Sierra Nevada Wildflowers
An Exploration of the Alpine Flora of California
July 5-12, 2014
Castilleja applegatei var. martinii
Trip Leaders:
Stew Winchester
Horticulturalist, Professional Botanist, and Natural Landscape Interpreter
John Baston
Former National Park Ranger and Guide for Mountain Travel Sobek
ITINERARY
We have planned this trip to coincide with the normal yearly peak bloom of this region. But as we all know one year can be very different than another in terms of temperature, rainfall, and perfusion of the bloom. With this in mind we have considered options to the proposed itinerary and will remain flexible as to the exact location of our field trips. To our advantage the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada is fairly steep and a full range of habitats can be accessed in a relatively short distance. Species lists for the areas we visit as well as a suggested reading list will be provided.
We will provide various options each day that should suit everyone’s desired level of exertion. There will be options to move slowly and closely examine the flora as well as to hike longer distances in the mountains and cover more terrain.
Saturday July 05 Arrive in Reno, Nevada
Not so long ago it took several months with a wagon train to get to Reno. Now we can get there in one day! There are shuttles every half an hour from the Reno Airport that will bring you to the Peppermill. You should try to arrive in Reno by 5pm. Here we will begin our trip, meet other trip participants and NARGS staff and gather for a welcome dinner.
Peppermill Resort Hotel (Dinner..)
Sunday July 06 Tahoe Rim
We will travel up the eastern escarpment of the Sierra Nevada towards Lake Tahoe. This route traverses several thousand feet of elevation change. Depending on the bloom we have various locations planned for stops along the way. We will try to stop at Mount Rose (10,778’) along the way to Squaw Valley.
Village at Squaw Valley (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Monday July 07 Top of the Mountain at Squaw Valley
We ride the lift to the top of Squaw Mountain (8,200’). From there we can explore subalpine rock gardens. There are ample opportunities to stroll around casually in this beautiful place or to take on a more ambitious hike.
Village at Squaw Valley (Breakfast, Lunch…)
Penstemon rostriflorus
Tuesday July 08 Carson Pass
We will drive south and up towards Carson Pass (8574’) to explore the flora near Lake Winnemucca and up towards Round Top Peak. We can have a visit to Grover Hot Spring in the afternoon and soak in the hot mineral waters. Tonight we stay in a Rustic Mountain Inn.
Woodfords Inn (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Wednesday July 09 Virginia Lakes
Our Exploration continues southward to Virginia Lakes (9770’). There is a restaurant there in the beautiful high setting where we can have lunch. Hiking can be as ambitious as individuals like. We continue past Mono Lake on the way to Mammoth Lakes (7,880’) where we will stay for three nights.
The Village at Mammoth (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
View West from Tioga Pass
Thursday July 10 Yosemite National Park
We will drive to the top of Tioga Pass, at the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park. The mountains rise precipitously to the west and we can drive up to the 9,943’ pass and explore this famous area known as Tuolumne Meadows.
The Village at Mammoth (Breakfast, Lunch..)
Friday July 11 Little Lakes Valley
From Mammoth Lakes we will take a day trip to Little Lakes Valley. The road ends at 10,300’ and from there we explore the rock gardens of this beautiful place.
The Village at Mammoth (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Saturday July 12 Return to Reno on HWY 395
HWY 395 is certainly one of the most scenic roads in the United States. The rising Eastern Light on the Sierra Nevada has been the subject matter of photographers ever since the camera came to California. We return by this scenic drive directly to Reno. We should arrive in Reno about 2pm.
You can depart on afternoon flights (please book after 3pm).
(Breakfast, Lunch..)
Eriastrum densifolium
ITINERARY INCLUDES
One night Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada
Two nights The Village at Squaw Valley near Lake Tahoe, California
One night Woodfords Inn near Carson Pass
Three nights Juniper Springs Resort in Mammoth Lakes, California
All transportation in two 15 Passenger vans (with luggage trailers)
Two professional driver /guides and a Mountain Travel Sobek guide
A professional regional botanist / naturalist, Stew Winchester
Use of Conference rooms for slide shows and presentations
Meals as noted in the itinerary
YOU WILL ARRANGE
Air to and From Reno, Nevada
Arrive in Reno, Nevada by July 05 (ideally by 5pm)
Leave Reno, Nevada on July 12th (after 3pm) If this is too late for you to fly out you should consider staying the night in Reno. We will provide a list of suggested lodgings. As it is in Nevada there are many casinos and entertainment and can be a fun place.
The cost for this trip is $ 3800 per person double occupancy. (16-22 Trip participants)
If you need your own room there will be an additional single supplement of $750.
BOOKING
To reserve a place on the trip please call Laura Parent at Mountain Travel Sobek 510-594-6041. You can also reach other booking agents at 510-594-6000.
For questions about the trip you can contact John Baston at Mountain Travel Sobek. 510-594-6035.
There is a $400 non-refundable deposit. A complete payment schedule and other trip details will be sent to you upon booking.
