New Trips For 1999 - vacation ideas

Sierra, Nov, 1998

Spring Dayhikes in Joshua Tree, Joshua Tree Park, California. March 7-13. Join us for an early season conditioner among the giant Joshua trees and odd-shaped boulders in one of the U S.'s newest parks. We'll drive each day to trailheads for moderate to strenuous hikes. Leaders: Lucy Henderson and Angela White. Price: $520; Dep: $100. [99422A]

Canyon Country Sampler, Arches Park, Utah. March 28-April 3. Sandstone sculptures, spectacular arches, and ancient pictographs await us as we explore the unique landscape of Southeast Utah. Staying at a base camp, we will dayhike through this colorful country. Our travels will include sampling the slickrock splendor of Arches National Park, exploring scenic canyons, and visiting Horseshoe Canyon known for its great gallery of exquisite rock art. Leaders: Larry Odoski and Mike Murphy Price: $650; Dep: $100. [99050A]

Slickrock Country: Canyons of the Escalante, Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, Utah. April 12-17, A painter's dream and photographer's fortune, the Escalante is carved deep with a tapestry of narrows, gorges, and slot canyons. We pack in with llamas across a wind-swept sandy mesa, and descend into its labyrinth to explore the untamed rugged beauty of its towering redrock arches, alcoves, emerald pools, and hanging gardens. Every day presents a new adventure. Leader: Sunny Sorensen. Price: $695; Dep: $100. [99051A]

Natural History of the Mojave Preserve, California. April 17-24. Come to the desert this spring and explore the panoramas, sand dunes, and cindercones of the new Mojave National Preserve. Dayhikes from our 5,600-foot camp will vary from easy to moderately strenuous. Our pace is leisurely as we stop for flowers, wildlife, and photos. On-trip naturalist. Leaders: Ruth Huffman and Warren Alksnis. Price: $495; Dep: $50. [99052A]

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]

In Search of Trogons, Owls, and Hummers: Birding Southeast Arizona. April 24-30. Owling by the light of the silvery moon and trogoning by day, birders will have a hummer of a time searching for specialty species from the lower Sonoran desert to high mountain summits. Everything from greater peewees, painted redstarts, zone-tailed hawks, and the incredible elegant trogon to Mexican vagrants. Up to nine possible species of hummingbirds and owls. Van transport and lodging included. Leader: John O'Donnell. Price: $895; Dep: $100. [99054A]

Great Smoky Mountains Base Camp, Great Smoky Mountain Park, Tennessee and North Carolina. May 16-23. The wildflowers will be in bloom and the forest will be alive with spring as we discover the history, flora, and fauna of this southern mountain range on relatively easy and more strenuous dayhikes. Highlights include Mt. LeConte, Ramsey Cascades, Gregory Bald, Abrams Falls, Mt. Sterling, and the Appalachian Trail. Leader: Bob Goldberg. Price: $525; Dep: $100. [99055A]