Boot Saddle Paddle

Our wild west adventure begins with the magnificence of Arizona's Grand Canyon. We trek deep into Havasu Canyon where the desert topography slowly transforms into a tropical oasis. This backpack is rated one of the world's 10 best! We spend four days swimming and exploring in the sparkling turquoise pools of Mooney and Havasu Falls.

We then head north to our community service project with a Navajo family who introduce us to Native American customs. A tour of the Anasazi cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park enriches our understanding of the history and culture of the Four Corners Region.

Next, we saddle up in Colorado with true American cowboys on a four-day horseback adventure through the Rocky Mountains. This classic western experience includes roping skills, horse care and old-fashioned sunset feasts.

During our three-day Colorado River whitewater rafting trip, we plunge through class III & IV rapids such as Skull and Room of Doom and camp on beaches before disembarking near Arches National Park. We complete our adventure with a backpack through Utah's pristine High Uintah Mountains, perfecting our wilderness skills and enjoying our last days together.

» Day 1:
After arriving and meeting the trip leaders in the Kona, Hawaii airport, we will head to our first beautiful beach campground to start to get to know one another. During our orientation we learn what to expect in the days ahead, including our daily routine, jobs and safety rules. Hawaii is an awesome place, and you will know it immediately. Get ready for a great summer!

» Days 2-6:
Hawaii offers an epic four-night backpack trip that leads us past thundering waterfalls and into hidden valleys rarely experienced by most visitors to the Big Island. Following the ancient and storied Muliwai Trail, we trek over lush, rolling ridges along the Pacific coast to the historic Waimanu Valley, where we camp along Hawaii's longest black sand beach. Over the next two days we explore the valley, including a hike to crystal clear pools at the base of a 200 foot waterfall for a refreshing and exhilarating swim. We practice low impact camping skills, including camp stove cooking, proper campsite selection, and topographic map interpretation.

» Day 7:
Service Project and Cultural Exchange - We work and camp in the magnificent Waipio Valley where the rich Hawaiian culture, history and spirit of giving come alive! Together with a native Hawaiian family we collect coconuts and fresh vegetables in preparation for our traditional Hawaiian feast. We also plant coconut trees for future generations of Hawaiians and visitors to enjoy. Our Hawaiian hosts share ancient myths and legends, and teach us how to make jewelry using endemic plants and leaves.

» Days 8-10:
Hang Ten! No trip to Hawaii would be complete without surfing the swells of the Pacific. We spend three days on the legendary Kona coast learning the basics of Hawaii's favorite pastime. Our lifeguard certified guides give a safety orientation and teach us how to "read" the ocean. By the end of our first day, everyone will feel confident catching waves; by the end of the third day, we'll all be pro's!

» Days 11-12:
While camping in North Kona we sail off the Kohala coast aboard "Maile." Sailing offshore on this 50 foot yacht, we will learn sailing terms and practice sail handling with USCG licensed Captains. Hawaiian spinner dolphins are common companions in these crystal clear waters, and we get up close and personal with the island's magnificent marine life while snorkeling from the boat.

» Days 13-14:
We venture out on a two-day historic exploration of Honaunau Bay and Ho'okena Beach by kayak. Three large sea caves are a snorkelers paradise with exotic fish, more dolphins, giant sea turtles, and sea birds. Our double, open cockpit sea kayaks allows us to feel the pulse, power, and beauty of the Pacific Ocean beneath us. We camp under palm trees on Ho'okena's black sand beach, the perfect spot for swimming, relaxing, and soaking up the rays.

» Days 15-17:
In the famous "Kona Town", we learn the ancientHawaiian sport of outrigger canoeing. Early Polynesian voyagers navigated the Pacific Ocean aboard these boats, eventually settling the islands now known as Hawaii. A local canoe club will provide instruction and history of this popular island sport. We then harness the trade winds of the Kohala coast with two exhilarating days of windsurfing. Professional instructors teach us the basics until we are ready to successfully skim the blue waters of the breathtaking Anaeho'omalu Bay in Waikoloa.

» Days 18-19:
Last, but certainly not least, we explore one of the most fascinating biological landscapes on earth, Volcanoes National Park. We pedal our hybrid bikes around the rim of the Kilauea Crater, one of the world's most active volcanoes. We also give back to this amazing park with a service project aimed at returning the park to its natural state through invasive species removal and fire prevention/restoration. Our evenings will be spent marveling at the natural wonders of the volcanoes, including a hike through an extinct, underground lava tube and witnessing molten lava flowing into the Pacific Ocean, effectively creating new land before our eyes!

» Days 18-19:
Last, but certainly not least, we explore one of the most fascinating biological landscapes on earth, Volcanoes National Park. We pedal our hybrid bikes around the rim of the Kilauea Crater, one of the world's most active volcanoes. We also give back to this amazing park with a service project aimed at returning the park to its natural state through invasive species removal and fire prevention/restoration. Our evenings will be spent marveling at the natural wonders of the volcanoes, including a hike through an extinct, underground lava tube and witnessing molten lava flowing into the Pacific Ocean, effectively creating new land before our eyes!

» Days 20-21:
All great things must come to an end. On our last full day together in Hawaii, we clean all group and personal gear, spend time on the white sands of Hapuna Beach(Hawaii's largest), and celebrate our successes with a dinner out on the town. We share our memories and challenges and say our good-byes. On the last day we head to the airport in Kona looking and feeling confident, tan and strong after the most incredible summer of fun, friends and adventure.