ECOTOURISM

Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon

Gaze in awe at the largest living trees in the world in Kings Canyon and Sequoia Parks. These magical areas are full of natural history, evidence of insightful conservationists and wildlife. Join EAC as they explore this magnificent area for an unsurpassed educational and fun experience!

Highlights:

• Study black bear ecology with local wildlife experts.
• Hike through fields filled with wildflowers and inspiring scenery.
• Experience the waterfalls of Yosemite Valley.
• Observe General Sherman, the largest living tree on Earth.

Tour Details

Day 1: Arrive Fresno, CA
Your guides meet you at the Fresno airport around noon and then transfer to Yosemite Park. You make several stops taking in the spectacular expanse of Yosemite Valley including the famous Tunnel View. Your gaze will immediately be attracted to the elegant, free-leaping Bridalveil Falls upon arrival in Yosemite Valley. An easy half-mile walk takes one to the base of this 620-foot waterfall. Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge. (D)

Day 2: Yosemite National Park & Nevada Falls
Joined by an ecologist from the Yosemite Association, you hike perhaps one of the most scenic trails in all of Yosemite. The famous, or infamous, Mist Trail is a steep, strenuous path taking one past 317-foot Vernal Falls to the base of 594-foot Nevada Falls. Follow the Merced River as it depart Little Yosemite Valley past lush vegetation and are inspired by exquisite views around every corner. Hike at a pace set by the group and one can chose to stop at the Vernal Falls footbridge and take in the vista rather than climbing the 300 stairs to the base of the Nevada Falls. Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3: Wildflowers and Wildlife in Yosemite’s High Country
Crystal clear lakes and rivers, unique view of Half Dome at Olmsted Point, fragile meadows and exposed granite slopes teeming with life await today in Yosemite’s High Country. Tuolumne Meadows and the Highcountry offer some of the Sierra Nevada’s most rugged and sublime scenery. Enjoy one of the many numerous hikes in the area today. Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 4: Challenge of the Big Trees: Sequoia and Fire Ecology
After breakfast, make the last trip into Yosemite Valley. Here participants may visit the base of Yosemite Falls, Ansel Adam’s gallery, a native American exhibit and the Visitor’s Center. Then depart for Kings Canyon and Sequoia (about a four- drive). Upon arrival to Kings Canyon, you will have some free time to see the Visitor’s Center or take a walk to enjoy the lush surroundings of this serene park. Overnight: John Muir Lodge, Kings Canyon. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Kings Canyon & Zumwalt Meadows
Joined by an expert ecologist from the Sequoia Canyon Natural History Association, spend the day exploring Kings Canyon. Carved during the Ice Age, the deep canyon now offers delight to nature lovers of all ages. The first stop will be Grant’s Grove and home of General Grant, the world’s third largest tree and also the nation’s Christmas tree. The destination in Kings Canyon will be literally at the road’s end. From here, explore the serene and lush backcountry of the Sierra Nevadas while hiking to Bubbs Creek (4.5-mile loop, 70-foot elevation gain). Paralleling the South Fork of the Kings River, Bubbs Creek offers towering views of glacially carved peaks on every side. You are sure to be empowered as you are encompassed by mountains with names such as Grand Sentinel, The Sphinx, North Dome and Glacier Monument. Enjoy lunch under fragrant cedar trees in an area overflowing with natural history and ecological wonder. Overnight: John Muir Lodge, Kings Canyon. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Sequoia National Park
Joined by an expert sequoia ecologist, spend the entire day exploring the largest concentration of giant sequoias in the world! Hike the Hart Tree and Redwood Canyon Creek Loop, a 6.5-mile trail with a 900-foot elevation gain. You are sure to be humbled as you are utterly surrounded by hundreds of sequoias. The trail enables you to hike through the length of Tunnel Tree and to visit a hollowed out sequoia with rock chimneys once used as a cabin. This area tells a story of extreme conservation and is filled with cultural and natural history! Overnight: Sequoia National Park Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Sequoia National Park & General Sherman
After breakfast, visit the Giant Forest where you take a short walk to meet the world’s largest living tree – General Sherman. With a base diameter of almost 40 feet and branch diameter reaching 7 feet, you are sure to be completely humbled. Then make your way to Moro Rock, a dome-shaped granite monolith. Moro Rock offers a 300-foot climb to breathtaking views of the Three Rivers Valley, the Sierra Nevadas and the tallest mountain in the lower U.S. - Mt. Whitney. After a picnic lunch, spend the entire afternoon studying black bear ecology. Spend this time roving for bears, visiting a real bear den (unoccupied, of course!), and the biology surrounding winter hibernation. This is a special opportunity not to be missed! After this full day of hiking and photography, meet for a farewell social and dinner. Overnight: Sequoia National Park Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Fresno, CA/Home
After breakfast, transfer to Fresno for flights home. (B).

Luggage
It is requested that luggage be kept to a minimum of one large (preferably soft-sided) suitcase and one carry-on/backpack per person.

Physical Activity
Most everyone in a reasonably good physical condition can participate in this tour offered by the Environmental Adventure Company. The activities will include some hiking in conditions ranging from snow and mud to dry conditions. Standing and observing for periods of time and kneeling or squatting to examine wildlife tracks or signs, are part of the activities. Consult with your physician if you have questions about the program. It is your responsibility to let the tour operator know of any complications that may be associated with traveling under any of these conditions.

Pre-Departure Information
When you sign-up for an adventure, you will receive a detailed Pre-Departure information packet prior to your trip which will help you prepare. This packet will help you make decisions about what to bring – and what not to bring! It includes a reading list, a clothing recommendation page as well as information on what to expect the weather to do while you are at the destination! There is also information about necessary documents, health issues, and even photographic tips. Feel free to contact EAC for more information.