Road Scholar : Home
Hiking Amid Nature and History of the Snake River Plain

Program Number: 8753RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/2/2013 - 9/8/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Jerome, Idaho
Price starting at: $698.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 17; 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Gluten Free; Low Salt; Low Fat; Vegetarian    

Explore the natural history, geology, vegetation and wildlife of Idaho's Snake River Plain. Hikes with experience guides are based on ability groups and include the Sun Valley area, the “weird and scenic landscape” of Craters of the Moon National Monument, Silver Creek, and City of Rocks.




Highlights

• At Craters of the Moon National Monument, hike a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush.
• Lace up the boots to trek City of Rocks, a beautiful area with fascinating geologic features, rock climbers, plant and bird life, and several hiking trails.
• Hike in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area around Sun Valley.



Activity Particulars

Choice of 6-8 mile daily hikes with elevation gain of 500-1,500 feet and peak elevation over 7,500 feet or hikes of 4-6 miles over mostly level terrain. Site elevation of 4,000 feet.



Coordinated by Benedictine Monastery of the Ascension.




Jerome (Idaho)

Surrounded by bountiful farmlands and bordering on the Snake River Canyon, Jerome county has 16,000 residents, including twelve Benedictine monks, who live a peaceful, prayerful life in a thoroughly modern monastery.
Accommodations
Comfortable guest house; rooms with twin beds. For category information, call or go to www.roadscholar.org/8753.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Dennis Pettygrove
An expert on the wildflowers and geography of Idaho, Dennis Pettygrove is a former professor of chemistry at the College of Southern Idaho. Dennis enjoys skiing, white-water rafting and kayaking, and operates the sporting goods store Riverat Adventure Toyz.
 
Catherine Nelson
Catherine Nelson is a scientist-turned-dog trainer who resides in Davis, California. She is an experienced hiker who has led hikes in the area for a number of years, and looks forward to hiking with Road Scholar participants.
 
Hugh Feiss
Fr. Hugh Feiss is a favorite Road Scholar instructor whose academic interests center on medieval religious thought and practice, monastic history, and theology about Christ and creation. He taught humanities, philosophy and theology at an Oregon seminary before coming to Ascension Priory in Jerome, Idaho, in 1996. Fr. Feiss has authored more than 20 books and 50 scholarly articles, and his interests include ornithology, natural history and environmental ethics.
 
Fran Golding
Originally from Southern California, Fran Golding moved to Idaho in 1971 to teach at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI), and today is an emerita professor of biology. Fran is an expert in the botany of the region and has led hikes throughout southern Idaho.
 
Anita Koehn
Anita Koehn earned her Ph.D. in forestry from the University of Idaho, and is currently employed in doing soil research for the USDA. She will share her knowledge of Idaho's forests with Road Scholar participants.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Monastery of the Ascension
  Jerome, ID 6 nights
 Monastery of the Ascension
Type: Conference Center
  Contact info: 541 East--100 South
Jerome, ID 83338 USA
phone: 208-324-2377
web: www.idahomonks.org
  Room amenities: Rooms are air conditioned; all have outside window; all open onto pleasant, quiet lounge area.
  Facility amenities: Air conditioned. Free snack bar, laundry, private baths. No hair dryers in rooms. RV spaces with ordinary household electricity, hose hook up for water and access to showers (no dump facilities on site). Opportunity to join the monks of the monastery for prayer services. Facility overlooks the Magic Valley and the town of Twin Falls.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: $25/night for double occupancy Accommodations for extra nights are sometimes, but not always available. Meals available: breakfast $4; lunch $5; supper $7.
  Check in time: 1:30 PM
  Additional nights after: $25/night for double occupancy Accommodations for extra nights are sometimes, but not always available. Meals available: breakfast $4; lunch $5; supper $7.
  Check out time: 11:45 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
5:50 PM Social in dining room You will be staying at Monastery of the Ascension that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast, 7:40 AM You will be staying at Monastery of the Ascension the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking is free, right in front of the building.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Jerome, ID
  Nearest city or town:  Twin Falls, ID
  Nearest highway: I-84
  Nearest airport:  Twin Falls, ID
  From End of Program
  Location: Jerome, ID
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Salt Lake City Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Salt Lake Express
phone: 208-736-8824
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

About $35.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

4.0 
   

This shuttle leaves people off and picks them up at the Wal-Mart in Jerome, ID, about six miles from the monastery. We will pick people up and return them there ($5.00 one way) at anytime. Participants need to let us know ahead of time when they are arriving: phone: 208-761-9389; email: hughf@idahomonks.org
 

Boise

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Salt Lake Express
phone: 208-736-8824
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

about $35.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.5 
   

This shuttle leaves people off at the Wal-Mart in Jerome, ID. We will pick people up and return them there ($5.00 one way) at anytime. Participants need to let us know ahead of time when they are arriving: phone: 208-761-9389; email: hughf@idahomonks.org
 

Twin Falls

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Monastery of the Ascension
phone: 208-324-2377
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$10.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
   

We will provide transportation for all flights and buses to and from Twin Falls. Cost: $10 one way.Participants need to let us know ahead of time when they are arriving: phone: 208-761-9389; email: hughf@idahomonks.org
 

Twin Falls Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Monastery of the Ascension
phone: 208-324-2377
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$12.50
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
   

We will provide transportation to the monastery from the airpror and back for all flights to and from Twin Falls. Participants need to let us know ahead of time when they are arriving: phone: 208-761-9389; email: hughf@idahomonks.org.
 
Driving Directions
  Coming on I-84 from East. Turn at exit 173 (to Sun Valley). Go north (toward Sun Valley) on Hwy 93 for 4 miles past golf course on right to Priory Road (=100 South) and proceed for 1.5 miles, turn in at sign, "Monastery of the Ascension." (Alternatively: you continue north on Hwy 93 for another mile past Priory Road to blinking yellow light, turn right onto Hwy 25 (toward Eden, ID), go 1.9 miles to a different sign which also says "Monastery of the Ascension," turn right for 0.5 miles and turn in at monastery lane.
  Coming on I-84 from West. There are two options: (1) Take the first Jerome exit and go through town on Main Street (=Highway 25) and beyond for about four miles. Cross Hwy 93 (blinking red light) and continue for 1.9 miles. Turn right at our sign, go 0.5 miles to another sign, and turn in to the left down the tree-lined lane. (2) Continue on I-84 and turn at exit 173. Go north (toward Sun Valley) on Hwy 93 for 4 miles to Priory Road (=100 South), turn right for 1.5 miles, turn in on the tree-lined lane at sign, "Monastery of the Ascension."
  Coming on US Hwy 93 from south (Wells, NV; Twin Falls, ID). Drive through and north of Twin Falls on Hwy 93, under the I-84 overpass and from there toward Sun Valley for 4 miles past golf course on right to Priory Road (=100 South), turn right for 1.5 miles, turn in at sign, "Monastery of the Ascension." (Alternatively, you can continue north on Hwy 93 for another mile past Priory Road to blinking yellow light, turn right onto Hwy 25 (toward Eden, ID), go 1.9 miles to a different sign which also says "Monastery of the Ascension," turn right for 0.5 miles and turn in at monastery lane.
  Coming on Us Hwy 93 from north (Shoshone, ID) Travel south from Shoshone, ID (about 12 miles) until you come to blinking yellow light at Hwy 25. Turn left toward Eden, ID, and go 1.9 miles to a sign which says "Monastery of the Ascension," turn right for 0.5 miles and turn in at monastery lane.
Elevation Note: Monastery is located at 4000 feet. On hikes participants will go to elevations of 6000-7500.

Equipment Requirements: Hiking boots or hiking shoes with good tread, day pack. Other recommended equipment: water container, hiking poles, poncho, sun hat; sun screen; sun glasses; binoculars; cushion. Layered clothing.
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: Social and banquet, followed by get acquainted meeting and orientation
(Monday, September 2)
   
 Dinner: Social and dinner at 5:50 followed by an orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:30 PM. Then discussion of the hikes on the next. On each subsequent day (Tuesday through Friday) there will be evening lectures: botany, forestry, geology, birds of the region.
   
Accommodations: Monastery of the Ascension
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Hiking at Craters of the Moon. Lecture on local area on bus; lecture on geology in the evening.
(Tuesday, September 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 8:00 AM.
 Morning: Board bus for hiking locations at 8:45 AM, taking lunches and water provided. Choice of two hikes each day. All will hike the short North Crater Flow Trail and the Indian Cave Trail, but in between those two there is the choice of the North Crater Trail (600 feet elevation gain) or the Two Mould Trail (both about 3 miles). Lecture on bus about the agriculture South Central Idaho.
 Lunch: Makings for lunches are provided: bread, condiments, fruit, granola, meat, cheese. Participants make and pack their own for the hike.
 Afternoon: Hikes continue.
 Dinner: 6:00 PM Dinner
 Evening: Lecture on geology of the Snake River Plain. Discussion of next day's hikes in the Sun Valley area.
   
Accommodations: Monastery of the Ascension
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Hiking in Sun Valley Area. Lecture on birds of Idaho.
(Wednesday, September 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 8:00 AM.
 Morning: Board bus at 8:45 AM, taking our lunches and water. Choice of hikes in Sun Valley area. Choice of two hikes: Proctor Mountain (starts and ends at the Hemingway Memoria; 6 miles, about 1800 feet elevation gain), or hike along Wood River Trail and optional continuation through Ketchum to Sun Valley Lodge and Hemingway Memorial--those who want can stop in Ketchum after about 3 miles (total about 7 miles; slight elevation gain).
 Lunch: Makings for lunches are provided: bread, condiments, fruit, granola, meat, cheese. Participants make and pack their own for the hike.
 Afternoon: Continue hikes in Sun Valley area.
 Dinner: Dinner
 Evening: Lecture on birds of Idaho by Bart Butterfield, Idaho Fish and Game.
   
Accommodations: Monastery of the Ascension
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Hike in the South Hills between Twin Falls and the Nevada line. Through a wooded area on national forest land.
(Thursday, September 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 8 AM.
 Morning: Choice of two hikes in South Hills between Twin Falls and the Nevada border in forested area in the Sawtooth National Forest, Lecture on the bus on demography of Idaho.
 Lunch: Eat lunch on the trail.
 Afternoon: Continue hike in the South Hills. As time permits, visit Shoshone Falls on the way back.
 Dinner: Dinner
 Evening: Lecture on wildflowers by Dr. Dennis Pettygrove, College of Southern Idaho (emeritus).. Introduction of hikes at City of Rocks.
   
Accommodations: Monastery of the Ascension
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Hiking at City of Rocks. Lecture on forests.
(Friday, September 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 8 AM.
 Morning: Hiking at City of Rocks, a National Reserve operated by the US Park Service in a beautiful area with fascinating geologic features, rock climbers, plant and bird life, and several hiking trails. Choice between two hikes: North Fork Circle Creek: @6 miles with 600 feet elevation gain; South Fork Circle Creek, @4 miles, with ups and downs on path over broken terrain. Lecture on bus on history of the monastery.
 Lunch: Makings for lunches are provided: bread, condiments, fruit, granola, meat, cheese. Participants make and pack their own for the hike.
 Afternoon: Hikes at City of Rocks continue.
 Dinner: Dinner
 Evening: Lecture on forests and trees by Dr. Anita Koehn, US Department of Agriculture. Introduction to hikes in Greenhorn Gulch and Silver Creek Reserve (Sun Valley area)
   
Accommodations: Monastery of the Ascension
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Hike in Sun Valley area or the Silver Creek Preserve; closing banquet.
(Saturday, September 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 8:00 AM.
 Morning: Board bus at 8:45: Choice of hikes two hikes in Sun Valley area: (1) Greenhorn Gulch; there are several options, the full loop of the Cow Creek hike is 7.5 miles with 1200 foot elevation gain; the half loop is 5 miles with 700 feet elevation gain. (2) Silver Creek Nature Conservancy Preserve: a restful day at a famous fly fishing spot, where springs bubbling up in the desert feed Silver Creek: there are several hiking options, mainly on flat terrain: a short 1-mile nature walk along the creek; a two miles loop around an aspen grove and more of the creek; a 2-mile one way hike out to across the entire preserve. When not hiking, participants can sit at the headquarters and enjoy a beautiful view. Lecture and questions-and-answer session on the bus.
 Lunch: Lunch
 Afternoon: Hikes continue.
 Dinner: Social and dinner at 5:50 PM, followed by wrap up session.
 Evening: Wrap up session and music concert.
   
Accommodations: Monastery of the Ascension
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:
(Sunday, September 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast available from early Sunday morning. Program ends after breakfast. Those who wish can attend Sunday Eucharist at 9:00 AM, and it is sometimes possible to stay over for another day or two (cost $25-30/person/night; meals: breakfast $5, lunch $7, dinner $9.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Jerome, ID General Overview
The Monastery of the Ascension is located centrally in the Magic Valley, five miles east of Jerome and ten miles north of Twin Falls.. It is within two hours' drive of Boise (state capitol; churches; Birds of Prey Center), Glens Ferry (Oregon Trail Interpretative Center; Three Island State Park), Malad Gorge State Park, Sun Valley, Jackpot, NV, Craters of the Moon, City of Rocks, Silver Creek Preserve, 1000 Spings (e.g., the spectacular Niagara Springs), Hagerman Fossil Beds Headquarters and Museum (Hagerman, ID), and ice caves north of Shoshone. There a number of museums (e.g., at College of Southern Idaho; Twin Falls and Jerome), antique stores and galleries, as well as numerous golf courses, several hot springs, and scenic boat rides in the Snake River Canyon.
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


Day Hiking Near Sun Valley


Author: Anne Hollingshead


Description: This loose-leat book has maps and other information of the some of the hikes we are doing around Sun Valley.



In the Middle and on the Edge: The Twin Falls Region of Idaho


Author: James Gentry


Description: Large scale settlement did not begin in the Twin Falls area of south central Idaho until a canal system was put in place in the early 20th century. Hence, around 2000 AD there was a spate of centennial books on the area. This is one of the best.



Irrigated Eden: The Making of an Agricultural Landscape


Author: Mark Fiege


Description: A study of the ecological changes that have occurred since the Twin Falls area of Idaho was settled.





You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768