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 by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport
  Burlingame, CA 1 night
   Holiday Inn Fresno
  Fresno, CA 2 nights
   Yosemite View Lodge
  El Portal, CA 2 nights
   Carson City Plaza Hotel
  Carson City, Nevada 3 nights
   Red Lion Inn Hotel Redding
  Redding, California 1 night
   Red Lion Hotel Eureka
  Eureka, California 2 nights
   Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
  Mendocino, California 2 nights
 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Enjoy contemporary rooms, waterfront views of the San Francisco Bay, and easy access to downtown San Francisco at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport. The hotel is located just two miles south of San Francisco Airport (SFO) and provides a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service. Guests can experience scenic bayside views from their room or from the adjacent jogging and walking trails, and enjoy an invigorating work out in the complimentary fitness center. Head into downtown San Francisco and avoid traffic by taking the complimentary shuttle bus to the nearby Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station.
  Contact info: 835 Airport Blvd.
Burlingame, CA 94010-9949 USA
phone: 650-344-5500
web: http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-san-francisco-airport-SFOAODT/index.html
  Room amenities: Rooms are equipped with plush top beds and hypoallergenic down pillows; 27-inch TV with cable, premium channels and video games; large desk with high-speed internet access (only $9.95 per day); clock radio with MP3 connectivity; hair dryer; iron/ironing board; and coffee maker.
  Facility amenities: Guest rooms feature contemporary European decor and comfortable bedding. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, which specializes in sustainable fresh local foods, as well as room service. For coffee lovers, there’s a Starbucks® cart in lobby. The hotel offers valet dry cleaning service (but not same-day service). However, there is no on-site guest laundry. For those who arrive early and wish to explore the area, you can catch a complimentary trolley from the hotel to the charming town of Burlingame, or take a shuttle bus to the nearest BART station for a trip north to San Francisco. PARKING: There is no charge for Road Scholar participants who drive to the program and wish to leave their cars in the hotel parking lot (for up to 14 days). WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS: The hotel provides complimentary Wi-Fi Internet service in the lobby area and the 24-hour business center. If you wish to have high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access in your guest room, there is a daily charge of $9.95/day. This may be arranged at the front desk.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Limited special rate Call the hotel directly at (650) 344-5500 to make a reservation for additional nights prior to the start of the program. The hotel only has 3 rooms available for pre-program stays, so first come first served. Be sure to mention the special ROAD SCHOLAR NATIONAL PARKS #1 GROUP CODE C-NP1 to get a preferred rate. NOTE: After these rooms are taken, any additional reservation requests are based on room availability at the prevailing rate.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Holiday Inn Fresno
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Nestled in Central California's scenic San Joaquin Valley, the Holiday Inn Fresno Airport hotel is a gateway to Sequoia/Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks. This full-service hotel is centrally located near the city's most exciting attractions, sports entertainment, universities, museums and shops.
  Contact info: 5090 East Clinton Way
Fresno, CA 93727 USA
phone: 559-252-3611
web: http://www.fresnoairporthi.com/
  Room amenities: The hotel has 210 contemporary guest rooms and suites, each equipped with 32" flat screen cable TVs, complimentary high speed wireless internet, coffee/tea makers, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries.
  Facility amenities: The hotel features an indoor atrium heated pool and seasonal outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant and bar, and a modern fitness center. Additional amenities include a modern business center, room service, ATM machine, on-site laundry facilities and same-day dry cleaning service. There is no elevator to the second floor, however, the hotel provides 24-hour bell service to assist guests with luggage. WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS: Complimentary high speed wireless internet is available throughout the hotel and in all guest rooms.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Yosemite View Lodge
Type: Lodge
  Description: Yosemite View Lodge is a two-story motor inn that is situated along the Merced River, 2 ˝ miles from the west entrance to Yosemite National Park. The Lodge provides guests with a beautiful and tranquil natural setting overlooking the wild Merced River. This location is a great location for touring some of the most popular sites in the park. It is a mile east of El Portal, 12 miles from Bridal Veil Falls and El Capitan; 14 miles from Lower Yosemite Falls and Upper Yosemite Falls, and 15 miles from Glacier Point and Yosemite Village.
  Contact info: 11136 Highway 140
El Portal, CA 95318 USA
phone: 209-379-2681
web: http://www.stayyosemiteviewlodge.com/
  Room amenities: All guest rooms include a private bathroom with shower/tub combination, hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries; kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and dishware; clock radio; and iron/ironing board. Rollaway beds are available. Other amenities include cable/satellite TV with premium channels; direct-dial phone; and climate-control. Wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge.
  Facility amenities: All of the 278 air-conditioned guestrooms are equipped with kitchenettes. The hotel offers a range of amenities including a bar/lounge, Business Center and ample free parking. There are many conveniences for guests such as 24-hour front desk service; a gift shop and grocery store; laundry facilities; and a central safe-deposit box at the front desk. Yosemite View Lodge amenities include an indoor pool, two outdoor pools, five spa tubs, patio, and Yosemite View restaurant. WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS: There is a fee of $9.99 per 24-hour period (rates may vary) for high-speed in-room Internet access.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Carson City Plaza Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: The Carson City Plaza Hotel and Event Center is centrally located in the heart of downtown Carson City, just 20 minutes from the shores of Lake Tahoe. The Plaza is within walking distance of various restaurants, Nevada’s government and business district, and historic sites such as the Nevada State Museum, rated one the best regional museums in the United States.
  Contact info: 801 South Carson
Carson City, NV 89701 USA
phone: 775-883-9500
web: www.carsoncityplaza.com
  Room amenities: Guest rooms are furnished with pillowtop beds, air conditioning, LCD flat screen cable TV, clock radio w/ MP3 connection, microwave, small refrigerator, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi, coffee maker, iron/ironing board (on request), ergonomic desk chair, and windows that open. Bathrooms offer shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.
  Facility amenities: The hotel is a smoke-free property featuring a family friendly atmosphere, small fitness center, business services, same-day dry cleaning service, and an onsite guest laundry with multiple washers and dryers as well as a laundry supplies. WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms and in most public areas of the facility.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Red Lion Inn Hotel Redding
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Red Lion Hotel Redding is situated at the gateway to Northern California's recreational playground, just a short drive from some of California's most dramatic natural wonders including Mt. Shasta and the pristine Trinity Mountains. Mt. Lassen Volcanic State Park and the Sundial Bridge are only minutes away. The hotel is conveniently located near the downtown area, Redding Convention Center and Mt. Shasta Mall.
  Contact info: 1830 Hilltop Drive
Redding, CA 96002 USA
phone: 530-221-8700
web: http://www.redlion.com/our-hotels/california/redding/
  Room amenities: Guest rooms feature plush pillowtop beds, free wireless Internet access, work desk and chair, alarm clock/radio, coffee maker, iron with board, hairdryer, and Premium Cable or Satellite TV, and eco-friendly bath amenities.
  Facility amenities: The hotel has 192 spacious guest rooms with private balconies or patios and features a seasonal outdoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center. Additional amenities include an on-site restaurant, business services, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, same-day dry cleaning service, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS: The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public spaces within the hotel.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Red Lion Hotel Eureka
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Conveniently located off Highway 101 near the towering Redwoods of Northern California, the Red Lion Hotel Eureka is ideally situated near the Pacific Ocean. The state and national Redwood parks are just minutes away. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the beautiful Victorian Seaport of Old Town Eureka, which is filled with boutique shops and art galleries.
  Contact info: 1929 Fourth Street
Eureka, CA 95501 USA
phone: 707-445-0844
web: http://www.redlion.com/our-hotels/california/eureka/
  Room amenities: The spacious guest rooms are furnished with comfortable pillowtop beds. Amenities include free wireless Internet access, work desk and chair, alarm clock/radio, coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, iron/ironing board, hairdryer and Premium Cable or Satellite TV. Eco-Friendly bath amenities are provided.
  Facility amenities: The Red Lion Hotel has 175 spacious guest rooms and features an outdoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center, room service, on-site ATM, and same-day laundry and dry cleaning valet service. The hotel restaurant, the Pacific Grill, serves distinctive Northwest cuisine. Complimentary newspapers are available in the lobby. WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS: The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the facility including all guest rooms.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Mendocino Hotel, a restored Victorian building with beautiful antiques and two award-winning restaurants, is situated in the picturesque village of Mendocino overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Mendocino Headlands. Located on the rugged North Coast of California, about 4 hours north of San Francisco, it is part of the highly scenic Andersen Valley, home of over three dozen boutique wineries. The hotel and town of only 1200 inhabitants is registered in the National Historic Trust.
  Contact info: 45080 Main Street
Mendocino, CA 95460 USA
phone: 800-548-0513
web: www.mendocinohotel.com
  Room amenities: The hotel's 51 guest rooms were renovated in 2006 and are equipped with hair dryers, phones, irons/ ironing boards, and cozy down comforters. Many have balconies and fireplaces.
  Facility amenities: This full-service hotel, located in the heart of the Mendocino Historic Preservation District, offers Concierge and 24-hour Front Desk service; bellman service from 8AM till 9PM; room service from 8AM till 9PM; free daily copy of the New York Times Digest; safe deposit boxes; on-site parking; and in-house massage and spa services situated on two acres of lush Victorian gardens. Guests will also enjoy the on-site Mendocino Creamery Ice Cream Parlor. The Mendocino Hotel features two award-winning restaurants and a bar which offer guests a choice of casual, bistro, or fine dining as well as a heated outdoor garden terrace. The Mendocino Hotel has been a recipient of the Award of Excellence from WINE SPECTATOR for the past eleven consecutive years. WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS: High-speed wireless Internet access is available in the lobby area.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights after: Please call hotel. The hotel is usually fully booked on weekends. If participants choose to stay after the program, they must arrange their own return transportation to SFO.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Registration is between 3:30-5:00PM in the hotel lobby. Wine social at 5:30PM is followed by dinner at 6:00PM with orientation/self introductions at 7:00PM. You will be staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends at approximately 3:00PM with drop-offs at San Francisco International Airport and the DoubleTree Hotel in Burlingame. Arrival time of 3:00PM at SFO is not guaranteed. You will be staying at Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. On the enclosed Participant Information Form (PIF), please indicate to us the name of your roommate/traveling companion. Also let us know if you are traveling with other individuals and wish to be assigned a room near them. Photo ID
  Parking availability:
If you are driving to the program and wish to park your car at the hotel for the duration of the program, the DoubleTree Hotel in Burlingame provides complimentary parking for Road Scholar participants for up to 14 days.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Burlingame, CA
  Nearest city or town:  San Francisco, CA
  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
 

Oakland Airport to Burlingame

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

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

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Around $43 one-way, but check current rates
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approx. 45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

29 miles from Oakland Airport to hotel
   

SuperShuttle offers shared van service from Oakland Airport to the hotel. Advance reservations are recommended. Call 800-258-3826 or visit www.supershuttle.com for online reservations and rates.
 

San Francisco Airport SFO to Burlingame

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
DoubleTree Hotel Shuttle Van
phone: 650-344-5500

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary hotel shuttle
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes from SFO to the hotel 
 

Distance:

 

3 miles from SFO to the hotel
   

Call the hotel after your arrival at the airport to arrange for a free shuttle pickup from SFO. Call 650-344-5500. ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION from SFO: Taxis depart from the designated taxi zones located at the roadway center islands, on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level of all terminals. Uniformed taxi coordinators are stationed at the taxi zones from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. to assist passengers with questions or concerns.
 
Driving Directions
  From Oakland International Airport to Burlingame Take Hwy 80 West to 101 South. Exit at Broadway/Burlingame and go over the overpass. Turn right at the light (Old Bayshore). Turn left at the light (Airport Blvd.). The DoubleTree Hotel is on the right side.
  From San Franciso International Airport to Burlingame Start out going southeast on T-1 turnaround. Merge onto US-101 South via 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. The hotel will be on your right at 835 Airport Blvd.
  From the North Via Hwy 101 to Burlingame 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, in approximately a quarter of a mile.
  From the South via Hwy 101 to Burlingame 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.
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: Independent Arrivals/ Registration/ Program Orientation
(Saturday, October 5)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Check into DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport after 3:00PM.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet which we'll review during our orientation session.

 Dinner: Dinner at hotel

Menus are contracted for the program and are designed to offer balanced, healthy meals for the participants. In addition to the regular Road Scholar meal plan, this program offers a vegetarian meal option. Unfortunately, there are no other special meal options. Participants with special dietary needs should be prepared to avoid certain foods or supplement the regular meal plan as needed.

 Evening: ORIENTATION: We'll have an overview of the program ahead and review the up-to-date schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer your questions. Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements. In the event of changes, we will notify you as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.

CROSSING POINTS: Participants introduce themselves to the rest of the group.

Enjoy the remainder of the evening getting to know your fellow participants and discovering what you share beyond a love of lifelong learning.
   
Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: San Francisco to Fresno/San Juan Bautista/San Luis Reservoir
(Sunday, October 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Board the motor coach for trip to Fresno.First stop is a guided visit to the Mission and State Park at San Juan Bautista. The park is part of a nationally recognized historic landmark adjacent to a portion of California's 15th Spanish era mission. This mission was one of four established in the summer of 1797 and the fifteenth of the twenty-one missions in Alta, California
 Lunch: Lunch in San Juan Bautista
 Afternoon: Continue our trip with a stop at San Luis Reservoir, beginning our exploration of water issues in California. The dam 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 popular Casa de Fruta which began in 1908 with the planting of orchards by immigrants from Italy and is now a unique business operated by the same family.

 Dinner: Dinner at hotel
 Evening: An Evening with John Muir
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Fresno
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
(Monday, October 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: We begin our field trip to Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks with our knowledgeable on-board instructor. We visit the General Sherman Tree and Grant Grove. Sequoia was established on September 25, 1890. It spans 404,063 acres, encompassing a vertical relief of nearly 13,000 feet with the highest point in the lower 48 states, Mount Whitney. The park is south of and contiguous with Kings Canyon National Park.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park
 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.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Fresno
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Yosemite National Park/Lunch at Wawona Hotel
(Tuesday, October 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Board the motor coach for trip to Yosemite National Park.
 Lunch: Lunch at the historic Wawona Hotel. The Wawona Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, rests upon verdant meadows and beside rushing streams. The tranquility of this Victorian-style lodge in Yosemite makes it a favorite of those who prefer a relaxed environment and the gracious charm of a bygone era.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: After lunch we continue to Yosemite Valley with an on-board guide and stop at Tunnel View, the ultimate Yosemite overlook. 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 mile long Wawona Tunnel.
 Dinner: Dinner at the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls Food Court. Dinner coupon will have an $18 value. Purchases over $18 will be an out-of-pocket expense of the individual.
 Evening: After dinner, check into Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal.
   
Accommodations: Yosemite View Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Yosemite National Park
(Wednesday, October 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at The River Restaurant, Yosemite View Lodge
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Our on-board instructor leads us on a field trip through Yosemite Valley which is world-famous for its impressive waterfalls, cliffs and unusual rock formations.

First stop is El Capitan Meadow for a straight up view of El Capitan, a favorite for experienced rock climbers. Rising more than 3,000 feet above the Valley floor, it is the largest monolith of granite in the world.

Second stop is Bridalveil Fall for a walk to the base of the falls.

 Lunch: Lunch provided.
 Afternoon: Return to Yosemite Valley and visit the Visitor's Center, Yosemite Museum, the Ansel Adams Gallery, take a hike on you own or join the instructor for a hike to Mirror Lake.
 Dinner: Dinner at the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls Food Court. Dinner coupon will have an $18 value. Purchases over $18 will be an out-of-pocket expense of the individual.

After dinner, return to Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal.
   
Accommodations: Yosemite View Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Yosemite National Park/Tioga Pass to Mono Lake/Carson City, Nevada
(Thursday, October 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at The River Restaurant, Yosemite Viewl Lodge
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: We board the motor coach and begin our trip across Yosemite's high country over Tioga Pass (el. 9,943 ft.) which serves as the eastern entry point for Yosemite National Park. It is the highest highway pass in California and in the Sierra Nevada. The view from Olmsted Point looks southwest into Yosemite. Tenaya Lake offers an opportunity to stretch our legs and take in the gorgeous views from its shore. We continue through Tuolumne Meadows, a gentle, dome-studded section along the Tuolumne River.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch near Tuolumne Meadows
 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.

We continue to Carson City, Nevada's territorial and state capital, which 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.

 Dinner: Dinner provided
 Evening: Free time to explore Carson City
   
Accommodations: Carson City Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Nevada State Museum/Virginia City/Piper's Opera House
(Friday, October 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Plaza Hotel
 Morning: Free morning to write postcards or do laundry either at the hotel or at a local laundromat with transportation provided by the bus.
 Lunch: We have a full buffet lunch at the Nugget Casino.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Visit the Nevada State Museum which was originally erected in 1870 as the U.S. Mint, and coined more than $49,000,000 until 1893. Now a museum, it hosts about 250,000 visitors each year.

Then it's on to Virginia City, one of the largest National Historical Landmarks in the country. 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.

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. Fourth Ward School is the last school standing of its kind. Follow students’ footsteps through the authentically preserved 1876 Victorian school building. Sit in the same wooden desks as the children and teachers did from 1876 to 1936.

 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant
 Evening: CLASS: Meet the author of a definitive book on the Donner Party who shares their dramatic story with us.
   
Accommodations: Carson City Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Lake Tahoe/Taylor Creek/Mt. Tallac Historic Sit/Cruise on Lake Tahoe/Heavenly Valley Gondola ride
(Saturday, October 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Plaza Hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Board the motor coach for Lake Tahoe Basin. Meet our instructor at Taylor Creek to observe the Taylor Creek Stream Chamber and to visit the Mt. Tallac Historic Site.
 Lunch: At Zephyr Cove, board the Dixie Queen for a buffet lunch.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: 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. The cruise on the Dixie Queen takes us across the lake to famous Emerald Bay.

Complete our exploration of the Tahoe Basin with a gondola ride at Heavenly Valley for a spectacular view of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

 Dinner: Buffet dinner at a hotel at the lake
   
Accommodations: Carson City Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Lassen National Park/Sun Dial Bridge
(Sunday, October 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Plaza Hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Board the motor coach for the trip to Lassen National Park. 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. Although Lassen is primarily known for its volcanic geology, the park boasts a rich diversity of plant and animal life.
 Lunch: Lunch at cafe in Lassen National Park
 Afternoon: We continue our drive through the park, stopping 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. Artifacts and photographs of the 1914-1915 eruption are on display in the Loomis Museum. You may wish to take an optional walk on the nearby Lily Pond Nature Trail, an easy 1 mile round trip.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant
 Evening: FIELD TRIP: 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. In addition to being a functional work of art, the Sundial Bridge is a technical marvel as well. Renowned Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava conceived the Sundial Bridge’s unusual design, his first free-standing bridge in the United States.
   
Accommodations: Red Lion Inn Hotel Redding
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Shasta Dam/Weaverville/Trinity Alps
(Monday, October 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: 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 on the Sacramento River above Redding 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. We depart and continue west to Weaverville, a historic Gold Rush town, nestled at the base of the magnificent Trinity Alps Wilderness area. The Old West did live large in Weaverville with gunfights, saloons and even bank robberies by notorious figures like Black Bart.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: There will be some time to stroll the streets and visit the J.J. Jackson Memorial Museum. Artifacts include mining equipment, Indian displays, Chinese exhibits, old bottles, early kitchen utensils used by the county's first settlers, and the memorabilia that reflect the area's gold mining roots. The museum’s collection provides the visitor an intimate look at all phases of the county’s rich history. We board the motor coach to continue our trip through the Trinity Alps to Eureka on the California Coast.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant
 Evening: Optional walk to Carson Mansion in historic Old Town Eureka. It is one of the most written about and photographed Victorian houses in California, and perhaps in the United States.
   
Accommodations: Red Lion Hotel Eureka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Redwood National Park Visitor's Center/Patrick's Point State Park
(Tuesday, October 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: 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. The ancient coast redwood ecosystem preserved in the parks contains some of the planet's most majestic forests. Prairie Creek State Park was set aside in the early 1920’s and is a sanctuary of old growth coast redwood. We'll hope to spot some of the Roosevelt elk who call the park and this northern California area their home.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch in a scenic setting
 Afternoon: Field trip continues to Patrick's Point State Park, with dense forests of spruce, hemlock, pine, fir and red alder stretching over an ocean headland. Visit the recreated Yurok seasonal village - "Sumęg" - consisting of traditional style family houses, a sweat house, changing houses, a redwood canoe, and a dance house.

On the return to Eureka, we'll visit picturesque Trinidad Harbor. Trinidad is California's smallest incorporated city (in 2000 the population was 311) and is noted for its spectacular coastline and remarkable offshore rocks.

 Dinner: Dinner at Samoa Cookhouse, the last surviving cookhouse in the West, serving food - lumber camp style!
 Evening: After dinner there’ll be time to look at all the pictures and exhibits chronicling the lumber industry that's so important to this area.
   
Accommodations: Red Lion Hotel Eureka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Humboldt Redwood State Park/Mendocino
(Wednesday, October 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Board the motor coach to travel to Ferndale and step back in time and view the magnificently preserved Victorian architecture. On the National Register of Historic Places, Ferndale's Main Street is a photographer's paradise.

We continue to Humboldt Redwoods State Park where we meet our guide for a short walk in the redwoods. Located along the Eel River, Humboldt Redwoods State Park contains some of the world's most majestic ancient redwood groves.

 Lunch: We eat our picnic lunch on the deck at the Visitor's Center surrounded by the beautiful redwoods.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: We board the motor coach to head for Mendocino. After a stop at the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree we turn west to the California coast and travel south on breath-taking Hwy. 1 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. 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: Dinner in Garden Room, Mendocino Hotel
 Evening: CLASS: 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: Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse/Mendocino Botanical Gardens
(Thursday, October 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Mendocino Hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: We board the motor coach for the field trip. First stop is the Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse. Because of the increased demand to ship lumber to San Francisco after the destruction in 1906, Congress appropriated $50,000 for a lighthouse on Point Cabrillo.

Next stop is the Botanical Garden which is the only public garden in the continental U.S. that sits directly on the Pacific Ocean. The mild maritime climate makes it a garden for all seasons, attracting gardeners and nature lovers alike.

 Lunch: Picnic lunch allows you to explore the gardens at your leisure.
 Afternoon: After lunch we return to Mendocino where you may choose to walk along the headlands, visit the two museums or stroll the small town streets to visit galleries and interesting shops.
 Dinner: Dinner in Garden Room, Mendocino 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: Cross Golden Gate Bridge/Return to San Francisco Airport and DoubleTree Hotel/Independent Departures
(Friday, October 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Mendocino Hotel
 Morning: Board the motor coach for the return trip to San Francisco.
 Lunch: Lunch en route to SFO and Burlingame
 Afternoon: Program ends after the drop off at San Francisco Airport at approximately 3:00PM, followed by the return to the DoubleTree Hotel in Burlingame. The return time of 3:00PM at SFO is not guaranteed.

This concludes the program. We hope you have enjoyed our 'California National Park Medley: From Giant Sequoias to Coast Redwoods' program and will join us for other rewarding adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Mendocino, California Mendocino Visitors Guide
From the coastal villages and windswept cliffs of Highway 1 to the cozy inns and luxury spas sprinkled among towering redwoods and the wine country, learn more about the beauties of Mendocino County, CA when you visit this website where you can order a copy of the ultimate Mendocino County Insiders Visitors Guide. For additional information, visit www.mendocinovisitors.com
  Burlingame, CA San Francisco Visitor Information Center
900 Market Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

Phone: (415) 391-2000

This is a well-designed website featuring an online Visitor's Guide and packed with information about lodging, restaurants, attractions and San Francisco's diverse and colorful neighborhoods. For additional information, visit http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/

  San Mateo County Convention & Visitors Bureau
111 Anza Blvd., Ste. 410

Burlingame, CA 94010

Order your free Visitor's Guide to the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley area, which is located on a 60-mile peninsula immediately south of San Francisco. It's bordered on the east by San Francisco Bay, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean and encompasses over 450 square miles. Order your free guide online or by calling (800) 288-4748. For additional information, visit http://www.smccvb.com/

  Fresno, CA Fresno Convention and Visitors Bureau
1550 E. Shaw Ave. Suite 101

Fresno, CA 93710

Phone 800-788-0836

Learn more about California's sixth largest city which also serves as a gateway to the state's most spectacular national parks--Kings Canyon, Yosemite, and Sequoia National Park--as well as local tourism informaiton. For additional information, visit http://playfresno.org

  Eureka, California Eureka Chamber of Commerce
2112 Broadway

Eureka, CA 95501

Phone: 707-442-3738

Learn more about the Victorian seaport City of Eureka and the rich cultural and historic character of the area. Download or view the online Visitor Guide that's fileld with current tourist information. For additional information, visit http://eurekachamber.com/

  Carson City, Nevada Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau
Request or view the Carson City Visitor Planner online. The website is packed with information about historic, cultural and natural attractions in the Silver State of Nevada as well as lodging, restaurant and entertainment info. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the state capital buildings and several nearby casinos during their stay in Carson City. For additional information, visit http://www.visitcarsoncity.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.

Suggested Reading List


Early Mendocino Coast (Images of America: California)


Author: Katie M. Tahia


Description: Sorting through thousands of images in Mendocino County photo historian Robert Lee's collection and exploring the resources of the Mendocino County Museum, and other sites, historian Katy M. Tahja allows viewers to see the Mendocino coast of 100 years ago.



Sequoia & Kings Canyon: The Story Behind the Scenery


Author: William C. Tweed


Description: This book explores the realm of the giant sequoias, the largest living things on earth, from sequoia botany to the geology, history, and wildlife of both parks.



Park Profiles: Yosemite


Author: National Geographic


Description: Author Kenneth Brower details the captivating variety of Yosemite's plants and animals, chronicles how rivers of ice shaped the valley and relates the saga of the park through its first one hundred years.



Lassen Volcanic: The Story Behind the Scenery


Author: Ellis Richard, Mary Lu Moore


Description: This book is considered an oustanding introduction to Lassen National Park in which the author (a former Lassen National Park ranger) tells the human, geological and botanical story of the park area in an entertaining way.



Lake Tahoe: A Fragile Beauty


Author: Thomas Bachand


Description: Thomas Bachand's stunning photographs of Lake Tahoe document a gorgeous, and changing, environment. Bachand's work reveals the delicate balance between conservation and recreation as images of both majestic landscapes and development are juxtaposed.



The Wild Trees


Author: Richard Preston


Description: In The Wild Trees, Richard Preston unfolds the spellbinding story of Steve Sillett, Marie Antoine, and the tiny group of daring botanists and amateur naturalists that dared to climb and explore the unknown and hauntingly beautiful world hidden in the canopy of the giant redwood trees.



Roar and the Silence: A History of Virginia City


Author: Ronald M. James


Description: Ronald James's brilliant account of the Comstock's long and eventful history examines every aspect of Comstock and Virginia City and employs information gleaned from hundreds of written sources, interviews, archeological research, computer analysis, folklore, gender studies, physical geography, and architectural and art history.



Mountains of California


Author: John Muir


Description: "The Mountains of California was John Muir's first book, published in 1894, and was an instant success. This book contains not just some of the best nature writing, but for its vividness, immediacy and vision some of the best writing in English in any genre." ~ Martin Dickson





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