spirit give you …. Grace …..Peace ….and Joy. You are the peddling Missionaries.

48 states in 75 days from £7499pp

America's specialist tour operator for 18-38-year olds, TrekAmerica, introduces an epic US road trip which travels through each of the 48 mainland US states. Packed with once in a lifetime experiences, this 75-day extravaganza starts in Miami, Florida, and ends in Seattle, Washington State, and is available to book now from £7,499* per person.

The grand tour has now been shortened to 75 days so that trekkers can chose to visit states 49 and 50 (Alaska and Hawaii) all within their three-month visa.

Led by an expert TrekAmerica tour leader, as well as with local, specialist guides throughout, this small group tour lets trekkers take in 18 national and state parks, countless small towns and some of the most vibrant cities in the US – Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco, LA, and more, with like-minded travellers in a group of 13 (max).

Here are a just a few of the highlights of the tour:

• Delve deep into the swamps of the Everglades, getting up-close and personal with the gators on an air-boat ride and stay in an authentic chickee
• Experience Niagara Falls as you cruise along on the 'Maid of the Mist'
• Experience the 'Backbone of America' as you hike the infamous Appalachian Mountains
• Visit a whole host of America's incredible national parks, state parks, monuments and national forests including Great Smoky Mountains, Monument Valley, Yosemite & Redwood, Mount Rushmore, Acadia, White Mountains Crazy Horse Memorial, and Arches.
• Spot Black Bears & eagles in the Rocky Mountains
• Watch Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone National Park
• Discover the wind-carved landscapes of Arches & Monument Valley
• Explore gnarly cave systems & see the bats in Carlsbad Cavens
• Watch the picturesque sunset over the Grand Canyon
• Encounter sea lions of the California coast
• Find Giant Sequoias & Half Dome's granite profile in Yosemite
• Hike the trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and soak up the misty mountain views

History and Culture

• Immerse yourself in the history, architecture, music and cuisine of the Deep South
• See the faces of the past presidents at Mount Rushmore
• Delve into the nation's history and food in the Deep South
• Explore one of the iconic locations of the American Revolution, and walk the Freedom Trail

Weird and Wonderful

• Check out the live music scene in Nashville, New Orleans, Memphis & Austin
• Party the night away as the sun goes down in Key West
• Stop by Clarksdale, the birthplace of the blues, and see the famous crossroads of Highway 61
• Hit the strip on a party bus tour in Las Vegas

To book or for terms and conditions visit https://www.trekamerica.co.uk or call 0333 003 2051. Check out the Trek social scene, search #iTrekHere / #trekamerica or visit www.trekamerica.com/community  

For more information, high res images or press trip enquiries – please contact WixHill: [email protected] / [email protected] 01483 203992  

Notes for editors:

• Price is for the tour only – cost with flights available on request.
• * Some activities listed are optional and come at an extra cost, paid locally. Prices subject to change. For full details click here .
• Price does not include pre and post tour accommodation.
• Private transportation, All accommodation - 45 camping nights, 5 hostel nights, 1 hotel night, 2 apartment nights, 1 chickee night, 1 lodge night (multi share) included; plus all camping equipment (except sleeping bag)

About TrekAmerica: 

• Over 40 years' experience showing groups of travellers the USA, Canada, Alaska and Central America
• Over 70 tours to choose from, ranging from 3 to 75 days, across all 50 of the United States, Canada, Central and South America.
• Groups of like minded 18-38 year olds with no single supplements
• Low deposits
• ABTA and ATOL protected

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Trek America Review: An Incredible USA Road Trip

I’m back from an incredible USA group tour! From camping, to the activities on offer, and the group dynamic, find out all about my experience in my Trek America review.

As I edged towards seat 31A on my Air Norwegian flight from San Francisco to London I felt pretty sad. I hadn’t set off yet but I knew this was the onset of post-travel blues. This one was going to be A LOT harder to get over than most.

Rewind two weeks and I was waiting anxiously at the airport in London not knowing who I’d be spending the next few weeks with. We met at the gate, introduced ourselves, giggled nervously, compared what we’d packed and prepared for the 10 hour flight. Final destination? California. Reason for travel? Trek America’s big campaign #iTrekHere. Along with 7 other specially selected bloggers and vloggers, I would be road tripping from LA to San Fran. So who else was coming? Amy , Maddie and Josie from the world of fashion and beauty, Laura who has a comedy YouTube channel, travel blogger Scott , and superstar YouTuber Helen  and fiancé Matt. We would be sharing rooms, tents, stories and creating some unforgettable memories.

Check out the video, then read more of my Trek America review below.

I’m a big fan of both solo travel and group travel. Last month I wrote about where my wanderlust began – funnily enough during a trip with Trek America to Mexico 5 years ago . It inspired me to see more of the world, and now here I was 5 years later being invited to explore somewhere I’d always wanted to visit. California Callin’ s route would take us from the glitz and glam of LA, to the beautiful beach town of Santa Barbara, the waterfalls of Big Sur, the incredible rugged landscapes of Yosemite National Park, and end in buzzing San Francisco.

Ready for a few highlights? It’s going to be hard to pick but here goes…!

Oh the bright lights of LA! A sprawling city with pockets of landmarks made famous in films. Our tour guide for the week Darin, took us to the key spots and started to adjust to a tour dominated by social media, photos and vlogs. We joked that he’d be a YouTube superstar by the end of the week, and sure enough it wasn’t long before he was vlogging to camera!

Kicking off at Venice Beach, we checked out skate parks, surfer dudes and channelled our inner Arnies on Muscle Beach. While feebly hitting a punchball, I attracted a local personal trainer who wanted to give me some tips. “No not like that, punch it like you mean it. Does that feel good? I want you to shout IT FEELS GOOD.” My little arms flailed as I shouted “it feels good!” not wanting to deal with the consequences if I didn’t!

After snapping photos of cool street art it was time to head to the glitzy side of the city. Beverley Hills with its iconic sign and Rodeo Drive with its designer stores, and memories of Pretty Woman. It was every bit as glam as I’d hoped. Hey, we even went in the Wilshire Hotel – yes the Pretty Woman hotel! Fashionistas Maddie and Josie  were in their element, looking every bit the LA stars as they shopped in Chanel.

After a pit stop at Panera for deli sandwiches and healthy salads, it was time for #iTrekHere to hit Hollywood. When I first set eyes on the Hollywood sign, adrenaline pumped! So iconic, it was something I’d seen in countless films and TV shows and now here I was, right beneath it. Although the LA sun was beating down, it wasn’t a challenging walk, and along with the sign, there were incredible views of the whole city. It sprawled like some kind of  toytown.

We finished our whirlwind tour of LA by checking out some local drinking spots. The Sips of Old Hollywood tour run by Urban Adventures took us down the Walk of Fame, showed us where Marilyn used to sip cocktails, Walt Disney dreamed up his magical tales, and to a site of a few ghostly goings on. Don’t worry, this was very much a hands on tour and as I sipped on my Moscow mule in Boardners, I felt every bit the Hollywood superstar.

After a late night stop at Hollywood’s most famous hot dog store Pinks , we headed back to the hotel to crash out. It had been a long day ticking off the LA bucket list, but we’d done it!

Santa Barbara

Our introduction to the cool, upmarket beach town of Santa Barbara started with a hippie named One Feather. He talked about peace and love as he showed us his intricately decorated van. A true eccentric, it was hard not to be fascinated by him. Santa Barbara is known for its beach, pier and State Street (the main shopping boulevard). While some of the group headed out stand up paddle boarding, the rest of us went in search of frozen yoghurt. Mooching around the cute shops, cafes, and exploring a pop up farmers market felt like the perfect contrast to our hectic first day in LA.

That night we stayed in a campsite. Oh, and this is where my camping virginity would be taken!

Only a few of us had never put tents up before so we were quickly selected for Darin’s demonstration. Poles, nails, ground sheets, rain covers… It was all jargon to me and I had never really understood why anyone would choose to camp! But as we gathered around the stove to cook a pasta dinner, enjoyed a few drinks and chatted away, I started to see the appeal. As I bedded down for the night with my new tent buddies Amy and Laura , we felt closer than ever!

Up and out early, Darin had described the day as a ‘driving day’ – i.e. stock up on snacks and pick someone with good music taste to manage the playlist. Oreos in hand, Kings of Leon blasting out we drove the Pacific Coast Highway. It turned out this wasn’t a mere driving day, it was accompanied by some of the most spectacular road trip scenery you’ll ever see! A Big Sur road trip isn’t just any old road trip! High cliffs overlooking the Pacific, suspension bridges, waterfalls and more. We continuously reached for our cameras, leaning over one another to get the killer shots.

We stopped several times at beautiful viewpoints including Hearst Bay for lunch and Piedras Blancas Beach to see the elephant seals. I’d never seen so many seals – they looked like an expanse of giant rocks on the beach. A few moments later we spotted the distant spouts of whales and dolphins swimming close to the shore. So much for it just being a driving day!

The final stop before the campsite was at McWay Falls, a picturesque 80 ft waterfall which crashes down onto the beach. When you Google ‘Big Sur’ – this is what comes up, and it’s one place that looks just as good in reality as the photos online!

Feeling like camping pros we put up our tents, enjoyed a delicious fajita dinner, and toasted marshmallows for smores on the campfire.

The next morning, we trekked to Pfeiffer Falls, a hike of around 3 miles through a beautiful forest of redwood trees. The sun beamed down creating beautiful sunny patches in the woods – even more spectacular once the waterfall came into view.

Magical scenery, jutting rocks, waterfalls, forests and potential bear sightings made this the part of the trip that appealed to me most.

It turned out to be every bit as magical as I’d imagined, if not more so. The drive into the park was breathtaking with huge mountains, pine trees, beautiful canyons, and a river complete with ferocious looking rapids. The landscapes were vast, making us feel very small indeed (even more than I usually do!) Tour guide Darin pointed out rock climbers on El Capitan (the most famous rock feature) – but they were barely visible to the human eye. Talk about feeling small!

We couldn’t wait to check out the giant sequoia trees in Tuolumne Grove. Over 3000 years old, the enormous trees again made us feel extremely small. Flecks of golden sun seeped majestically through the trees as we clambered in and out of cavernous old tree trunks.

While in Yosemite, I chose to follow the Mist Trail – a medium difficulty hike which took us up to see Nevada and Vernal Falls. While I’d say I’m reasonably fit, it was still a challenging hike, mostly due its steepness. The hike paid off when I saw the incredible panoramic views.

As we stopped for gas on the way back to the campsite, a wonderful surprise awaited us. Greg from Travizeo (our videographer who spent the week capturing our journey on #iTrekHere) ran to the van, grabbed his camera and sprinted across the parking lot. Unsure of what he’d seen, a handful of us did the same. A bear! A big black bear roaming free in the forest, crossing the road and going about his business. It was magnificent, beautiful and elegant. I couldn’t believe we’d seen a bear in the wild!

San Francisco 

Surviving four nights of camping, virtually no internet and a few shower experiences I’d rather forget, we made our way to our final stop San Francisco. It was the city everyone raved about. And soon enough – I’d be raving about it too!

Over the next 48 hours we would check out several cool neighbourhoods, sail a catamaran under the Golden Gate Bridge, escape from Alcatraz, and party until dawn. It was the perfect end to an incredible week.

First on our hit list – the Mission District a.k.a where the hipsters hang out. Covered in eye-catching street art, it was home to a handful of trendy boutiques, super cool restaurants and a tonne of taco joints. It was a cool place to kick off our time in SF.

Next it was off to Haight–Ashbury – famous for being the home of the summer of love in the 60s. Sure enough, it had retained its hippie vibe with tie-die stores, small boutiques, and a certain ‘scent’ in the air!

Tourist areas Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 were brightly lit and filled with alluring gift shops, scents of cookies and big name chains. Unexpectedly, it was also home to a lot of sealions – spotted as we disembarked our catamaran. So cute! I also LOVED visiting Lombard Street – also known as the most crooked street in the world.

San Francisco is home to the biggest Chinatown outside of China, and I absolutely loved exploring the weird supermarkets and kitsch stores… even more so because of my love of pandas!

While spending the morning doing an audio tour of a former prison might not sound like a reason to get out of bed, our trip to Alcatraz was a real highlight. The tour offered a fascinating insight into the various attempted escapes and the big name criminals who used to be imprisoned there. It was eerie at times, but really struck a chord.

I can’t believe how much we crammed into our 9-day tour through California. It was the perfect taster of what the state has to offer, and somewhere I can’t wait to explore more of.

Along with special memories of the places we visited, I left with a great bunch of new friends. Since returning our group Whatsapp has continued to buzz with in jokes, funny photos and videos from the trip. We arrived as individuals but we definitely left as friends, something I really thank Trek America for. Once again, they delivered… here’s to the next #iTrekHere!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my Trek America review, and it comes in handy if you’re considering booking a group tour with the company. Any questions, let me know below!  

Thanks to the team at Trek America and Visit California  for inviting me to be part of #iTrekHere. F ind out more about Trek America and the  California Callin’  tour.  As always, opinions are my own! 

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

18 thoughts on “Trek America Review: An Incredible USA Road Trip”

Wow that looks great – the perfect combination between urban and nature! I agree with your sentiment by the way, I am also a big fan of solo and group travel. This group seemed to have been the perfect mix!

Yeah it’s a great route to take in a bit of everything! The national park was a refreshing break after the hustle and bustle of LA… but then I was SO excited for San Fran at the end too! 🙂

This looks like such a fun trip! What a great way to meet new people and share your experiences! How did you find out about this trip? One day I’ll get to Venice Beach and to see the Walk of Fame. Thanks so much for sharing

It was a great trip – especially meeting new people on the road. We were such a family by the end! I was invited on it but you can book it via their website too. Deffo recommend. Cx

Oh well, that’a a tour I’d like to do!

Oh you should Luca! Definitely worth it – a great stress-free way to see some amazing places!

What an amazing trip and you could share it with others from the bloggos/ and vloggosphere. You do not get the chance to meet and travel with so many likeminded people (that are also working in the same field), so that must have been amazing.

That’s so true AnneMarie – sometimes it’s fun to travel with people who really get what you do. Although WOW did we have our cameras out a lot!!

I bet you did. I have been on a couple of press trips with journalists and it’s so much harder because by the time I am done with photos, they are already way ahead of me. With bloggers, we are all slow together.^^

Yeah I know what you mean! Especially when you’re videoing too! We definitely earn those cocktails at the end of the day 🙂

Ah, don’t even get me started on the video process. I get dizzy so much from constantly kneeling, bending and then climbing things to get shots. You definitely earned those chocktails!

Definitely! I can’t wait to put my Trek America video together but it’s going to take a while!

These pictures look AMAZING Chlo – so glad you had the best time! I’d love to trek the same route, it sounds awesome! Yosemite is a must on my wanderlust list!

Hayley xo http://www.frockmeimfamous.com

Hey Hayley! Thanks for your comment lovely! It was an amazing trip – hope you get out there soon. You’ll love it – esp Yosemite. Pics just don’t do it justice! Cx

I’ll be in California in two weeks and your post and photos are making me hop with excitement! I won’t be able to see as much as you but we have San Francisco, Yosemite and Big Sur on the itinerary – I can’t wait!!

Ahhh that’s so exciting! Yosemite was definitely the highlight for me as it’s just soooo stunning… but I also loved SF. It’s the kind of city I can imagine living in!

This is amazing – I did a CA road trip 7 years ago and really feel like I need to repeat it! Love the video as well 😀

Thanks Kathi – yeah it was such a great route. Really varied! Thanks for checking it all out 🙂

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Never Ending Adventures

The Top 10 Longest Overland Tours

Have you ever wondered what the longest possible overland tour is? Covering the most miles you could take? Well, look no further, these some truly biblical journeys on offer, provided by some of the world-leading overland operators. They make my 2 month Africa expedition look like a weekend away.

10. Trek America's Great 48 75 days

Photo courtesy hey tiffany, flickr.

• Departure Date = 19th April 2020 + 03 June 2020 
• Countries Visited = 1 
• Km’s Covered (estimate using Google Maps) = 11,858 
• Price = £7769 
• Price Per Day, with Local Payment = £103.58 
• Group Size = Max 13 

Kicking off our list is the most extended overland tour of any one country. Trek America’s longest expedition Visits 48 states out of USA’s 50 that’s a lot of opportunities to have burgers and pancakes. It’s not all about the food, the tour covers the country top to toe, from the beaches of Florida and Miami to New York’s high-rises to the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. And these not forget the fantastic National Parks, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Moab and many many more.

9.India and Nepal Encompassed

Photo courtesy of nomad tales, flickr, photo courtesy of nigel quest, dennis jarvis, flickr.

• Departure Date = 6th June 2020
• Countries Visited = 2
• Km’s Covered = 8,008
• Price per day, with Local Payment = £79.53 
• Group Size = Max 22 

The ultimate in-depth tour of Nepal and India makes an entire circle of the subcontinent. Promising an authentic detailed look at not only the famous sites but also the people and the culture.  Starting from Kathmandu you be staying mostly in hotels and cover over 39 destinations throughout India and Nepal from the Himalayas to desserts to temples and beaches.

8. Exploratory – Bishkek to Istanbul Via Kathmandu Ultimate Asia, 119 days, Oasis Overland

Photo courtesy of lensmatter. flickr, photo courtesy pedro szekely, & ali reza flickr.

• Departure Date = 6th June 2020 
• Countries visited = 9 
• Miles Covered = ? 
• Price = £6950.00 + $3,150,00 = £9465
• Price Per Day, with Local Payment = £79.53 
• Group Size = Max 24 

This unique route that starts in Kyrgyzstan, before travelling through western china into Tibet and then winding through the Himalayas into Nepal and India. Then you get to head east through Pakistan, Iran and then finishing in turkey and the gateway to Europe Istanbul. Highlights include Mount Everest Base Camp, Tigers, Taj Mahal, Cappadocia and Ancient Persia.

7. The Silk Road & Himalayan Explorer, 119 days, Dragoman

Photo, courtesy, mondo79, flickr, photo courtesy, david stanley, & jonprc flickr.

• Departure Date = 28th April 2020
• Countries Visited = 11
• Miles Covered = 8792
• Price = £9240, + Local Payment $4000 = 12,440
• Price per Day, with local payment = £104.00 
• Group Size = Max 22

Unlike all the other overland adventures, Dragoman uses a selection of hostels and hotels, which is why it’s the most expensive on the list. Travelling from Istanbul, you get an in-depth look at the silk road all the way through to Xian passing Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan before heading into China. It doesn’t end there, afterwards, you head through Tibet before finishing with magnificent Himalaya peaks with views of Mount Everest.

6. Exploratory London to Istanbul via Kathmandu 182 days, Oasis Overland

Photo courtesy espada842, flickr, photo courtesy, esmar abdul hamid & david stanley, flickr.

• Departure Date = 04 April 2020
• Countries visited = 19 
• Price = £8349.00 + local payment $3500 = £11,144
• Price Per Day, with Local Payment = £61.23

This imaginative Itinerary covers the best of Central Asia, but also a train journey starting from London, visiting Berlin, Kiev, Moscow and St Petersburg. The Overlanding stage starts in Novgorod, where the tour will carry on through Georgia, the Stans, China, Tibet and Nepal. This is where the journey begins heading back to Europe, but first a trip to Taj Mahal then onwards to Pakistan Iran, and Turkey. This is a genuinely crazy adventure that will never end, that will keep the inner travelling nerd happy for months. 

5. London to Sydney, 183 days, Madventure

• Departure Date = 22nd March 2020
• Countries Visited = 27
• Miles Covered = ?
• Price = £4995 + Local Payment $3000 = total = £7390
• Price Per Day, with local payment = £40.38 
• Group Size 20-40 

Qantas wants to become the first airline to offer nonstop flights to Sydney, but why not take an extra 182 days and have some fun along the way?  These something exceptional about Overlanding the Kangaroo route (London to Sydney). It’s the ultimate overland adventure between two great iconic cities that couldn’t be further away from each other. These so many ways, different route options, but why not pick this Madventure’s option through Europe, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan China, southeast Asia and then onto Darwin and Ayers rock.  

4th Quite to Quite, Trans South America, 217 days, Oasis Overland

• Departure Dates = 17th Spetember, 17th September 2020 
• Countries visited = 11
• Price £7550.00 + Local Payment $3980 = £10,728
• Price Per Day, with Local Payment = £49.43 
• Group Size Max 24 

If these one continent you must explore in your lifetime, make sure it’s South America. It has everything from vibrant city’s, cultures, rainforests, exotic wildlife and eye-catching mountain ranges. So why not, go on the biggest tour of the continent? Covering a full circle, seeing all of the countries and highlights the continent has to offer. From spotting jaguars in Pantanal, seeing Machu Picchu, hiking into the amazon, visiting the Christ the redeemer all marvelling at Patagonia’s glaciers. These just so many experiences to be had.

3.Alaska to Brazil 245 days, Madventure

• Departure dates = 12th June 2020
• Countries Visited = 19
• Miles Covered = 17,478
• Price = £8995 + $3000 = £11,390
• Price Per Day, with local payment = £46.48
• Group Size = 20-40 

Follow the Pan American Highway from the Arctic to Antarctica, travelling through the Alaska Wilderness, into the Canadian Rocky’s and then visit a supervolcano in Yellowstone National park, before gaining a head for heights for the Grand Canyon. These to many highlights to name on my dream trip that finishes in the most vibrant city of them all Rio De Janeiro. Don’t think these a more desirable trip on this list than on the world’s longest road.

2.UK to Cairo, 280 days, Oasis Overland

• Departure Date = 10th November 2019
• Countries Visited 29
• Miles Covered (according to google maps) = 17,952 miles
• Price = £7690.00 + Local Payment $3100.00 = £10.155
• Price Per Day = £36.26
• Group Size = Max 24

I consider myself very fortunate that I got to experience a small leg of this spectacular journey. From Nairobi to Cape Town, this took two months, while this mammoth trip spans nine months from Gibraltar to Cairo.  You get to see all of the continent’s highlights from the Sahara Desert to the spectacular Serengeti, to the heights of Cape town’s Tabletop mountain. And these not forget the largest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls.  If you would like further insight into an overland Adventure in Africa with Oasis Overland why not take a look at my trip review of their coast to coast trip Nairobi to Cape Town.

1. Africa Encompassed 309 days Madventure

• Departure date = 4th November 2019
• Countries visited 35
• Miles Covered (according to google map)= 17952 miles
• Price £7995 + Local Payment = $3500 dollars = Total £10790
• Price Per Day, with local payment £34.91
• Group Size 20-40   

Topping up on the list is Madventures truly astronomical trip around Africa. Beating 2nd place by 29 days, the ten-month Gibraltar to Cairo trip takes a similar projection across western Africa, and then onto Cape Town and the southern tip of the continent before heading back up the eastern side of the continent via Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Kenya. That’s an awful lot of nights camping, and maybe just maybe by the time you get back, Brexit might be over.

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9 things i will miss if i quit flying., top 11 never ending self-propelled adventures, hidden gems of an africa overland tour.

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The Great 48

Artists and entrepreneurs. athletes and activists. legends and legends in the making. find them all in this across-the-board salute to the 48 most influential people living in the valley today. they’re the toast of arizona – our inaugural great 48..

Curt Kremer grew up on a farm in chilly Iowa, so touring Arizona State University on a college scouting trip on a beautiful November day sold him on the desert. After earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in construction management at ASU, Kremer worked at several companies before starting George Oliver in 2017, a commercial real estate company named after his twin boys, George and Oliver.

Kremer buys older buildings around the country and transforms them into “creative, fun and interactive office spaces.” One of his projects, The Quad (where PHOENIX magazine is located), has abundant natural light, work patios, dedicated dog areas and a restaurant. “We know how to make really cool real estate and can deliver it for you with the amenities already in place and the culture that you’re trying to create.”

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Trekking America

Trekking holidays in the united states.

Western USA National Parks Loop - 5 Days

• Las Vegas to Las Vegas
• Age range: 15 - 99
• Group size: 12

Las Vegas to San Fran: Parks, Canyons, Valleys - 8 Days

• Las Vegas to San Francisco

LA to Vegas: Grand National Parks - 10 Days

• Los Angeles to Las Vegas

Alaska Hike, Bike & Kayak - 6 Days

• Anchorage to Anchorage
• Group size: 11

Hiking in Yosemite National Park - 5 Days

• San Francisco to San Francisco

South Dakota to Yellowstone Parks Explorer - 6 Days

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Zion Glamping Adventure - 4 Days

Hiking Utah's National Parks - 9 Days

Trekking america - small group treks.

Trekking holidays America have never been more popular. The vast wilderness of the national parks offer so many routes and spectacular views along the way, it's a dream for many.

Some treks of course are very famous such as the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail to name but two, there are of course many more. 

Top 10 Treks In America

Here are the top 10 trekking and hiking holidays in the us:, john muir trail - 23 days, pacific northwest trail - 8 days, san fran to vegas: parks, canyons, valleys - 9 days, grand alaska camping - 12 days, deserts and canyons of the southwest - 14 days, grand canyon and rocky mountain trails - 15 days, walking the western us national parks - 10 days, yellowstone wildlife trails - hotels - 12 days, hiking utah's big 5 - 9 days, hiking sequoia, kings canyon, and yosemite - 8 days, who goes on the treks.

All of our US treks are small groups and guided. Groups are usually made up of around 10 people with typically equal mix of gender.

Usually around half of any group are solo travellers and the other half couples or friends.

Ages range from early twenties to over seventy but the average age is typically 39 ish.

The type of people who enjoy these trips really varies, we find the most important factor is the desire to be in the wild, away from city life and general life drama.

If you're interested in any departure date we can find out the make up of the group for you, just make contact with us by phone, chat or email:)

How Fit Do I Need To Be?

Each trek has a physical rating form 1 to 5. 1 is low meaning you don't really need to be fit at all where as 5 is challenging and we're recommend some training and an average fitness level.

Most of the US treks fall between 2 to 4, so quite easy to quite tough. In all cases we think it is a good idea to do even a little bit of training such as long walks with aback pack and if you're getting new walking shoes, get them early and break them in!

I Am A Solo Traveller

Don't worry, at least half of our customers overall are also solo travellers and our tours and holidays are designed with solo travellers in mind. We know it can be daunting if you're a solo traveller or of course it's your first time travelling alone. All of our team have travelled alone and we're very happy to talk you through it.

Usually about half of any group is made up of solo travellers. We pair solo travellers together of the same gender and age (where we can) to share a room which keeps costs down.

You can of course opt for your won room on most treks and adventures usually for a little extra.

Each trek is guided and the guide is there to make sure everyone is happy and safe. If you have a problem maybe with gear, your room mate, food etc the guide will be able to help and can usually fix any problems that arise!

Is Vegetarian Food Available?

Yes. All tours have  vegetarian options.

Is Wifi Available?

Not always. This depends upon where you are, which net work you're with etc...

What Gear Do I Need?

Each trek has a brochure you can download which includes a 'what to pack' list as each trek is different.

However, there are some essentials you may require:

- Good trekking shoes

- Light weight shorts and trousers 

- Sun cream

- Sunglasses

- Insect Repellent

- Waterproofs

- Water Bottle

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Communication was excellent both by email and over the phone, everyone I had contacted followed and actioned my request or answered my question politely and efficiently.

Would definitely recommend this company.

The staff are super helpful and friendly and always answer e-mails as soon as they can.

Trip achieved all my expectations!

The tour that I booked with The Adventure People met all my expectations. The local agent in Vietnam kept in regular contact with me during my trip. All of the connections worked perfectly. The hotels were all of a good standard and comfortable as well as being in a good location. Would definitely use them again

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Trek America: Canyons & National Parks

• Hiking & Trekking
• Walking Adventure
• Fully Guided

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Start San Francisco
• Day 2 Highlights of San Francisco then on to Yosemite National Park
• Day 3 Walking in Yosemite National Park
• Day 4 Drive across Tioga Pass and to Death Valley National Park
• Day 5 Travel to Zion National Park
• Day 6 Discover Zion National Park (breakfast)
• Day 7 Bryce Canyon National Park (breakfast)
• Day 8 Monument Valley (dinner)
• Day 9 Grand Canyon National Park (breakfast)
• Day 10 Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 11 Route 66 to Las Vegas

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Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator Exodus Travels 4.4
• anne · 23rd October 2019 Loved everything about the tour, great itinerary, transport, hotels, food and most of all our guide was wonderful... Show more
• Michelle · 14th September 2019 Tim was the VERY best— so informative and fun and related to each person in our small group
• Noeleen · 19th April 2018 Our tour guide Don. He was helpful informative and considerate! Many thanks to Don for making this trip a... Show more

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• September 2024
• October 2024
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• Sunday 12 May, 2024 Wednesday 22 May, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €5,640 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 15 Sep, 2024 Wednesday 25 Sep, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,640 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 72h
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• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 12 Sep, 2025 Monday 22 Sep, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €6,000 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 72h
• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 10 Oct, 2025 Monday 20 Oct, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €6,000 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 72h
• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 7 Nov, 2025 Monday 17 Nov, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €6,000 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 72h

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currency $ US Dollar USA

As a traveller from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 16th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 16th July 2024, a minimum payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking with Exodus Travels. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 90 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Exodus Travels will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Exodus Travels" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Exodus Travels. Please familiarise yourself with the Exodus Travels payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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TrekAmerica, USA

See the best of the USA in one epic adventure! Crossing the States from sea to shining sea truly embodies the great American road trip. AmeriCan Adventures is a diverse group of travelers who craft unforgettable experiences. Our goal: Create memories that people can go home and brag to their friends and family about for years to come. Group Leaders take small groups on trips camping in National Parks, exploring big cities, organizing activities with local vendors, tasting local cuisine, and much more throughout the beautiful landscapes of North America.

Our leaders have the opportunity to wear many different hats. As North America’s largest destination management company, AmeriCan Adventures Group Leaders may operate tours for Intrepid Travel, Trek America and Grand American Adventures, as well as many other brands. This means diversity in the trips we run, including specialty language tours, cycling or hiking tours, food tourism, and national park focused tours.

When applying for a position with us, know that we demand a lot from our staff because we provide a level of service that is well above the standard in the adventure travel industry. We look for people aligned with our core values in their personal and professional lives. If you are a motivated, energetic, customer-focused and hard-working person with a love for people and the outdoors, and are interested in growing with us, we would love to learn more about you.

Responsibilities include:

• Drive a van with of 13 passengers & tow a trailer
• Facilitate group meals and cook outdoors
• Manage expenses and budgets
• Book activities and campgrounds
• Inspect and maintain equipment
• Present cultural and historical information

Benefits & Activities:

• Freedom to plan trips with your personality in mind
• Keep a van for roaming even between tours
• Varied adventures

Meals: Provided Housing: Camping & lodging Staff size: Large Seasons: spring, summer, fall Positions:

• Seasonal tour leaders

Apply: Trek America employment FAQ Contact: [email protected]

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Table of Contents

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1. H&I Adventures: Mountain Biking Safari in Nambia

With Nambia being one of the safest and most naturally beautiful countries in Africa, it’s the perfect place to take a bike tour. H&I Adventures offers cycling along the Swakon River and in Skeleton Coast National Park. Highlights include watching the sunrise over the Soussusylei dunes and taking a visit to a Himba village. Here are some things to know about the tour.

– The Mountain Biking Safari lasts 12 days and costs $3,910. – There is a $544 bike rental fee if you don’t plan on bringing your own along. – Skill level required is novice, but it is recommended that you be in decent physical shape.

2. Dragoman: Istanbul-Bangkok via Burma

3. Aspiring Adventures: Quyllur Rit’I Trip

With stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites Machu Picchu and Cusco, this tour is an amazing opportunity to visit some of the best locations in South America and learn some Incan history. Here are some important details.

– The trip costs $3,875. – It only takes place once per year during the month of May. – There are two options for trekking to Machu Picchu: via the Jungle Inca Trail or the Standard Inca Trail.

4. National Geographic Expeditions: Archaeological Wonders of Southern Italy and Sicily

Home to the Ancient Roman Empire, the entire country of Italy is like an open-air museum. Discover some of its most jaw-dropping landscapes and ruins on this tour from Naples to Sicily. With stops in eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and hikes to the rims of two active volcanoes, this tour is a must for any history buff. Here’s some highlights of the tour.

– The duration of the trip is 10 days. – You’ll be led by some of the most knowledgeable archaeology experts in the world. – Cost is between $6,100 and $6,500.

5. Alaska Heritage Tours: Best of Kenai Fjords National Park

Trekking the Last Frontier is a great way to see some of the world’s best untouched nature. This route has you circumnavigating Fox Island by kayak, keeping an eye out for puffins and sea lions on a fjord cruise, ice-climbing Exit Glacier, and learning how to mush with an Iditarod champ before taking off on a dogsled ride. Here are some fast facts about this condensed grand tour of the Last Frontier.

– The trek is 5 days/4 nights in total. – It costs $1,933. – Begins and ends in Anchorage, making a loop around the fjords.

6. The Human Journey: Tracking Legendary People and Sacred Places

This 24-day journey will take you to some of the most sacred places on Earth in luxury via private Boeing 757 jet. You’ll visit the lands of fabled ancient civilizations, from nomadic Mongolia to Sri Lanka. Consider the following before booking your trip.

– The fare for this tour is a steep $67,950. – Begins and ends in London. – Stops include: Tbilisi, Georgia; Samarqand, Uzbekistan; Ulaanbaatar and the Gobi, Mongolia; Yangon, Bagan, and Inle Lake, Burma; Dambulla, Sri Lanka; Addis Ababa and Lalibela, Ethiopia; Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

7. Highlights of Iceland

Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and this tour will take you to some of its most beloved destinations over the course of eight days. Take the following into account when booking.

– The tour costs just over $2,000 and includes airport transfers, accommodation, most meals, museum entry fees, boat trip fee and taxes. – Flights to Iceland are not included! – Tours are given in English and Scandinavian languages.

8. Trek America: The Great 48

Over the course of three months, this tour will take you through the entire continental U.S. You’ll visit 19 National Parks, countless small towns and America’s best big cities. This is the best opportunity to see the real America – the landscapes the people and the cuisine. Here are some things you should know about the trip.

– You’ll need to make a 10% deposit when booking. Full deposit is due 12 weeks before the trip begins. It between $10,100-$10,700 in total, depending on the time of year. – A private group trip can be organized if you are travelling with at least seven other people. – You must have adequate travel insurance to take part in this trip.

9. Contiki: European Highlights

Contiki is known for their fun and energetic youth tours and this tour of European Highlights promises to provide you with the youthful, party atmosphere that makes them one of the most popular tour companies in the world. On this fast-paced trip you’ll hit up seven countries in only two weeks, seeing the best of what Europe has to offer. Here are some highlights of the tour.

– You’ll leave from London and make stops in Monaco, Vatican City, Italy, France, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. – You can pay for the trip in installments with Contiki Easy Pay. – The tour takes you to an incredible 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

10. Around the World Tours: Around the World on Luxury Trains

If you have a love for train travel, this is an amazing way to go on a RTW trip. This tour takes you back to an earlier time, when the trip was just as much about the journey as the destination. Here are some important details about the trip.

– Prices are available on request to the tour company, Around the World Tours. – Routes are: London to Istanbul, Moscow to Beijing, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok to Singapore, Darwin to Adelaide, Vancouver to Toronto and Cape Town to Cairo. Flights and other ground transportation are used to get you from destinations not connected by trains. – The longest part of the tour is the 28-day Cape Town to Cairo stretch. – The entire journey should take about 80 days, give or take a few days.

11. Underground Tour – Seattle, Washington, USA

Here’s a really great day-tour for those of you not yet prepared to set out on an epic expedition. Much of Seattle was burnt to the ground in the Great Fire of 1889 and the city that stands there today was literally built on top of rubble. This guided tour takes you underground to explore some of these old buildings for a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past. Here are some things you should know about the tour.

– You’ll only need a morning or afternoon to do it! The entire tour only lasts about 75 minutes. – Tickets are $9 for children, $19 for adults. – It’s best to use public transportation to reach the meeting point as parking is limited in the area.

12. Polar Explorers: South Pole Full Ski

Even the most seasoned adventurer will find this Antarctic tour to be a challenge – it’s truly the ultimate adventure. As you trek eight to ten hours per day across the uninhabited South Pole, you’ll experience driving winds and temperatures plunging below zero. That may sound harsh, but it’s very rewarding as you’ll also experience pristine wilderness, surreal beauty and the adventure of a lifetime. Keep the following in mind if you’re considering taking this tour.

– It begins with a 4.5-hour flight from Chile to Antarctica. – It lasts around 60 days, give or take a few days depending on weather conditions. – Because of the trip’s challenging nature, a complete medical evaluation and a history of previous expeditions must be submitted in your application.

13. Timber Tours: Historic Route 66

Retrace the route that defined an era by bike on this tour led by Timber Tours. You’ll pedal for 40 days, beginning in Chicago,IL and ending in Santa Monica, CA and covering about 2,500 miles. Here’s a quick rundown on the trip.

– Cost is $15,000 and that includes all accommodations and meals. – Sections of the route are a bit rough, so leave your skinny tires at home. – The tour is only available during September and October.

14. Wilderness Travel: Royal Rajasthan

This tour will take you across India’s desert kingdom allowing you to experience fascinating desert tribes, fortresses and palaces of marble and onyx. Among the many things included in the trek are camping, rickshaw rides, markets and a sunrise viewing of the Taj Mahal. Here are some more quick details.

– The entire trek lasts 11 days and begins in Delhi. – There are optional 4-5 day extensions available. – The difficulty level is easy, so this tour is perfect for all fitness levels.

15. Tour Plan Israel: Jerusalem Old & New

Another fantastic day tour is this one taking you through Jerusalem. As one of the most historically valuable cities on Earth, there is the opportunity to take in locations that have played home to some of history’s most important events. Highlights of this tour include: Mount of Olives, Old City, Western Wall, Via Dolorasa, Church of the Holy Sepulche, Mount Zion and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Here are some important things to know about the tour.

– Make sure to bring enough water and snacks. No meals are provided and you want to stay properly hydrated. – Pick up is available from major hotels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. – There is a modest dress code, meaning you should make sure to cover shoulders and knees as you’ll be entering holy areas.

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The Great American Outback Trail

Updated: Jan 9

The 2,400 Great American Outback Trail is was designed to be the most remote overland track in the lower 48. Showcasing the history and geological wonders of the northern Great Basin desert and eastern Cascades, the 2,400 mile long GAOT is sure to be a hit among history and nature buffs. The horizon seems to go on forever in this big country, and trillions of stars scatter across a night sky that is dark as ink.

Route Overview

Trip Length & Season

Adventure Rating: Dakar Trip Length: 2,400 miles total. Refer to the individual segments below for mileage and trip times. Season: Most of the route can be traveled from summer to mid-fall, but please refer to the specific recommendations for each of the 4 segments below.

Digital Map & GPX Files

Technical Ratings & Terrain

Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans

Discovery Points

Permits & Papers

Route Details

Segment 1: The Modoc Plateau & Eastern Cascades

Trip Lengthy & Season

Trip Length: 583 miles, 5-10 days

Season: The best time to travel segment 1 is typically from September to October, as a means of avoiding the high desert heat in sections like Fort Rock (often in the 90s during summer). Cresting the Warner Mountains is the main seasonal barrier with segment 1, as snow can persist into early July some years. Generally speaking, this segment can be traveled from June to early November, but check be sure to check snowpack conditions in the Warners and around Paulina Lakes.

Fuel, Provisions and Recommended Gear

Camping Recommendations

Alternative Routes

The official start of the Great American Outback Trail begins in the historic pioneer town of Cedarville, California. The first part of segment 1 traces much of the Modoc Backcountry Discovery Trail. After burning the pavement to Fort Bidwell, the route climbs into the oft-overlooked but incredibly wild and scenic, Warner Mountains. The Warners are an 85-mile long subrange within the greater Basin and Range province. The mountains create a formidable barrier between the Modoc Plateau in the west, and the Great Basin Desert to the east. Despite the rather barren and dry landscape of Surprise Valley (where Fort Bidwell and Cedarville sit), the Warners are filled with pine, lush meadows, and an abundance of wild flowers. Once you crest the Warners and make your way past Goose Lake, you're now entering the Modoc Plateau, an area with a violent volcanic past in the not so distance past. The Modoc Plateau is also home to a sizable population of wild mustangs that roam the Devil's Garden area. The landscape in the plateau tends to be dry, filled with grass, volcanic rock, and drought resistant flora like juniper. Interesting enough, there are a number of swamping sections in the Modoc Plateau, including Fairchild swamp. As you travel west, the route eventually climbs in elevation as it makes its way up to Medicine Lake, which sits in the crater of the Medicine Lake Shield Volcano and is the largest volcano by volume within the Cascade volcanic arc. Before making your way Medicine Lake, we highly recommend making the out-and-back trip to Cave Loop at Lava Beds National Monument. Cave Loop features 18 lava tubes varying in size from the size of a small apartment, to absolutely massive lava caves that extend hundreds of feet underground. Medicine Lake is a popular camping area, and the mountains in this portion of Modoc National Forest are filled with evergreens, lava flows, and lots of volcanic glass, better known as obsidian. From here, the route heads north through the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, which is a series of wetlands that are used by large populations of migratory birds. The track passes into Oregon and through the historic industrial town of Klamath Falls. As you make your way into Fremont-Winema National Forest, there are some fantastic views of Upper Klamath Lake and Mt McLoughlin to the east. The section through Fremont-Winema NF is mostly forested, filled with ponderosa pine and fir. The best views along this segment can be had atop Bald Mountain Lookout, which does entail a short hike when the gate to the lookout is closed. As you descend from the highlands around Bald Mountain, you enter the sage brush ocean of Oregon's high desert. Fort Rock, a massive 300 foot tall volcanic tuff ring rises about from the surrounding prairie is definitely worth visiting. A couple of miles away in"town", you'll come across the Fort Rock Homestead Village & Museum, which we also recommend stopping by. Heading north, you'll soon make your way back into the mixed pine and juniper forest that is prevalent around the Bend and central Oregon region. You'll split off the main forest road and begin making your way up and over the summit to Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Highlights in this section include Paulina Lakes and the impressive views atop Paulina Peak. From here, the route continues north along a windy secondary dirt forest road that brings you across a massive lava flow and down to highway 97, with additional stops at the Lava Cave, Lava Lands Visitor Center, and through old town Bend where segment 1 concludes.

Segment 2: Hart Mountain, Steens Mountain & the Alvord Desert

Trip Length: 663 miles, 6-12 days

Season: Segment 2 can typically be travelled from June through November, but the best time to travel segment 1 is typically from mid-September to early November. Snow on Steens Mountain Loop may persist into early summer and arrive in early fall.

As you depart Bend and head in a southwest direction, you get the feeling that you're heading deep into the Oregon Outback, and you are! The roads to Christmas Valley are mostly wide dirt and gravel roads (with a prolonged washboard section outside of Bend), with some shorter sections of bumpier two track. The remnants of the eastern Cascades are visible as you make your way south, with numerous low elevation buttes visible on the western horizon. The Christmas Valley sand dunes are a popular recreation site for off roaders, dirt bikers, UTVs, and overlanders. Be sure to check out the Lost Forest on your way to the dunes. More adventurous folks may wish to drive to Fossil Lake at the east end of the massive dune field. Passing the old SuperDARN radar site, the track makes a beeline towards Lake Albert. The track makes its way over the hill into the Warner Valley just north of Plush, Oregon. If you've got some time to explore, we recommend checking out the Glass House just south of Hart Lake (marked on the GPX track for subscribers). As you climb up the mountain into the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, be sure to stop and take in the views at the Warner Valley Overlook. Not far from the overlook you'll find the Hart Mountain visitor center, which is also worth visiting. If you're looking to camp in the area, you'll want to check out Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground. Just next to the campground sits the exquisite Antelope hot springs. The hot springs are surrounded by a stone wall which provides shelter from wind, and a concrete platform and metal ladder make this one of our favorite hot springs! Hart Mountain and Steens Mountain are effectively mirrors of one another, that are separate by a 25-mile wide fault-block. Where Steens Mountain drops precipitously to the Alvord Desert on its eastern flanks, Hart Mountain drops off on its western facing blanks. Between the two, sits a large low lying valley, where the fault-block lies. As you make your way towards the impressive Steens Mountain, you'll need to cross Flook Lake. When the lake is covered in water or wet (it's super easy to get stuck in these dry lake beds when they're muddy), be sure to follow the GPX track around the banks of the lake, as opposed to the main road that goes straight through the center of the lake. Just north of Flook Lake you'll follow a series of wide and well maintained dirt roads all the way to the pavement of Frenchglen Highway (highway 205).

The Steens Mountain Loop is certainly one of the highlights of segment, but forewarned, snow can persist at the top of Steens Mountain in July. At 9,738 feet, the views atop Steens Mountain could be called impressive, but that just wouldn't justify how awesome these views are. Some of the best viewpoints include Kiger Gorge Overlook, one of several rugged canyons that were carved by glaciers. Kiger Gorge is a u-shaped canyon that's over 2,000 feet deep and over a mile wide. The east rim overlook provides fantastic views of the Alvord Desert playa and 360 degree views of northern Great Basin Desert. From Steens Mountain, the track descends back to the highway and heads south, effectively wrapping around the southern end of the Steens and into the Alvord Desert. The Alvord is Oregon's answer to Nevada's Black Rock Desert. While the desert playa may not be as large as the Black Rock, the dark red volcanic cliffs and ridge lines of Steens Mountain creates a stark and mesmerizing backdrop against the Alvord playa. Like the Black Rock playa, you may also drive on the Alvord playa, just be sure to avoid the lakebed if any moisture or mud is present. From the playa, continue north on the gravel of Fields-Denio Road. Just before reaching Ten Cent Lake, head up into the mountains via bumpy and rocky doubletrack that is Burnt Flat Road. Once you reach the first major intersection, the road becomes much better maintained. Interesting sites along this leg of the trek include Riddle Mountain Lookout, Pete French Round Barn, Diamond Craters natural area, and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center overlooking Malheur lake. The final portion of segment 2 passes through the tiny hamlet of Crane, which affords opportunities to refuel and resupply. If you're a hot spring connoisseur, we highly recommend paying a visit to Crystal Crane Hot Springs resort just west of "town". From Crane you'll follow a series of wide dirt and gravel roads to the town of Vale, Oregon, which will act as your gateway to the Owyhee Canyonlands.

Segment 3: The Owyhee Canyonlands, Snake River Plain, and Jarbidge

Trip Length: 681 miles, 6-10 days

Season: Segment 3 can typically be travelled from June through early November, but snow at Bear Creek Summit above Jarbidge can persist into July (take the alternative route Snow Reroute around the pass if the snow becomes impassable). The recommended time of year to travel this segment is September - early November.

Segment 3 presents a diverse array of landscapes across the northern Great Basin Desert and Snake River Plain. Just east of Vale runs the Owyhee River, separating Oregon and Idaho. The Owyhees are a vast land of rolling hills and canyonlands covering over 2 million across southeastern Oregon, southwestern Idaho, and northern Nevada. From just outside of Vale, the track follows along the river banks of the Owyhee, until the track leaves the pavement and heads up into the highlands via Fisherman Road. Segment 3 hits some of the better known areas in the Owyhees like Leslie Gulch, Succor Creek natural area, and Three Fingers Gulch. The hills and canons are littered with miles upon miles of dirt roads and two tracks. If you're feeling adventurous and in a capable rig, go out an explore! Upon leaving the Owyhee Canyonlands, the track passes through Jordan Valley. If you've got time to explore, we recommend exploring the volcanic fields of Jordan Crater, just to the east of "town". As you cross the north fork of the Owyhee, you're now following the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway, gateway to the Snake River plain. Along the banks of the Bruneau River sits the historic village of Bruneau, an agro-town like many of the other towns, villages, and census designated places in these parts. Just downstream of town the Bruneau spills into the Snake. If you dabble in fishing or are serious about, the Snake is legendary across the entire west for its fantastic fishing opportunities. From Bruneau head south until the pavement turns to dirt. You're on your way to the most remote town in the lower 48, Jarbidge, Nevada. Originally founded as a mining town in the 1800s, aside from electricity and vehicles, not much has changed around these parts, and that's just the way the people like it! Outside of Lake Tahoe, Nevada isn't particularly known for its alpine scenery, but a drive through the rugged and incredibly wild Jarbidge Mountains will change your mind-- and the solitude, you'll feel like you own the place once you get far above town. The track makes a zig zag through the Jarbidge Mountains, showcasing this near-forgotten mountain range in all of its wonder. The track ends on the pavement, just south of the village of Mountain City-- and a city it certainly is not!

Segment 4: Northern Nevada & the Black Rock Desert

Trip Length: 681 miles, 6-12 days

Season: The best time to travel segment 4 is from September to early November. We recommend traveling during the summer months given the heat, typically in the 90s in the high desert. You may travel this route as early as mid-May (check with BLM on the gate status at High Rock Canyon, opens in May) but you may hit snow through the Santa Rosa Mountains and Hinkey Summit.

Segment 4 presents a cornocopia ecoregions within the northern Basin & Range province. After experiencing the alpine wonders of the Jarbidge Mountains, you've probably come to realize there's more to Nevada than endless sagebrush and barren mountains and hills, and segment 4 exemplifies the biological diversity that can exist within the desert.

We begin segment 4 on the dirt, leaving the Owyhee River and Jarbidge Mountains in our rear view. You'll be heading deep into the deserts of northern Nevada with a few quick jaunts into a few of the mountain ranges that form the Basin and Range province. The track begins by following a series of well graded dirt roads through the hills until eventually hitting the pavement of Highway 226. Not long after jumping onto the pavement, the route follows a series of dirt and gravel county roads through some of the least visited places within the state. There's not a whole lot of anything in this part of Nevada than seemingly endless wide open spaces, so be sure to prepare accordingly. As you travel westward, keep an eye out for Willow Creek reservoir on your right, one of the few landmarks/discovery points along the eastern section of segment 4. As you wrap around Jack Creek and Kelly Creek Mountains and head north, see if you can spot the absolutely masive open pit mining complex at Twin Creeks Mines. You may be wondering why we're traveling north, well it's to check out another alpine wonderland within northern Nevada, the Santa Rosa Mountains. Be sure to drive out to Lye Creek Campground as the views of Granite Peak to the south are impressive, and it's certainly not a bad place to camp either! The track snakes through the mountains cresting at Hinkey Summit before dropping down to the small village of Paradise Valley. Follow the pavement until you pass through the old industrial town of Winnemucca. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Winnemucca was a thriving center of commerce and transportation. The town served as a hub for the mining industry in the region, as well as a center for agriculture and ranching. The town also played an important role in the development of the western United States, serving as a stop for travelers, traders, and settlers moving westward. If you'd like to learn more about the history of Winnemucca and northern Nevada, we highly recommend visiting the Humboldt Museum.

From Winnemucca you'll follow the dirt and gravel of Jungo Road all the way to the Black Rock Desert. It's hard not to be awestruck upon arriving at the Black Rock Playa. Covering over 200 square miles, the Black Rock Playa is the largest dry lake bed in the United States. The track follows Jungo Road all the way to Highway 447, which leads into the small desert outpost of Gerlach. Follow the pavement that wraps around Gerlach and then use one of the access points north of Gerlach to access the playa. Upon reaching the playa, it's incredibly easy to zip across the salt flats to the large black point in the distance, which is Black Rock Point. The track traverses past a couple of microplayas and bumpy track leads to one of the best viewpoints of the Black Rock desert,-- 1,200 feet above the playa with incredible 360 degree views. Be forewarned, the main track from Black Rock Point to Soldier Meadows is very bump. If you'd like to travel at an expedited pass, consider crossing the playa to one of the access points and take Soldier Meadows Road north (one of the alternative routes). The Lassen, Applegate, and Noble's emigrant trails all passed through the Black Rock, and if you keep an eye out you may just come across one of the T-shaped markers that denote these historical trails. The track passes Soldier Meadows hot springs and heads into the incredibly scenic and rugged High Rock Canyon. The canyon is home to a number of interesting rock formations, as well as hundreds of nesting birds that make their homes in the cliff walls. Subscribers will be lucky enough to visit discovery points that lead to the old Post Office Cave and Pioneer Graffiti. Upon reaching the refurbished Stevens Camp cabin, the track begins heading east towards the Summit Lake Indian Reservation. After passing through the Summit Lake Reservation, the next destination is the Pine Forest Range-- another mountain range full of trees and bubbling brooks. Be sure to visit the out-and-back trek to Knott Creek Reservoir, which is a fantastic place to camp and features a number of off rock formations. After leaving the Pine Forest Range, you'll follow the pavement of Highway 140 until reaching Denio Junction, where you'll swing a sharp left to stay on Highway 140. From here you'll head into the Sheldon Wildlife Refuge, with the first stop at the impressive Thousand Creek Gorge. If you've got the time, we've heard there's a trail that leads into the gorge, but prepared to do a bit of bushwhacking. Much of the landscape within Sheldon Wildlife Refuge is similar to the rolling hills of sagebrush that you find upon exiting High Rock Canyon near Stevens Camp. There are a number of small dry lakebeds and microplayas in these uplands. Some can make for a great camping spot, just be wary if there's been any recent precipitation in the area, but the rains typically don't arrive until winter and spring. As you zig zag down the switchbacks below Yellow Mountain, Massacre Rim comes into view. Massacre Rim is actually a designated IDA Dark Sky Sanctuary, one of the best places for stargazing in the lower 48. From Massacre Rim, the track follows a series of county roads passing through the old ghost town of Vya, and then up and over the mountains and into Surprise Valley. Surprise Valley straddles the California-Nevada border, and perhaps as a bonus an appropriate ending to the track, the Great American Outback Trail passes through the Surprise Valley Hot Springs Resort before meeting the end of this grandiose overland track four miles later, in the same place you began, Cedarville, California.

Terms of Use: Should you decide to travel a route that is published on Overlandtrailguides.com, you do so at your own risk. Always take the appropriate precautions when planning and traveling, including checking the current local weather, permit requirements, trail/road conditions, and land/road closures. While traveling, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, and carry the appropriate safety, recovery, and navigational equipment. The information found on this site is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by OverlandTraxx, the route accuracy and current conditions of roads and trails cannot be guaranteed.

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Trek From Coast To Coast On One Of The Longest Hiking Trails In America

T he U.S. is no stranger to extremely long hikes. Two of the most famous are the Appalachian Trail (AT), which runs from Georgia to Maine, and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which goes from the Mexican to Canadian borders, California to Washington. But they're not that long. The PCT is "only" 2,650 miles, and the AT is a measly 2,190 miles. You can knock both of those hikes out in six months.

If you're looking for a real challenge, how about trekking from coast to coast, all the way across America? The American Discovery Trail (ADT) runs for around 5,000 miles from Cape Henlopen, Delaware, to Point Reyes National Seashore, California. Hiking this trail takes an average person 390 days. During that time, you get to experience the full diversity of America's landscapes: mountains and deserts, big cities and vast prairies. So step aside Route 66; we're crossing the country on foot.

Read more: The Best Methods For Securing Your Tent To Feel Safer While Camping

Exploring The East

Most through hikers start the ADT on the East Coast and head west, according to discoverytrail.org , so that's where we will begin. Hikers set out from the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware's Cape Henlopen State Park. The Delaware section is just 44 miles. According to one poster on the r/hiking forum on Reddit, that is no bad thing, as this state's section is mainly on paved roads.

From Delaware, you'll hit Maryland and Washington, D.C., crossing the Chesapeake Bay. You can take a side trip into D.C. and see the stunning Great Falls on the Potomac. Next, you're in West Virginia, where you can spend some time around Harpers Ferry, discovering Civil War history in the area . After this, you'll be on a particularly scenic section of the trail. You'll hike over ancient mountains and in deep valleys and spend some time on the North Bend Rail Trail, which one user on Reddit's r/bicycletouring forum writes has lovely scenery.

Your final state in this eastern section is Ohio (with a dip into Kentucky). You'll pass caves, sandstone hills, and an area called the "Little Smokies," thanks to their resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains. Think steep hills and dense woodland. From Elizabethtown, you have a choice to make: the northern or the southern route.

Sightseeing In The Center

The ADT splits into two between Elizabethtown, Ohio, and Denver, Colorado. Both routes pass through Indiana and Illinois, but the northern route crosses Iowa and Nebraska, while the southern route goes through Missouri and Kansas. The northern route is slightly over 200 miles shorter than the southern route.

Taking the northern route, you'll pass through Indiana's Midwestern Corn Belt, the flat, northern part of Illinois (you can take a side trip to Chicago), and Iowa and Nebraska's vast corn and bean fields. On the southern route, you'll go through hillier country in Indiana and Illinois before going into St. Louis, Missouri, and crossing the state's limestone bluffs. In Kansas, you'll spend 570 miles walking beside great corn and wheat fields and through small towns.

We're going to be honest: This might not be your favorite section of the trail. As one user put it in Reddit's r/campingandhiking forum, despite having two trails to choose from in the central section, "either way it'll be terrible." We wouldn't go that far, as these states have their charms. However, be aware that though Kansas is relatively flat, it is a tough state to trek through on the ADT. In the r/thruhiking forum on Reddit, one poster wrote that several hikers describe Kansas as the "roughest stretch," partly due to the weather and partly due to the lack of water sources.

West To The Coast

Once you've crossed the Midwest, the only way is up. We mean that literally because your next state is Colorado. From Denver, the trail joins up and heads into the Rocky Mountains. The scenery will be spectacular, and hopefully, you'll have your trail legs, as you'll need to cross six peaks that reach over 9,000 feet.

After this, you cross into Utah. The Trek writes that the ADT is the only long-distance trail that allows hikers to really explore this glorious state, differentiating it from all other long-distance hikes. The scenery is wonderfully diverse in southern Utah: You'll cross the red rocks of Canyonlands National Park and hike through high forests, deep canyons, and towering mountains.

From Utah, you go into Nevada, which is not a state that usually attracts hordes of hikers. But that's a shame, as Nevada offers ADT hikers mountain crossings, valleys covered in sagebrush, and a chance to visit Great Basin National Park, where there are over 40 caves to explore . Finally, you reach your last state of California. You enter the state on the gorgeous Tahoe Rim Trail, descend through the Sierras, and pop out on the Pacific Ocean at Point Reyes National Seashore. Here, you can relax on long sandy beaches and find an epic spot to set up your tent for the last time.

Practicalities Of The ADT

How do you even begin to plan for hiking the ADT? First, we've been talking about America's longest trek, but you don't have to do this trail on foot. Most of it is open to cyclists; one person has even completed the whole length on horseback. One couple, Bill and Laurie Foot, completed the trail by doing a mixture of hiking and biking. You can do the ADT your way.

Be aware that the weather will present challenges. One Reddit poster in the r/hiking forum wrote that Nevada is a "brutal" stretch, saying that hikers should carry gallons of water in a stroller. Meanwhile, the snow in the mountains in Colorado can also make hiking difficult and perhaps dangerous. With this in mind, you'll need to time your start date well if you want to do the whole hike. Ken and Marcia Powers began in February and ended in October, being the first couple to successfully complete the whole trail in one continuous go.

Finally, one user on Reddit writing in the r/hiking forum suggests using the official ADT as a guide and planning your own route. The ADT meanders, and there are often faster ways to walk between towns, so you may want to skip some parts. Hike your own trail.

Read the original article on Explore .

Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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