Springtime in the High Sierra
Tour Description
Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are sanctuaries of rugged mountains, deep canyons, cascading waterfalls, and immense trees. Located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of central California, both parks experience four distinct seasons. Celebrate springtime as the iconic attractions and trails shed their winter coats and become awash with wildflowers. Thundering waterfalls and rushing rivers reveal the power of melting snow at spring runoff. You’ll enjoy the Sierras at the very start of their springtime beauty.
Tour Highlights
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Though two separate national parks, Sequoia and Kings Canyon share a border and are jointly managed. Both are designated International Biosphere Reserves and bear witness to nature’s beauty, and diversity: Immense mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees.
Great Guides & Great Company
This women-led journey is designed to offer an intimate connection to the parks and a change of pace from the responsibilities of daily life. Enjoy days filled with exploration, serenity, and laughter. Followed by tranquility each evening as you recount the day with your fellow participants.
Mountain lodge accommodations
Gracious staff welcome you to stunningly located and nicely appointed accommodations. Crafted of oak, cedar and stone, Wuksachi Lodge is a mountain lodge lovingly built in the Mission-style. Not content to be just another park hotel it has been designed with décor and views that enhance our experience in the heart of California’s oldest National Park. We take advantage of the lodge’s convenient location near towering sequoias and hiking trails and use it as our base camp throughout our trip.
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Tour Map
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Daily Itinerary
April 19: Fresno, California, to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gather in the early afternoon to transfer to Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of Sequoia National Park. At the Grant Grove Visitor Center we begin our explorations with an introduction to the ecology of the giant sequoia trees. Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the 48 contiguous states, rises to nearly 15,000 feet at the eastern edge of Sequoia National Park. From it and other rugged peaks along the Sierra Crest, elevations in the park gradually descend down to the west slope of the Sierras and foothills of 1,500 feet. With this tremendous range of elevations, the park is ecologically rich in diversity and scenery. Wuksachi Lodge (D)
April 20: Sequoia National Park
Walk amid the famed Giant Forest and see the 2,000-year-old General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world. The Congress Trail takes us through these magnificent groves where we study the forest’s ecosystem. We are visiting in early spring and snow is still melting in the depths of the forest. If you are interested, there may still be opportunities to snow shoe! Later, we stop at the granite dome of Moro Rock and take the short, steep hike to the top for unparalleled views of the mountains and canyons of the Great Western Divide. At Hospital Rock, learn of the Monache Indians who settled in this area as early as 1350. View ancient rock paintings, or pictographs, and unique bedrock mortars used to grind acorns. Wuksachi Lodge (B,L,D)
April 21: Sequoia National Park
Meet with park staff to learn of management issues including wildfires and reforestation as well as endangered wildlife and air quality. The history of the park includes Native Americans, John Muir, the cavalry’s Buffalo Soldiers, and countless backcountry explorers and climbers. Study the terrain of the Giant Forest region from our vantage point on the granite dome of Little Baldy. Once used as a fire lookout, Little Baldy offers panoramic views. The three mile hike has a gradual uphill hill climb. We have included free time for relaxation and reflection amid the giant forests this afternoon. Wuksachi Lodge (B,L,D)
April 22: Kings Canyon National Park
Today, we explore at nearby King’s Canyon National Park. At Junction View catch a glimpse of both the Middle Fork and South Fork of Kings Canyon. Marvel at the sheer walls of the canyon. Today’s hike to Zumwalt Meadows starts at an impressive waterfall then follows the Roaring Fork River to magnificent views of the High Sierra’s peaks above a lush meadow. The hike is almost 4 miles round trip with little elevation gain. If road conditions allow, we can tour Boyden Cavern to discover the natural beauty hidden underground. Wuksachi Lodge (B,L,D)
April 23: Sequoia National Park
We focus our final day back in the big trees with a hike to Tokopah Falls. Watch for wildflowers as we walk through this glacially carved valley that ends at a lovely waterfall cascading over granite boulders. The 3.8 mile round trip follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River with little elevation gain. More 170 species of birds call these forests home. Wuksachi Lodge (B,L,D)
April 24: Transfer to Fresno, California
After an early breakfast we transfer to the Fresno Airport for afternoon departures. (B,L)
Note: Temperatures in the mountains will average in the 50-60s during the day with chilly overnight lows. The hiking and exploring options are endless and each day’s activities will be based on the weather, wildlife and the interests of the group.
This tour is a women's journey and registrations are open only to female participants. Tour registrations purchased by NPCA members that are male will be assumed a Mother's Day gift for their moms, a Valentine's Day gift for their wives, or a Birthday present for their daughters. Women only.
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Tour Details
NPCA Member Price
$2,695 per person double occupancy; $650 single supplement.
Price Includes
Airport transfers, land transportation during the journey, all accommodations, meals specified in the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, and D-Dinner), professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Price Does Not Include
Roundtrip airfare to and from destination, gratuities for naturalist guides, alcoholic beverages, or personal expenses.
Payments/Cancellations
Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA at 800.628.7275. A $500 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 90 days prior receive a refund, less the $250 per person handling fee. Cancellations 90-61 days prior to departure, 25% of the tour cost is forfeited; 60-31 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour cost is forfeited; 30 days or fewer prior to departure result in the loss of 100% of your total cost.
Travel Insurance
To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance.
Arrive/Depart
Fresno, California
Length of tour
6 days/5 nights
Pace
Easy and at your own pace, offering a choice of activities each day to suit different activity levels and interests.
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