Road Scholar : Home
California National Park Medley: From Giant Sequoias to Coast Redwoods

Program Number: 2811RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/15/2013 - 6/28/2013; 7/13/2013 - 7/26/2013; 9/14/2013 - 9/27/2013; 10/5/2013 - 10/18/2013;
Duration: 13 nights
Location: San Francisco, California
Price starting at: $2,595.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: National Parks; Natural History; On the Road
Meals: 39; 13 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 13 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Immerse yourself in California's national parks — Sequoia, Yosemite, Lassen, Redwoods — and enjoy additional explorations at Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake, Carson City, Virginia City, Shasta Dam and Mendocino. Experience California's topographic and climatic diversity, from the rugged North Coast across two mountain ranges to the open desert of the Eastern Sierra, and discover how dynamic movement of the earth's plates has created the dramatic landscapes of California's national parks.




Highlights

• Marvel at the largest and tallest living organisms on the planet as you stroll through ancient groves in Sequoia and Redwood National Parks.
• Experience iconic Yosemite Valley with expert naturalists and enjoy a sumptuous dining experience at the historic Wawona hotel.
• Visit the fumaroles and mud pots of Lassen Volcanic National Park, see nearby Mount Shasta, second- highest peak in the continental United States, and travel to the base of Shasta Dam, second-largest dam in the country, to learn about California’s water resources.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to one mile, varied terrain; standing 30 minutes. Elevations of 3,000-10,000 feet.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival San Francisco, Calif., 1 night; coach to Fresno (Sequoia National Park), 2 nights; coach to El Portal (Yosemite National Park), 2 nights; coach to Carson City, Nev., 3 nights; coach to Redding, 1 night; coach to Eureka (Redwood National Park), 2 nights; coach to Mendocino, 2 nights; coach to San Francisco, departure.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Carson City

In 1859, gold and silver were found in nearby Comstock Lode — simultaneously, Carson City became a bustling commercial center in the heart of the Old West. Today, Nevada’s capital city is a center for the state’s politics, and is near prime locations for skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.



San Francisco

A stunning city with a colorful past and vibrant present, San Francisco offers legendary landmarks — the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, cable cars and elegant Victorian homes — along with spectacular cityscapes and views of bay and bridges.



Sequoia National Park

The second national park designated in this country, Sequoia National Park encompasses vast and magnificent terrain. From mountain peaks, deep canyons and immense Redwood trees, this park is a gem among gems.



Eureka

Eureka is the largest city on California’s North Coast. It is located on Humboldt Bay, about 270 miles north of San Francisco. The city takes its name from the state motto, supposedly exclaimed upon the discovery of gold in California. Eureka is surrounded by the most extensive preserves of the world’s tallest tree: the California redwood.



Mendocino

Perched on a scenic headland surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Mendocino is a thriving artist colony and a popular weekend getaway for residents of San Francisco, 200 miles south. Once the location of the TV series, “Murder, She Wrote,” the town has several parks and nature reserves that offer panoramic views and good birdwatching.



Redwood National Park

You probably know that Redwood National Forest has the world’s tallest trees, but did you know that the park also protects vast prairies, oak woodlands and nearly 40 miles of wild coastline? Here, banana slugs, gray whales, Douglas fir, black bears and sea anemones are equally at home with the Giant Redwoods.



Lassen National Park

The hydrothermal features of this northeastern California park include boiling mud pots and bubbling sulfur pools, indicating the geothermal activity just beneath the surface of the pristine lakes and backcountry trails. Stunning views of the Cascades and Sacramento Valley unfold in all directions from the top of Lassen Peak.



Mono Lake

 Located in California's spectacular Eastern Sierra, Mono Lake is one of our nation’s most sublimely beautiful locations, reflecting the snow-capped Sierra Nevada in its shimmering blue waters. The nearby volcanoes, ghost towns and trout-filled streams make this area a true wonderland.



Lake Tahoe (Nevada)

The eastern side of the 1,000-foot-deep Lake Tahoe offers close access to Mount Rose Wilderness area, nestled between the Sierra Nevada and the Great Basin, as well as the Tahoe Rim Trail and numerous historic sites documenting the human heritage of this mountainous region.



Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park lies in the California’s southern Sierra Nevada range. Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns and the world’s largest trees testify to nature’s size, beauty and diversity. The most famous section of Kings Canyon is the General Grant Grove, home of some of the biggest giant sequoias on the planet.
Accommodations
Comfortable inns, ranches, resorts, motels, lodges.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Mark McLaughlin
Mark McLaughlin is a weather historian who lives on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. He has appeared on the History Channel program, “History’s Mysteries,” to talk about the “Storm King” — the unpredictable weather in the Sierra. An award-winning non-fiction writer as well as an entertaining and popular lecturer, Mark has authored two volumes of “Sierra Stories” and recently published “Western Train Adventures.”
 
David Lukas
David Lukas is a naturalist and writer based in the Sierra Nevada. He has been teaching natural history and bird programs for 16 years and is the author of "Wild Birds of California," and the co-author of "Sierra Nevada Natural History." He is currently at work on a field guide to birds of the Sierra Nevada. David has traveled the world extensively, spending a year in Borneo as a member of the Harvard Research Team and in the Peruvian Amazon under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution.
 
Frank Mullen
Frank Mullen was a senior reporter at the Reno Gazette-Journal and now teaches journalism classes at the University of Nevada Reno. He authored a year-long series of Gazette Journal articles in 1997, “The Donner Party Chronicles.” He has appeared on the History Channel’s “History’s Mysteries.” In his spare time, Frank has performed in the Great Basin Chautauqua and around the country, in such diverse characterizations as Babe Ruth, Henry VIII and Albert Einstein.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Doubletree Hotel - San Francisco Airport
  Burlingame, California 1 night
   Holiday Inn Fresno Airport
  Fresno, CA 2 nights
   Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
  Yosemite, CA 2 nights
   Plaza Hotel
  Carson City, Nevada 3 nights
   Red Lion Inn Hotel Redding
  Redding, California 1 night
   Red Lion Hotel
  Eureka, California 2 nights
   Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
  Mendocino, California 2 nights
 Doubletree Hotel - San Francisco Airport
Type: Hotel
  Contact info: 835 Airport Blvd.
Burlingame, CA 94010 USA
phone: 650-344-5500
web: www.doubletree.com
  Room amenities: Hairdryers, irons, ironing boards, coffee makers and two-line speaker phones with ISDN modem lines atop work desks.
  Facility amenities: Library, fitness room and bayside jogging path. Restaurant and 24-hour food service. Full-service business center.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Please check with the hotel Please contact DoubleTree Hotel Reservations directly at 650-344-5500 for additional reservations.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Holiday Inn Fresno Airport
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Hotel renovated in 2008, 2 floors, near Yosemite National Park and Sequoia Kings Canyon
  Contact info: 5090 East Clinton
Fresno, CA 93727 USA
phone: 559-252-3611
web: www.holiday-inn.com/fresno-airport
  Room amenities: Free morning newspaper delivered to room, Cable TV, Coffee Maker, Microwave Oven, Mini Refrigerator, High Speed and Wireless Internet Connection in Room, Bathtub, Hairdryer, Iron and Ironing Board.
  Facility amenities: Indoor and outdoor pool, health and fitness center, business center, on-site laundry facility, on-site restaurant
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
Type: Hotel
  Description: As the closest property to Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is an idyllic spot for families, group retreats and visitors seeking the comforts of a hotel after an exciting day exploring the wilderness.
  Contact info: 9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr.
Yosemite Valley, CA 95389 USA
phone: 209-372-1001
web: www.yosemitepark.com
  Room amenities: Telephone and TV
  Facility amenities: Rooms are furnished with a desk, private bathroom, telephone and television with select programming.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Plaza Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Conveniently located on Carson City's main street, close to the capital and casinos.
  Contact info: 801 South Carson
Carson City, NV 89701 USA
phone: 775-883-9500
web: www.carsoncityplaza.com
  Room amenities: In-room refreigerators and microwaves
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Red Lion Inn Hotel Redding
Type: Hotel
  Contact info: 1830 Hilltop Drive
Redding, CA 96002 USA
phone: 530-221-8700
web: www.redlion.com
  Room amenities: Hairdryers, irons, high-speed internet.
  Facility amenities: Outdoor pool, wading pool, whirlpool, exercise room., business center. On-site massage therapy for an additional fee.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Red Lion Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: Walking distance to Old Town Eureka
  Contact info: 1929 Fourth Street
Eureka, CA 95501 USA
phone: 707-445-0844
web: www.redlion.com
  Room amenities: Hair dryers, irons
  Facility amenities: Heated outdoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, exercise room, newly renovated guest rooms
  Smoking allowed: No

 Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
Type: Hotel
  Description: The hotel is listed on the National Register. It is a restored Victorian decorated with many beautiful antiques.
  Contact info: 45080 Main Street
Mendocino, CA 95460 USA
phone: 800-548-0513
web: www.fortbragg.org
  Room amenities: TV, hair dryers, phones, room service. Garden setting.
  Facility amenities: The Participants are housed in the garden suites, lovely garden setting. Hotel has full service restaurant and bar. Lobby has fireplace and ocean views.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights after: Please call hotel. The hotel is usually fully booked on weekends. If participants choose to stay after they must arrange their own return transportation to SFO.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00 p.m. hotel check in time. 4:00-5:00 p.m. meet in hotel lobby for Road Scholar registration. You will be staying at Doubletree Hotel - San Francisco Airport that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends approximately 3:00 pm with drop-offs at San Francisco International Airport and the DoubleTree Hotel in Burlingame. You will be staying at Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
parking available in the hotel parking lot free of charge.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Burlingame, California
  Nearest city or town:  San Francisco. California
  Nearest highway: US Hwy 101
  Nearest airport:  San Francisco International
  From End of Program
  Location:  Mendocino, California
  Nearest city or town:  Bragg, CA
  Nearest highway: US Hwy 101
  Nearest airport:  San Francisco International
Travel Details
 

San Francisco

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
DoubleTree Hotel
phone: 650-344-5500

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Free
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 mins. 
 

Distance:

 

3 miles
   

Please call the hotel after your arrival at the airport.
 

Oakland

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Super Shuttle
phone: 800-258-3826
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Please call for rates
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approx. 45 minutees 
 

Distance:

 

29 miles
   

Suggest calling ahead for Super Shuttle schedule and rates.
 
Driving Directions
  From San Franciso International Airport Start out going southeast on T-1 turnaround. Merge onto US-101 S. via the ramp on the left toward San Jose. Take the Broadway exit toward Burlingame. Take the ramp toward Overpass. Turn right onto Rollins Rd. Turn slight right onto Broadway. Turn right onto Bayshore Hwy. Turn left onto airport Blvd. End at 835 Airport Blvd. Burlingame, CA 94010
  From the north Take US 101 south to Broadway/Burlingame exit east. Go east over the overpass, remain in the right lane. Turn right at the first light (Old Bayshore Rd.) and left at the next light onto Airport Blvd. follow the road around until you see the hotel on your right, approximately a quarter of a mile.
  From the south Take US 101 north to the Broadway/Burlingame exit east. Go east and remain in the right lane. Turn right at the first light and follow Airport Blvd. until you see the hotel on your right.
  Oakland International Airport Take Hwy. 80 West to 101 South. Exit Broadway/Burlingame and go over the overpass. Right at the light (Old Bayshore). Left at the light (Airport Blvd.) and the DoubleTree Hotel is on the right side.
Elevation Note: Sequoia, Yosemite and Lassen National Park, and Lake Tahoe elevations will exceed 3000' up to 9000'
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrive at hotel, wine/cider social, dinner, orientation and get-acquainted
(Saturday, July 13)
   
 Arrive To: Check in to hotel after 4 p.m.
 Dinner: We enjoy a wine/cider social followed by a plated dinner in the hotel meeting room.
 Evening: We spend some time to get acquainted, then go over the schedule for the program.
   
Accommodations: Doubletree Hotel - San Francisco Airport
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: We travel from San Francisco to Fresno with a stop at San Luis Reservoir en route.
(Sunday, July 14)
   
 Breakfast: A full breakfast buffet is served in the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: We board the motor coach for our trip to Fresno.
 Lunch: Box lunch at San Luis Reservoir and discussion of water issues in the West. San Luis Reservoir was constructed as a storage reservoir for the federal Central Valley Project and the California State Water Project. It stores runoff water from the Delta that would otherwise flow into the ocean. The water arrives through the California Aqueduct and the Delta-Mendota Canal, and is pumped from the O’Neil Forebay into the main reservoir during the winter and spring. The Los Banos Creek Reservoir was built to prevent storm runoff from flooding the canals.
 Afternoon: We continue our trip to Fresno with a stop at Casa de Fruta. Casa de Fruta is a true American success story that blossomed from the roots of an immigrant Italian family. Since 1908 when the original ancestors planted the first orchards in the Pacheco Valley, Casa de Fruta has grown into a diversified operation encompassing a variety of business ventures. In the 1940's three teenaged brothers, George, Joseph and Eugene Zanger, opened a cherry stand on the Pacheco Pass Highway. Encouraged by their mother, Clara Bisceglia Zanger, the young entrepreneurs expanded their operation into what it is today. The two remaining brothers, Joseph and Eugene, with their families now operate one of the country's most unique businesses.
 Dinner: We have dinner in the hotel meeting room.
 Evening: Welcome gathering then relax or take an evening dip in the pool and spa.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Fresno Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: We spend the day in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
(Monday, July 15)
   
 Breakfast: A full breakfast buffet is served in the hotel meeting room.
 Morning: We begin our field trip to Sequoia/King Canyon National Parks with our knowledgeable on-board instructor. We visit the General Grant tree and other sites of interest in the park. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, Spanish began exploring the edge of the Sierras. Soon afterwards, trappers, sheepherders, miners, and loggers poured into the Sierras seeking to exploit whatever the mountains had to offer. By the end of the 19th century, San Joaquin Valley communities increasingly looked to the Sierras for water and recreation. In the struggle between all these competing interests, two national parks were born that became what we know today as Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Today the parks together protect 265 Native American archeological sites and 69 historic sites. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contain big trees, high peaks, and deep canyons, but the diversity goes far beyond that. Located in the southern Sierra Nevada range, the parks’ elevations extend from 1,300 feet in the foothills to 14,491 feet at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states. This huge variation in the landscape contributes to the collage of habitats that create a rich assemblage of terrestrial, aquatic and subterranean ecosystems. Here one can observe a vast diversity of plants and animals representing an array of adaptations.
 Lunch: We have a picnic lunch and spend some time at the park's Visitor's Center.
 Afternoon: We continue our field trip in Kings Canyon National Park. Although Congress created these two parks at different times, Sequoia and Kings Canyon share miles of boundary and are managed as one park. Sequoia was the second national park designated in this country. General Grant National Park, the forerunner of Kings Canyon, was third. We'll stop for a photo op at a spectacular overlook of the canyon.
 Dinner: We enjoy dinner in the hotel meeting room.
 Evening: After dinner, relax or take an evening dip in the pool.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Fresno Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: We travel to Yosemite National Park with lunch at the famous Wawona Hotel, photo ops at Tunnel View and Bridal Veil Falls
(Tuesday, July 16)
   
 Breakfast: Full buffet breakfast in the hotel meeting room prior to departure.
 Morning: We board the motor coach to travel to Yosemite National Park.
 Lunch: We are served a plated lunch in the dining room of the historic Wawona Lodge, Yosemite National Park. Considered an ideal camp location due to its verdant meadows, nearby river, surrounding pine and oak trees and abundant game, Wawona was called Pallahchun (meaning a good place to stop) by early tribes - the first people to inhabit the area - because it was a logical midway site between the foothills and Yosemite Valley. The Wawona Hotel is operated by DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite and remains one of the most respected mountain resorts. With its historic white wooden buildings, verandas overlooking sprawling green lawns and Victorian interiors, the hotel is the perfect setting for a relaxing vacation and is listed as a National Historic Landmark and Historic Hotel of America.
 Afternoon: After lunch we continue to Yosemite Valley with a stop at Tunnel View, the ultimate Yosemite overlook, This breathtaking and spectacular sight is located on Highway 41 just north of Wawona, and just south of the Valley Floor. This popular spot is the most photographed view of the valley. It received its name because it is the first view of the valley after exiting the tunnel. Bridal Veil Falls tumbles 620' from the top, and is one of the few falls in Yosemite to run all year. As you stand at the bottom and look up, the mist created at the top has a wonderful, veil-like quality. The Merced River (designated a Wild & Scenic River) area offers fantastic views of the tall mountains that surround the Yosemite Valley, rising above the 4000' elevation of the valley. We check in to the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls.
 Dinner: We have dinner at the Yosemite Lodge Food Court with a choice of many items from the buffet.
 Evening: After a very full day, we relax and enjoy a free evening.
   
Accommodations: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: A day to explore Yosemite National Park
(Wednesday, July 17)
   
 Breakfast: We have a full breakfast buffet at the Yosemite Lodge Food Court.
 Morning: We meet our instructor at the base of Yosemite Falls and enjoy a nature hike to learn about the flora and fauna in the Park. Yosemite Falls can be seen from numerous places around Yosemite Valley, especially around Yosemite Village and Yosemite Lodge. A one-mile loop trail leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls.Yosemite Falls are the highest waterfalls in US with a height of 2425 ft (740m) divided into two parts, the Upper Yosemite Fall and the Lower Yosemite Fall,
 Lunch: Lunch provided.
 Afternoon: You may choose to spend time at the Visitor's Center, take a hike on you own or join the instructor for a hike to Mirror lake.
 Dinner: We have dinner at the Yosemite Food Court.
 Evening: We attend a ranger program at the Lodge Amphitheater.
   
Accommodations: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: We leave Yosemite National Park to travel from the valley floor over Tioga Pass to Mono Lake and on to Carson City, capital of Nevada.
(Thursday, July 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the Lodge
 Morning: We board the motor coach and begin our trip across Yosemite's high country over Tioga Pass. Tioga Pass (el. 9,943 ft.) serves as the eastern entry point for Yosemite National Park. It is the highest highway pass in California and in the Sierra Nevada. Mount Dana is to the east of the pass. There are several trailheads into the Yosemite back country which begin at Tioga Pass. We travel through Tuolumne Meadows, a gentle, dome-studded meadowy section of the Tuolumne River .Tuolumne Meadows has a good view of the Cathedral Range, Lembert Dome and Mount Dana. We stop at Olmsted Point, a viewing area like Glacier Point that offers an amazing view looking South-West into Yosemite. One is able to see the back of Tunnel View & Glacier Point,
 Lunch: We continue to Tenaya Lake for our picnic lunch. This lake was gouged out by the Tenaya branch of the Tuolumne Glacier that passed through Tenaya Canyon. The Yosemite Miwok called the lake Pywiack, "Lake of the Shining Rocks."
 Afternoon: After lunch we leave Yosemite and descend the eastern slope of the Sierra to Mono Lake. Mono Lake is an oasis in the dry Great Basin and a vital habitat for millions of migratory and nesting birds. Mono Lake is unique. For starters, it's old--at least 700,000 years old and one of the oldest continuously existing lakes on the continent. Fed by huge glaciers during the last Ice Age, Mono Lake was 60 times larger than the 66 square miles it covers today.Mono Lake is naturally salty and alkaline because it has no outlet. The only way water leaves is via evaporation. The Sierra streams that flow into Mono contain only trace amounts of minerals and salts but those minerals and salts stay and their concentrations and grow over the years. We learn more about the lake at the Visitor's Center. We continue to Carson City, Nevada's capital, and check in to the Plaza Hotel. Carson City, Nevada's territorial and state capital, has a rich and colorful frontier past. Carson City was founded as a community in 1858, seven years after the first settlement of Eagle Station trading post in 1851. Carson City is named for the famous frontiersman and scout Christopher "Kit" Carson. During his 1843-1844 expedition, John C. Fremont had named Carson City's nearby river for Kit Carson, Fremont's scout. Pioneer Abraham Curry arrived in Eagle Valley in 1858 and soon thereafter surveyed and plotted a town site. The farsighted and optimistic Curry set aside 10 acres expressly for the construction of a capital -- this was before the formation of Nevada Territory in 1861. Carson City was soon designated both the territorial capital and county seat of the new Ormsby County. President Abraham Lincoln, recognizing the importance of Nevada's silver and gold to the Union's Civil War effort, signed the proclamation that ushered Nevada into statehood on October 31, 1864. Carson City was selected as the state capital at the constitutional convention and has retained that honor to the present day.
 Dinner: Dinner provided.
 Evening: Free time to explore Carson City or relax with new friends.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Visit the Nevada State Museum, Virginia City and Piper's Opera House, evening lecture on the Donner Party
(Friday, July 19)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at Plaza Hotel
 Morning: We have the opportunity to do laundry either at the hotel or the motor coach takes us to a local laundromat. Some free time to write postcards and repack.
 Lunch: We have a full buffet lunch at the Nugget Casino.
 Afternoon: Visit the Nevada State Museum. This building was originally erected in 1870 as the U.S. Mint, which coined more than $49,000,000 until 1893. Now a museum, it hosts about 250,000 visitors each year and has become famous for exhibits such as The Chinese Experience, the Dat So La Lee Washoe Indian baskets and Coin Press No. 1. Nevada's wildlife is also featured, namely the ubiquitous coyote, elusive mountain lion, majestic golden eagle, bothersome badger and the mischievous black bear. The silver dining service from the USS Nevada battleship, fashioned with silver from the Tonopah mine and gold from Goldfield, is also on display. Then it's on to Virginia City, one of the largest National Historical Landmarks. In 1859, the mountains around Virginia City were found to conceal great wealth. The city held the attention of the world with its mining industry for more than half a century, pouring over $700 million in gold and silver into an ever-expanding nation. Stroll along C Street’s historic boardwalks to step back in time. During the last 20 years of the 19th century, Piper's Opera House served as one of the centers of cultural activity in the Comstock and the West. In 1863, John Piper purchased the brick office block that stood at this location, now the entrance portion of the opera house. After the great fire of 1875 destroyed his first Virginia City theater (at another location), Piper built a second theater here. This theater also burned in 1883 after which Piper rebuilt the current opera house in 1885 On-going restoration work on the opera house began in the 1960s by Piper's great granddaughter. Much of the interior furnishings and stage equipment remains intact. Rehabilitation work continues, thanks to a Save America's Treasures grant and other funding from the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund and the Nevada Commission for Cultural Affairs. .
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant
 Evening: This eveninhg we meet the author of a definitive book on the Donner Party. He shares their dramatic story with us.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: We travel to Lake Tahoe to visit Taylor Creek, Mt. Tallac Historic Site, then enjoy a cruise on the lake
(Saturday, July 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Plaza Hotel
 Morning: Board the motor coach for Lake Tahoe Basin. We meet our instructor at Taylor Creek to observe the Taylor Creek Stream Chamber and to visit the Mt. Tallac Historic Site. The Stream Profile Chamber has served as the primary attraction at the Forest Service Visitor Center complex at Taylor Creek since it was constructed in 1968. The Chamber, located 1/4 mile down the Rainbow Trail, provides a view of the stream environment allowing visitors to study a diverted section of Taylor Creek through a panel of aquarium-like windows. Attracting 300,000 to 400,000 youth and adult visitors annually, the Stream Profile Chamber has been a major attraction for local conservation and environmental education programs.attraction. Three of Tahoe's grand old homes, one of them an excellent museum celebrating the "Era of Opulence," are located at this 150-acre South Lake Tahoe site managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Though it is well off Highway 89 and sequestered in tall pine trees, the site has become not only an important historic landmark at the lake but also the focal point of Tahoe's burgeoning arts and music community.
 Lunch: We enjoy a box lunch at a picnic area with a view of the lake.
 Afternoon: Tahoe's classic blue skies, deeper blue lake, snow-capped mountains, alpine forests and the area's wide array of cultural and historical riches are among the great sightseeing pleasures of the world. One of the most photogenic spots in the world is the tiny bay at the southwest corner of the lake, Emerald Bay. In 1969, Emerald Bay was recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the federal Department of the Interior. In 1994, California State Parks included the surrounding water of the bay as a part of the park, making Emerald Bay one of the first underwater parks of its type in the state, protecting the various wrecks and other items on the bay's bottom. We board the Dixie Queen for a cruise across Lake Tahoe to famous Emerald Bay. Paddlewheel cruises features "The Sunken Treasures of Lake Tahoe" video and glass bottom viewing. Departing from historic Zephyr Cove, the M.S. Dixie II has been voted "Best Boat Cruise" at Tahoe for ten years running.
 Dinner: We enjoy a lavish buffet dinner at a hotel at the lake.
 Evening: We board the motor coach for our return to Carson City. This evening we relax and get organized for our departure tomorrow morning.
   
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Travel to Lassen National Park, with stops throughout the park and a ranger lecture at the visitor's center. Evening visit to the renowned Sun Dial Bridge in Redding.
(Sunday, July 21)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the Plaza Hotel.
 Morning: Board the motor coach for the trip to Lassen National Park. Video on Lassen shown during the trip.To visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is to witness a brief moment in the ancient battle between the earth shaping forces of creation and destruction in Northern California. Nestled within Lassen’s peaceful forests and untouched wilderness, hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots still shape and change the land, evidence of Lassen’s long fiery and active past. Although Lassen is primarily known for its volcanic geology, the park boasts a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Over 700 flowering plant species grace the park, providing shelter and food for 250 vertebrates as well as a host of invertebrates including insects. This great diversity of life forms is due to two factors: the geographic location of the park and the abundance of habitats that occur there. Situated at the southern end of the Cascade Range geologic province, Lassen Volcanic National Park lies at the crossroads of three great biological provinces: the Cascades range to the north, the Sierra Nevada mountains to the south and the Great Basin desert to the east. The myriad habitats of Lassen Volcanic National Park are produced by variations in environmental conditions such as elevation (5,000 to 10,457 feet), moisture (precipitation is greater on the western than the eastern side of the park), substrate (rock type and soil depth), temperature, insolation (amount of sun) and prior disturbance (both natural and human-caused). The 29 mile Main Park Road was constructed between 1925 and 1931, just 10 years after Lassen Peak erupted. Near Lassen Peak the road reaches 8512 feet, making it the highest road in the Cascade Mountains. It is not unusual for 40 feet of snow to accumulate on the road near Lake Helen. We'll visit Sulphur Works and the Devastated Area as we travel through the park.
 Lunch: We enjoy lunch at Peak Necessities Deli in Lassen National Park
 Afternoon: We continue our drive through the park, then stop at the Loomis Museum for a ranger lecture and to view exhibits. B.F. Loomis documented Lassen Peak's most recent eruption cycle and promoted the park's establishment. He photographed the eruptions, explored geologically, and developed an extensive museum collection. Artifacts and photographs of the 1914-1915 eruption are on display in the Loomis Museum. New exhibits feature the original equipment Loomis used to photograph the eruptions and traditional Atsugewi basketry. Enjoy an optional walk on the nearby Lily Pond Nature Trail, easy 1 mile round trip. We continue west to Redding and check in to the Red Lion Hotel.
 Dinner: We have dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Visit Turtle Bay Park and Sundial Bridge.The Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay crosses the Sacramento River in the heart of Redding. Opened July 4, 2004, the bridge links the north and south campuses of Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The bridge celebrates human creativity and ingenuity, important themes of the 300 acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The steel, glass, and granite span evokes a sense of weightlessness and the translucent, non-skid decking provides for spectacular viewing at night. The bridge is also environmentally sensitive to its river setting. The tall pylon and cable stays allow the bridge to avoid the nearby salmon-spawning habitat there are no supports in the water while encouraging public appreciation for the river. Plazas are situated at both ends of the bridge for public use; the north-side plaza stretches to the water allowing patrons to sit at the river’s edge.In addition to being a functional work of art, the Sundial Bridge is a technical marvel as well. The cable-stayed structure has an inclined, 217 foot pylon constructed of 580 tons of steel. The deck is made up of 200 tons of glass and granite and is supported by more than 4,300 feet of cable. The structure is stabilized by a steel truss, and rests on a foundation of more than 115 tons of steel and 1,900 cubic yards of concrete. The McConnell Foundation, a private, independent foundation established in Redding in 1964, funded the majority of the bridge’s $23 million cost.World renowned Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava conceived the Sundial Bridge’s unusual design, his first free-standing bridge in the United States. Calatrava has built bridges, airports, rail terminals, stadiums, and other structures around the world. His notable designs include the new PATH transportation terminal at the World Trade Center site in New York City and several projects at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, including the main stadium where opening and closing ceremonies were held.
   
Accommodations: Red Lion Inn Hotel Redding
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: We visit Shasta Dam, the historic town of Weaverville and travel through the beautiful Trinity Alps
(Monday, July 22)
   
 Breakfast: Full breakfast at the Red Lion Inn in Redding
 Morning: If time permits we'll revisit Sundial Bridge for daytime photo opportunity then continue to Shasta Dam where we meet our guide and explore the dam. Shasta Dam is a curved gravity concrete dam (National ID No. CA10186) on the Sacramento River above Redding near Shasta Lake City built between 1938 and 1945. Like another curved gravity dam (Hoover Dam), it was a continuous pour concrete project, and in its day, ranked as one of the great civil engineering feats of the world. The dam is 602 ft (183 m) high and 3,460 ft (1,055 m) long, with a base width or thickness of 543 ft (165.5 m).[1] The reservoir created behind Shasta Dam is known as Shasta Lake and is a popular recreational boating area. We depart and continue west to Weaverville.Historic Weaverville California is nestled at the base of the magnificent Trinity Alps Wilderness area in Trinity County California. Trinity County was one of the original counties of California, created in 1850 at the time of statehood.Founded in 1850, Weaverville is a historic California Gold Rush town. Nestled at the foot of the current day Trinity Alps Wilderness, Weaverville was once home to approximately 2,000 Chinese gold miners and had its own Chinatown. Logging and timber products were a mainstay of Weaverville and Trinity County for many years and although the industry has declined due to restrictive environmental regulations, it has also changed with the times, moving towards sustainable yields and community stewardship projects. The Old West did live large in Weaverville with gunfights, saloons and even bank robberies by notorious figures like Black Bart. One of the local restaurants is located in a building that still houses the safe that was robbed by this historic outlaw.
 Lunch: We enjoy lunch served in a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: There will be some time to stroll the streets and visit the J.J. Jackson Memorial Museum. Displays include mining equipment, Indian displays, Chinese exhibits, old bottles, early kitchen utensils used by the county's first settlers, and memorabilia that reflect the area's gold mining roots. The collection of artifacts began in 1922 when the Veteran’s Memorial Hall was constructed and space allocated for a museum. When the hall caught fire in the early 1940s, artifacts were rescued and stored by Jake Jackson, the current museum’s namesake. With energetic local fund raising efforts and the assistance of State of California grant funds, the museum was constructed and opened in 1968. The museum’s collection provides the visitor an intimate look at all phases of the county’s rich history. The displays illuminate life, conditions, events and activities covering the period prior to the arrival of the first settlers to the present. We board the motor coach to continue our trip through the Trinity Alps to Eureka on the California Coast.
 Dinner: Dinner at Samoa Cookhouse Museum, Eureka Just minutes from Eureka, California, the Samoa Cookhouse, the last surviving cookhouse in the West, continues the tradition of serving lots of good food - lumber camp style! Every large or small logging or mill operation in the redwood country had a cookhouse. It was the hub of life in the temporary community, if it was in the woods. If it was located in a substantial settlement, it served as a "community center". If the cookhouse was set up to serve fifteen or twenty men in a shingle bolt camp, often a woman and her husband, with a helper or two called bullcooks, flunkeys or cookees, handled the cooking and serving. If the boarders numbered in the hundreds, a staff of dozens of men and women carried the demands of the task. "Come and get it!" was a familiar cry heard by millmen and brawney-armed longshoremen at the Hammond Lumber Company cookhouse - now the Louisiana-Pacific Samoa Cookhouse - at the beginning of the century. Lumbermen worked six days a week, twelve hours a day. They were served three hot meals everyday except for Sunday evenings - a "cold plate" made up of leftovers and cold cuts was served. Meals were served at long tables covered with cloth. From 1900 to 1930, it was a busy place. While there were no "reserved seats", some of the men had places where, through habit, they sat, an no one dared to sit in that place. Now and then a newcomer would sit down and refuse to move, and once in a while there would be a fist fight over the matter. Up until 1915, the cookhouse management had a steadfast rule which said only single women could be employed. After that time, a few married women were hired. Waitresses worked seven days a week for five weeks before earning a "day off". The "day off" was usually on Sunday. They received $30 a month, including board and room. Each waitress was assigned to four tables, with ten men per table. As many as ten waitresses were employed regularly.
 Evening: Optional walk to Carson Mansion in historic Old Town Eureka. One of the most written about, and photographed Victorian houses in California, and perhaps in the United States, the William Carson Mansion epitomizes the range of possibilities for eclectic design expression that created a peculiarly American style of architecture. Derived from many sources, but unique enough to represent none predominately, this much discussed and debated property stands today in virtually the same condition as when first constructed. The designers, Samuel and Joseph Newsom, were well respected San Francisco architects who heartily embraced the concept of the "picturesque", a quality that continues to fascinate all who see the Carson Mansion's intricately composed interiors and exteriors.
   
Accommodations: Red Lion Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Field trip to Redwood National Park Visitor's Center and Patrick's Point State Park
(Tuesday, July 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Quality Inn
 Morning: Board the motor coach for the field trip to Redwood National Park and Prairie Creek State Park with our knowledgeable local on-board instructor. Our first stop is the Visitor's Center at Redwood National Park to view a film and exhibits. An amazing diversity of life exists at Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP). The ancient coast redwood ecosystem preserved in the parks contains some of the planet's most majestic forests. Here, banana slugs, gray whales, Douglas-fir, black bears, and sea anemones are equally at home with redwoods. Park staff work to maintain and restore the area's biological diversity through a wide range of resource management and educational activities. Preserving both natural processes and the region's species and genetic diversity helps ensure that countless generations can experience the beauty and complexity of an old-growth redwood forest. Prairie Creek State Park was set aside in the early 1920’s by the forethought of the people of California and the generosity of the Save-the-Redwoods League, Prairie Creek is a sanctuary of old growth coast redwood.This park, along with Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and the National Park Service's Redwood National Park, are managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. These parks make up 45 percent of all the old-growth redwood forest remaining in California. In Prairie Creek State Park we fin mostly old growth forest of coast redwood, western hemlock and Douglas fir with Sitka spruce and red alder near the 10 miles of sandy coast line. Because of prevalent coastal fog, the understory of the forest is very dense. Tanoak, cascara, big leaf and vine maple and California bay can be found on edges of prairies. Ground cover is dense with a wide range of species and varieties of shrubs, bushes, flowers, ferns, mosses, and lichens common to the coast redwood environment. We'll hope to spot some of the Roosevelt elk who call the park home
 Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic redwood setting.
 Afternoon: Field trip continues to Patrick's Point State Park, The park's dense forests of spruce, hemlock, pine, fir and red alder stretch over an ocean headland with lovely wildflower-festooned meadows. .Visit the recreated Yurok seasonal village - "Sumêg" - consisting of traditional style family houses, a sweat house, changing houses, a redwood canoe, and a dance house. The village is used by the local Yurok community for education of their youth and to share their culture with the public. Yearly celebrations are held here and many school groups visit the village when they study California history. On our return to Eureka we'll visit picturesque Trinidad Harbor. Trinidad is California's smallest incorporated city (with a 2000 population of just 311) and is noted for its spectacular coastline and remarkable offshore rocks. These rocks are part of the California Coastal National Monument of which Trinidad is a Gateway City. This natural landmark is joined by three additional marine landmarks - the historic Trinidad Head Light, the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse, and Humboldt State University's Fred Telonicher Marine Laboratory. Fishing operations related to Trinidad Harbor are vital to both local tourism and commercial fishery interests in the region.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant in Eureka.
 Evening: We enjoy free time to relax and visit with new friends.
   
Accommodations: Red Lion Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: We leave Eureka, travel to Humboldt Redwood State Park, then along the California coast to historic Mendocino
(Wednesday, July 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Quality Inn, Eureka
 Morning: Board the motor coach to travel to Ferndale. Nestled between the two redwood forests in a thriving dairy community, discover Northern California's best-kept secret, The Victorian Village of Ferndale.Step back in time and enjoy magnificently preserved Victorian architecture. On the National Register of Historic Places, Ferndale's Main Street is a photographer's paradise. We continue to Scotia, a company town, wholly owned by Pacific Lumber Company (PALCO), which is home to approximately 800 past or present mill employees and their dependents. Scotia is a living piece of history. Its picturesque homes, manicured yards, and white picket fences evoke memories of an earlier time. Scotia is the last true company town in America. Founded as a logging camp in 1883, it evolved into the Company headquarters; in fact, the Company’s 90-year old headquarters building is still in use.The newly updated Scotia Museum is a "must see" stop on any tour of Scotia. Through historical artifacts, vintage photos, three-dimensional displays, and interactive technology, visitors will see how forestry practices — and Scotia itself — have changed over the last 140 years. We continue to Humboldt Redwoods State Park where we meet our guide for a short walk in the redwoods and then view a film about the area.Located along the Eel River, Humboldt Redwoods State Park contains some of the world's most majestic ancient redwood groves. The park encompasses over 53,000 acres, including 17,000 acres of old-growth coast redwoods. In 1921 Save the Redwoods League dedicated the first Memorial Grove, Colonel Raynal C. Bolling Memorial Grove, in what is now known as Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Today the park contains a diverse coast redwood ecosystem, which includes Rockefeller Forest, the largest remaining old-growth forest in the world, and the entire Bull Creek watershed.
 Lunch: We eat our picnic lunch on the deck at the Visitor's Center surrounded by the beautiful redwoods.
 Afternoon: We board the motor coach to head for Mendocino. Our trip takes us through a forest, then we arrive at the California coast and travel south on breath-taking Hwy. One to Mendocino.Despite its small size, the town's scenic location on a headland surrounded by the Pacific Ocean has made it extremely popular as an artist colony and with vacationers. The town was founded in 1850 as a logging community, and was originally named Meiggsville after Henry Meiggs. Many of its early settlers were New Englanders, as was true with many older Northern California towns. Its economy declined after 1940, and it became a somewhat isolated village until discovered by the region's art community. It has been the setting for numerous films including "Same Time Next Year" and "The Russians Are Coming" as well as the popular TV series "Murder She Wrote."
 Dinner: We enjoy a plated dinner in the lovely Garden Room of thet Mendocino Hotel
 Evening: A local expert presents a class on the Pomo Indians of the area.
   
Accommodations: Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Our field trip takes us to Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse and the Mendocino Botanical Gardens. On our final evening we enjoy a performance by a local musician.
(Thursday, July 25)
   
 Breakfast: Full buffet breakfast at Mendocino Hotel
 Morning: We board the motor coach for the field trip. First stop is the Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse. The area was home to hundreds of sawmills because of the rich forests. The demand for lumber became even greater after the 1906 earthquake and conflagration in San Francisco, and that same year Congress appropriated $50,000 for a lighthouse on Point Cabrillo. Construction on the station, which was considered one of the most desirable assignments in the district due to its proximity to supplies and a school, began in 1908. The combination lighthouse and fog signal building resembles a small church with a 47-foot octagonal tower attached to the eastern end of the small one-and-a-half-story fog signal building. Two eighteen-horsepower engines housed in the building ran an air compressor that powered twin sirens protruding from the western end of the roof. A third-order Fresnel lens, manufactured in England by Chance Brothers, was installed in the lantern room. To produce a white flash every ten seconds, the four-sided lens was made to revolve three times every two minutes, using a weight suspended in the tower. Our next stop is the Botanical Garden which is the only public garden in the continental US that sits directly on the Pacific Ocean Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offers everything from colorful displays to thunderous waves. The mild maritime climate makes it a garden for all seasons, attracting gardeners and nature lovers alike. Manicured formal gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, fern-covered canyons, diverse plant collections, and flower-filled coastal bluffs overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean are among the many attractions. Whale watchers can take shelter in the Cliff House to view winter and spring migrations, bird lovers will delight in the over 150 species of birds that live in or visit the Gardens annually.
 Lunch: We return to Mendocino where you may enjoy a lunch provided.
 Afternoon: After lunch you may choose to walk along the headlands, visit the two museums or stroll the small town streets.
 Dinner: We are served a plated dinner in the Garden Room of the hotel.
 Evening: A local musician entertains us with an evening of music.
   
Accommodations: Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Drive Through Historic Sonoma County Vineyards, Cross the Gold Gate Bridge, Return to San Francisco Airport and Double Tree Hotel
(Friday, July 26)
   
 Breakfast: A full buffet breakfast at Mendocino Hotel
 Morning: We board the motor coach for our return to San Francisco International Airport and the DoubleTree Hotel in Burlingame. En route we cross the coastal mountains, then travel through Sonoma County's vineyards. We learn about the northern California wine industry as we go as well as local history. In Marin County we see the Civic Center designed by Frank Llyod Wright in 1957 and travel across the Golden Gate Bridge with a view of Alcatraz Island.
 Lunch: We stop en route for a farewell lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: We arrive at the airport in San Francisco where the program ends by approximately 3 pm with drop-offs at San Francisco International Airport Main Terminal and DoubleTree Hotel in Burlingame.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Burlingame, California General Overview
Participants may choose to arrive early in order to spend a day in San Francisco.
  Mendocino, California General Overview
There are many shops and art galleries to explore
  Carson City, Nevada General Overview
Participants will have the opportunity to visit the state capital buildings and several nearby casinos.
  Yosemite, CA National Park Service/ Yosemite NP
The National Park Service's official website offers a wealth of information about Yosemite National Park. For additional information, visit http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
  YosemitePark.com
This site is managed by the park's primary concessioner, DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite and provides the most current information on lodging, dining and activities inside the park. For additional information, visit http://www.yosemitepark.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

What’s included in this Road Scholar program?



Except for the occasional meal on some programs, Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive. That means there are no extra “options,” no passing the hat for tips and no surprises. From lectures and field trips to gratuities and accommodations – the price you pay up front is the price you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:


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