Hey, I'm trying to think up a trip I can do across the United States for after I graduate High School. It would be me and my best friend and hopefully someone else since its safer to travel with a bigger group. We would be starting in California (Where we live) and make our way through the far west and rocky mountains and the southwest. It would be very low budget, so I was thinking hostels and camping out or if we need too, just sleeping in the car. But I wanted to include hiking trails, National parks, waterfalls, landmarks and all that good stuff, but being so new to it all, I don't really know how to go about the planning for such a trip because I realize there is gas costs, money, where to go, where to sleep and all that! It's a lot to plan and a lot to get done and it's kind of overwhelming, but it's something I want to get done before I head off to college. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!

Also tips for if at most, it's just two girls. I know that's not the safest thing to do, but anything would help to stay safe and any warnings would be great.

Thank you!- kimmy