It's the Bicentennial, and two best friends have their hearts set on hiking the Grand Canyon, celebrating the birth of America at the nation's oldest rodeo, and camping on the beaches of the Gulf of California. Their summer vacation starts in Iowa and meanders west through Nebraska and Colorado, then south to New Mexico and Arizona. The two hike the Grand Canyon, camp at Phantom Ranch, and then attend the Prescott Frontier Days celebration and rodeo. After a few days of partying with college students in Mesa, AZ, they cross the southern border into Mexico. They make their way through small villages and towns until they reach the beautiful beaches of Guaymas, Mexico, a coastal town in the Gulf of California. The journey carries them through North America's most picturesque country and to the Sea of Cortez's beautiful deep blue waters. A simple mistake in Mexico changes everything for the two young travelers. Their turbulent experience only reinforced their determination to plan their next big adventure.