The first thing to know about Western USA is that everything is big. The canyons are massive, the portion sizes are colossal, and the adventure options are limitless. From cruising down classic highways to camping underneath the Northern Hemisphere Milky Way and hiking Yosemite’s pine-dusted trails, there is so much more to the wild, wild west than just haystacks and tumbleweeds.
Before this trip, I’d only ever explored the States as a solo traveler, and I found the experience overwhelming at times. While there’s nothing quite like getting lost on a Greyhound route between New York and New Orleans, it’s nice to be pointed in the right direction — whether that’s to the best campsite, the best sunrise spot, or the best bar in town. This is particularly enjoyable when a friendly local guide, like our certified Californian guide Rick, leads the way.
Going Geological at Joshua Tree
If you’re not into geology, a trip to the alien terrain of Joshua Tree National Park will surely change your perspective. Known for its shady oases, unique yucca trees, and ancient rock formations, Joshua Tree offers an otherworldly outdoor experience. Nestled between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, this unusual landscape has inspired many, from musicians like U2 to climbers like Alex Honnold. During our visit, we spent time hiking, biking, and climbing, but the highlight was undeniably cooling off in the Colorado River — a must-do!
En Route 66
We’ve all seen Thelma and Louise drive it, and we’ve definitely watched Forrest Gump run it, but cruising the famed Route 66 is a whole other experience. Stock up on snacks — the more Americana, the better — and wind the bus windows down while cranking Willie Nelson for the full road trip effect. Don’t forget to ask your driver to stop at a local highway stand for fry bread — a delightful treat that combines flavors of pancakes and scones, deep-fried and drizzled with honey.
New Perspectives in Yosemite
Experiencing Yosemite is awe-inspiring. The towering granite monolith El Capitan takes your breath away, and the extensive pine forests stretch endlessly along the horizon. As we ventured off the beaten path, we discovered the stunning Hetch Hetchy, a hiking trail adorned with cascades and wildflowers. Downtime included cruising the valley floor on mountain bikes, playing cards back at camp, and sharing stories with our knowledgeable guide, Rick.
Feeling Grand in the Grand Canyon
One of the joys of group travel is meeting interesting people, like Matthias, a traveling astrophysicist from Oxford University. Standing on the south rim of the Grand Canyon is magnificent on any day, especially when you have an expert explaining the canyon’s six-million-year history. After taking in the vastness, we hiked down to Plateau Point for breathtaking views of winding chasms and soaring eagles while enjoying a sunset pizza near this natural wonder.
Stargazing in the Sierra Nevadas
While Hollywood has its stars, stargazing in the eastern Sierra Nevada ranges is truly magical. After several days on the road, we reached the picturesque town of Bishop, which offered quaint charm in abundance. Our group enjoyed delicious “bear claw” cookies from a local bakery, sampled Sierra Nevada pale ales, and relaxed in a remote hot spring. The serene hot springs were a local secret, and we had them all to ourselves, aside from a few shooting stars overhead — an unforgettable experience!
Trams and Tacos in San Francisco
Our final destination was San Francisco, the ‘City by the Bay’. Known for its vibrant culture, San Francisco offers a plethora of options to explore. I headed to the Mission District on a tram craving tacos, enjoying delicious carne asada alongside stunning local street art. Later, I reunited with the group for a thrifting adventure down Haight Street followed by dim sum in Chinatown. While the Golden Gate Bridge is iconic, indulging in local culinary delights while exploring a new city is the ultimate travel experience.
