Team North will take a break from their idyllic trip down the Green River and take part in the number one recreational activity on public lands: scenic driving. Guided by BLM rangers, they will load into the Hondas & head out on the bumpy and exciting BLM Backcountry Byways which cross the Jack Morrow Hills. On the way they'll visit archeological and historic sites, and perhaps even glimpse some of the wild horses who make this desert their home. Scenic driving will make a nice break from the physical rigors of exploring public lands by boat, horse, and foot.

Scenic driving is the easiest way to experience the "routine splendor" of your public lands (to quote Team South's Bob Hammond). It's a great way to see fall color, get a little fresh air, or simply escape the grind of the city. Many scenic drives are paved and close to urban areas, though BLM-managed backcountry byways tend to be in remote areas and require four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles. For a comprehensive, state-by-state listing of scenic byways and backcountry byways, visit the non-profit site National Scenic Byways Online.

The Journey, or Trek, involved two groups of travelers: one starting north from the Mexican border and the second headed south from the Canadian. Their route lay entirely on public lands, a feat that has never been accomplished before. The trek began on July 31, 2002 and ended two months later when the two teams met in Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Salt Lake City, Utah on September 27.

Read about the trek, check out journal entries and photos, and browse our educational exhibits.