Mardi Gras - 16 Days

At Nevada's Valley of Fire, walk the colorful canyons and interpret the ancient rock art. Later, experience a man-made wonderland with a night out in Las Vegas. At Grand Canyon National Park find solitude with a long walk along the edge, or hike into the canyon along Bright Angel Trail to spectacular viewpoints at every turn!

You can then snuggle up under our shell as we drive (while you sleep) to Picacho Peak. Walk amongst the wildflowers, white-winged doves, and road runners! Strong hikers are rewarded with a short-but-steep hike to the top of the peak, with incredible views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert.

At Carlsbad Caverns, an optional tour takes you deep into the world's most celebrated caves. Our journey continues through Texas and magical Big Bend National Park. Hike wild Chisos Basin, a perfect window to this giant desert park. Get close to this wild and diverse land and keep watch for the Mule Ears as we head to Santa Elena Canyon for a hike along the Rio Grande. Next, we bid good-bye to the West at one of our favorite watering holes, then head for the hills!

It's time for Mardi Gras! For the next four days, let this world famous festival take you on a ride of sensory overload as bead-adorned bodies and voodoo magic fill the parades that float by. Feast on Cajun food while listening to the sweet sounds of sidewalk Zydeco, Dixieland jazz, or soft Delta blues that beat from every corner! After watching the revelers clear off Bourbon Street on Fat Tuesday, we kiss New Orleans good-bye and begin our trek back to the West Coast.

A day of recovery begins with a stop at Galveston Island. At White Sands, climb the giant, bright white dunes before we camp near a hot spring. Gila Cliff Dwellings lets us hike into deep, forested canyons and up close to ancient Anasazi homes.

Then greet the next morning at our stop in Joshua Tree National Park, where the Colorado and Mojave deserts meet. Time in this otherworldly landscape lets us contemplate this wonderful journey before we continue on to San Francisco via Los Angeles.

Note: The Green Tortoise Mardi Gras trip does not include meals while the bus is in New Orleans; but hey, it's Mardi Gras—go local!

Flexible Itinerary means that we may alter an itinerary depending on weather, local events, etc. Although we make every attempt to run our trips as advertised, please be aware that the itinerary may change to give you the best trip possible.

2007 Mardi Gras San Francisco departure. (call for Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and other departures) (Dates TBA, call our office for info) 16 days: $599 plus $151 for food/parks