WESTERN USA TREK

We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better sense of this experience. The actual program may vary, and an itinerary will be distributed no later than two weeks before the program begins. Even after the itinerary is sent, adjustments may still be made in coordination with tour guides and the tour operator—both leading up to and during the program—based on local conditions.

GROUP TRAVEL
Travel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from our destinations. Our staff are present at departure airports to greet teens and help them feel welcome right away, and they accompany each group throughout the journey—both on arrival and on the return trip home. To learn more about how we organize travel for our programs, click here.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Arrive and kick off the adventure with a pizza party by the pool and fun icebreakers. Hike among the red sandstone formations of Sedona and splash down natural waterslides at Slide Rock State Park. Explore the breathtaking depths of Grand Canyon National Park, go tubing on the Salt River, and relax during a festive Shabbat celebration in Phoenix.

ST. GEORGE, UTAH
Hike through the stunning pink cliffs and hoodoo-filled landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park, followed by a visit to Zion National Park, where you’ll discover sweeping vistas, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring canyons.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Experience the glitz of Las Vegas with stops at the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas Sign, the Bellagio fountain show, and the Mirage volcanic eruption. Visit the colossal Hoover Dam and enjoy a night out at a Blue Man Group show before heading to California.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Shop and dine at Seaport Village, tour the historic USS Midway, and take a surfing lesson at Mission Beach. Ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster at Belmont Park and unwind at La Jolla Cove. Learn about California’s roots in Old Town San Diego, cruise the bay at sunset, and spend time exploring the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. Stop in San Juan Capistrano before traveling to L.A.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Experience the wonder of Disneyland and hike the Hollywood Hills for a perfect photo at the Hollywood Sign. Visit Griffith Observatory, the Museum of Tolerance, the Original Farmers Market, and Runyon Canyon Park. Learn about Jewish life in L.A. and enjoy a night at Universal CityWalk.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Travel along the scenic Monterey Peninsula and stop in Carmel-by-the-Sea. In San Francisco, tour the Jelly Belly factory, explore Haight and Divisadero Street, and visit Alamo Square and Buena Vista Park. Learn about Jewish history in the West, then cap off the trip with walks across the Golden Gate Bridge, visits to Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz, a ride on the cable cars, and a stroll down Lombard Street.

Our most frequently asked questions about this program are answered below. Additional program-wide FAQs are also available. Still need something? We’re here to help! Contact us.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO will arrange for a group flight and families will have the option of joining the group flight. If the group flight is not geographically convenient for your family, you are responsible for making your teen's flight arrangements to our arrival city, and from our departure city, based on guidance that we provide in the spring. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. Learn more about flying to the program.

What if my teen is considered an unaccompanied minor?
Each airline has its own rules for mandatory unaccompanied minors and additional fees do apply. If your teen is 15 years or younger, then please refer to your chosen airline for information. If your chosen airline requires your teen to fly as an unaccompanied minor, please make sure that this is noted on your Domestic Travel Form, and contact us at least a month in advance if special arrangements need to be made with our staff.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
The group stays in several different types of accommodations, including 3-star hotels and college dormitories. When booking our accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space. On a rare occasion, your teen may share a large bed with another teen of the same gender. We try to avoid this as best as possible, but sometimes have limitations due to hotel space.

How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local tour leader, and a bus driver. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What’s the summer weather like?
Prepare for hot summer days in the Southwest! Daytime temperatures range from the 80s to the 100s. The good news is that the heat is mostly dry and there is very little humidity. The sun in the Southwest is strong—often stronger than teens are accustomed to—so dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn are serious concerns. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable in the heat. Evenings tend to get chilly quickly—frequently dipping into the 50s or 60s—so you should also prepare for cool summer nights.

In the Northwest, prepare for milder summer weather. Daytime temperatures in the region can range from the 50s–80s. Rain and wind are not uncommon in the summer.

How do you approach security?
The safety of the teens under our care is our guiding consideration. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety & security.

What’s the typical group size?
Although it varies from year to year, our average group for Western USA Trek is comprised of 1–2 buses. The average bus size is 34–42 teens. Buses may include teens registered for this trip as well as teens registered for another trip that connects two programs. For details on bus assignments and friend requests, please visit our General FAQ page.

What’s the food like?
Cuisine in the Southwest is heavily influenced by Mexican, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine. Wraps, burritos, tacos, and sushi can be found on many menus. However, most of the food your teen will eat on this program is similar to what they’re used to at home. When traveling, your teen may encounter new foods that will not be to their liking, so we ask teens to be flexible and have snacks and other alternatives on hand just in case.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program. 

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Enrollment & Registration Terms.

How do I enroll my teen if we live outside of North America?
Visit this page to find all the information you will need and express your interest.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip guide.

Looking to combine two experiences for an extended summer of adventure, learning, and self-discovery? BBYO makes it easy! This independent trip can connect to Stand UP Adventure Costa Rica, making it our Americas Trek program.

Learn more about our trip connections.