The Sierra Nevada Mountains August 15-22, 2019 8 Days – 7 Nights

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” -John Muir, The Mountains of California

The Sierra Nevada Mountains stretch 400 miles north to south

through eastern California between the Central Valley and the Great

Basin forming part of the backbone of North America. The Sierras

are home to three national parks including Sequoia National Park,

Kings Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park, along with

twenty wilderness areas and two national monuments. The area is

also home to Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake (above 5,000’

above sea level) in North America, as well as the highest mountain

peak in the contiguous United States, Mt. Whitney. The range started

to uplift about 4 million years ago exposing 100-million-year old

granite to erosion by glaciers that have left the light-colored

mountains as they are today.

Yosemite National Park was established in 1890 and now

encompasses 1,169 square miles and is recognized for its granite

cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, lakes,

mountains, meadows, glaciers, and biological diversity. Nearly 95%

of the park is designated wilderness. Sequoia and Kings Canyon

National Parks to the south were also established in 1890 and are

made famous for the giant sequoia trees. The Giant Forest is home

to five of the ten largest trees in the world. Lake Tahoe at the north end of the Sierras, covers 191

square miles and averages 1,000 feet deep. The lake is known for its clear water and panorama of

mountains.

The Sierras are a haven for countless outdoor activities. An extensive trail system throughout

includes the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail allowing backpackers and hikers the

opportunity to explore the entire length of the range. Mountain biking, whitewater rafting, skiing,

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camping and so much more help make the Sierra Nevada mountains the go to destination for

millions of visitors each year looking for a little adventure. If high adventure is not for you, the

Sierras offers scenic drives, easy hikes, and majestic views that are accessible to anyone who seeks

sanctuary in this magical place.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Travel to Sequoia National Park

Our first day includes travel from Michigan to Fresno Yosemite International Airport in Fresno, CA.

Upon arrival, we will proceed to the Wuksachi Lodge for a three night stay. The stone and cedar

mountain lodge is Sequoia National Park’s signature hotel and is situated in the heart of the park

and surrounded by a mighty sequoia forest and soaring Sierra peaks. Time permitting, we will visit

the Lodgepole Visitor Center to get oriented to the park, as well as the Lodgepole Market for any

needed supplies or rations.

Day 2 – Sequoia National Park (SNP)

Today we will spend our time exploring the

amazing features that make Sequoia NP so

special including the Giant Forest, Moro

Rock, Tunnel Log, Tokopah Falls, and

“General Shearman” which is the largest tree

in the world standing close to 275 feet tall.

You will have the chance to experience the

awe-inspiring trees and trails of the park.

SNP is home to the largest trees on the

planet, as well as high mountain peaks,

rugged foothills, deep canyons, and vast

caverns. On its east boarder sits the tallest

mountain peak in the lower 48 states, Mt.

Whitney which rises 14,494 feet above sea

level. Get ready to get your boots dirty as

we hike our way to some of these natural

wonders. This evening you may be able take

in a ranger-led program if you wish.

Day 3 – Kings Canyon National Park

Your adventure today will take you to the end of the road deep

into Kings Canyon along the park’s scenic byway. Along the

way we will visit features such as the General Grant Tree, Big

Stump, Boyden Cave, Grizzly Falls, Roaring River Falls and the

Cedar Grove. The hikes today will once again take you through

some amazing forests filled with giants helping you to connect

to this land on a deeper level. Back to the lodge for dinner.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul” ― John Muir

Day 4 – Travel to Yosemite National Park

First thing this morning, we will begin our journey to Yosemite

National Park, one of the most well known in the country for a

two-night stay at the Yosemite Valley Lodge. On our way to

the lodge, we will stretch our legs in the Mariposa Grove and

the Wawona Visitor Center before heading up Glacier Point

Road for exhilarating views of the Yosemite Valley. We should

reach the lodge in time for dinner.

Day 5 – Yosemite Valley

The Yosemite Valley is home to many of the reasons so many people come from around the world to

visit this park including El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome and much more. In the morning we

will take a guided tour of the valley in an open-air tram led by park rangers to see all the highlights

of Yosemite and learn about the history, flora, and fauna of the park. After lunch, head out on one of

the Yosemite Valley trails near the lodge, or catch the free shuttle to a trailhead. If you need an easy

day, you may want to visit the Majestic Yosemite Hotel for a 1-hour guided tour or catch a ranger

walk at the visitor center. Dinner on own in the Yosemite Valley.

Day 6 – Tioga Road to Lake Tahoe

We will start the day early as we make our way to

Lake Tahoe. Along the way, we will enjoy the 47-

mile scenic Tioga Road as it meanders through

forests and past meadows, lakes, and granite

domes. Continuing on, we will stop at Mona Lake

before heading north to the largest alpine lake in

North America where we will spend two nights at

the Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort on the shore of

beautiful Lake Tahoe. This evening, feel free to

explore the area on your own or with your new

friends in the travel group.

Day 7 – Lake Tahoe California

Lake Tahoe covers 191 square miles in the northern Sierras averaging 1,000 feet deep resting at

6,225 feet above sea level. Lake Tahoe is a gem in the Sierras with ample hiking opportunities,

water sports, and if you are interested, fine dining and a vibrant night life. On the morning of day 7,

we will get some more hiking in before leaving this magical place. We will check out the Emerald Bay

area in search of Maggie’s Peaks, Cascade and Eagle Falls, and stunning vistas of Lake Tahoe. In the

afternoon, we will board the MS Dixie II for a guided sightseeing cruise on Lake Tahoe before

returning to town for dinner and free time.

Day 8 – Travel Back to Holland Michigan

After breakfast we will load up and make our way to Reno Tahoe International Airport (RNO) for our

flight back to Michigan.

Pricing: $2,200 per person (based on double occupancy) ($960 single supplement)

Payment: $500 deposit due at time of booking and required to hold a place on the trip; Final

balance due by May 25, 2019. All payments may be made at one time if desired.

Cancellations: Full refunds will be made until February 21, 2019. After February 21, 2019, up to

50% of money received may be forfeited by the participant. No refunds will be given for cancellation

after May 25, 2019.

Included: 7 nights lodging; all transportation in the Sierras; naturalist guide; entrance to

museums, parks and attractions as a group.

Not included: Flight to Fresno Yosemite International Airport and from Reno Tahoe International

Airport; meals; alcoholic beverages; and personal items during the trip. (Flights for the group will be

coordinated through a local travel agent so that we can travel together.) Meals will likely be at

national park lodging (plan on a slightly higher price) through day 5, with additional dining options in

Lake Tahoe.

Please contact trip leaders Mike Graves or Jamie Krupka to learn more or to make a payment:

616.355.1057. mikeg@outdoordiscovery.org or jamie@outdoordiscovery.org