Lodge

Escape to the outdoors and stay at a comfortable lodge. A good number of our Lodge Trips stay at the Sierra Club's own Clair Tappaan Lodge in the Sierra Nevada. Located on a pine-covered hillside, the lodge is the perfect base from which to explore and has a cozy ski lodge atmosphere, complete with a big stone fireplace, wholesome and hearty meals, friendly staff, and a hot tub. Whether our Lodge Trips have a special focus like biking or photography or not, all offer a variety of ways to enjoy their scenic settings.

Buenos Aires Service Trip, Rancho de la Osa, Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge, Arizona. April 11-17. Southwest of Tucson, this Sonoran grassland is home to endangered species, such as the masked bobwhite and Mexican jaguar, and many native and migratory species. We'll stay in a comfortable 18th-century rancho

where "mi casa es su casa." On alternating days, we'll work with refuge staff on habitat restoration projects. Time for biking and horseback riding. Leader: Susan Estes. Price: $1,295; Dep: $200. [99073A]

Nantahala Hideaway: Tapoco Lodge, Nantahala Forest, North Carolina. April 18-24. Step back in time at the 1930's Tapoco Lodge nestled among mountains and cascading rivers. Relax, fish, and enjoy Appalachian vistas, balds, wildflowers, and 500-year-old trees. Get away from it all! Leaders: Otto and Vivian Spielbichler. Price: $595; Dep: $100. [99053A]

Women Between the Sacred Mountains, Navajo Reservation, Four Comers Region, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. June 4-10. Experience a unique view of Navajo culture through the eyes of the elders and caretakers of this sacred land. From our base at a B&B, we honor the four directions with our travel. Navajo women guides teach us about traditional herbs, preparing Navajo meals, participating in cleansing ceremonies, and cultural artisanry. Join us for this special glimpse of Navajo culture. Leader: Marie Cecchini. Price: $1,280; Dep: $200. [99250A]

Springtime in the Sierra Nevada, Ebbetts Pass Corridor, Stanislaus Forest, California. June 20-26. Explore springtime in the spectacular Ebbetts Pass wonderland, midway between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. Large volcanic formations and granitic outcroppings will make our five- to ten-mile, medium-paced hikes a delight to the senses. Elevations will be between 5,000 and 9,500 feet. Car shuttles will deliver us to trailheads. We'll stay in a comfortable B&B inn. Leader: Vicky Bray-Johnson: Price: $595; Dep: $100. [99251A]

Art and Hiking in the Sierra, Clair Tappaan Lodge, Tahoe Forest, California. June 26-July 3, Can you imagine painting and sketching fantastic mountain and meadow views of the Sierra as we hike to areas of scenic beauty with an expert at your elbow? Resident art instructor Eileen Downey offers her expert instruction. Features wildflowers, lake swimming, and a hot tub. Seconds on homemade bread or lasagna anyone? Leaders: John Bird and Theresa Kobak. Price: $595; Dep: $100. [99252A]

Sierra Strolls, Clair Tappaan Lodge, Tahoe Forest, California. July 11-17. Sample the Sierra on our short, leisurely hikes along easy trails. We'll stroll by mountain lakes, creeks, spectacular granite formations, and meadows of wildflowers. We'll visit the Donner Party winter sites, the top of Squaw Peak (by tram), and beautiful Lake Tahoe. This trip is suitable for beginners and people with limited mobility who are able to climb stairs. Leader: Kay Wells. Price: $595; Dep: $100. [99253A]

Mountain Medley, Clair Tappaan Lodge, Tahoe Forest, California. July 25-31. Ramble through the woods, flowering meadows, and by granite vistas. Explore the Donner area from many vantage points on this unique sampler. Days and evenings are spent with various experts--a photographer, a historian, a naturalist, and an astronomer. Evening programs include slides, astronomy, music, and campfires. Can we fit it all in? Optional daily hikes and a free day included. Leader: Mary Jane McKown. Price: $595; Dep: $100. [99254A]

History and Hiking, Clair Tappaan Lodge, Tahoe Forest, California. August 8-14. Celebrate California's gold rush sesquicentennial in an area rife with historic travel routes of the pioneers. We'll explore the site of the Donner Party and the route of the transcontinental railroad and appreciate the petroglyphs, geology, and flora and fauna of the area. Suitable for those able to walk a mountain trail (at 7,000 feet). Leader: Shara Pavlow. Price: $595; Dep: $100. [99255A]

Hut-to-Hut Hike, Clair Tappaan Lodge, Tahoe Forest, California. August 8-14. Wander with us along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in the Tahoe Basin. We'll practice low-impact backpacking skills as we combine overnights at PCT huts and Clair Tappaan Lodge. This trip is ideal for strong dayhikers with little backpacking experience. Leader: To be announced. Price: $595; Dep: $100. [99256A]

Unspoiled Paradise: Tweedsmuir, British Columbia, Canada. August 8-15. Discover Canada's largest provincial park located 300 miles north of Vancouver. From our base at a comfortable, remote lodge we will hike in old-growth forests, kayak to estuaries, meet with native Nuxalk indian leaders, and soar over the magnificent glaciated coastal mountains to explore pristine lakes. Hiking will be of low to moderate difficulty. Leader: Carolyn Castleman. Price: $1,795; Dep: $200. [99257A]