PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Immerse Yourself in Five National Parks Across the West

• Explore Expansive Salt Flats and Sand Dunes in Death Valley

and Meander through Scenic Alpine Meadows in Yosemite

• Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge and Laugh at Sea Lions

Playing by Fisherman’s Wharf

• Whitewater Raft Down the Sierra Nevada’s Epic Kern River

• Work with Rangers to Protect Vital Ecosystems in the Parks

• Hike the Legendary Narrows in Zion and Explore Prehistoric

Groves in Sequoia and Kings Canyon

• Learn to Surf on California’s Scenic Coastline

• Challenge Yourself to Climb to New Heights in Yosemite

Spotlight project: DiScovering AmericA’S treASureS

The National Parks are heirlooms that showcase the incredible diversity of the United States, standing to protect

natural landscapes that have inspired visitors for generations. From the deep red rock canyons of Zion to the

towering granite cliffs of Yosemite, embark on the adventure of a lifetime while interacting with iconic places that

are such an important part of our American heritage. Partnering with the National Park Service we work hand-in-

hand with rangers and experts on cutting edge projects designed to monitor park resources, educate visitors, and

protect endangered plants and animals. While exploring five different and unique National Parks across the West,

we learn from scholars and experts in the field who are eager who provide their insight into how our impact will

ensure that these treasures will continue to be protected and experienced for years to come!

NATIONAL PARKSAMERICA’S TREASURESAn 18 Day Immersive Adventure

SAMPLE ITINERARY

trAvel DAyS & orientAtion

Participants are met by their leaders at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, and head east to

our campsite tucked among the red rock canyons of Zion National Park! On route we stop for lunch

in a public park and through games, team-building activities and eating our first meal together, our

adventure truly begins. Accommodations: Campground, Zion National Park

DAy 1

Zion nAtionAl pArk Tucked into the southwest corner of Utah, Zion is known for its towering red cliffs and deep valleys

carved by the clear cool waters of the Virgin River. Here we meet with park rangers eager to speak

with us about the challenges and rewards of working in our park system. We explore the legendary

Narrows, hiking upstream between 1,000-foot-tall sandstone walls as we discover a multi-colored

landscape filled with refreshing swimming holes around every corner! As we continue to explore, we

also have the chance to climb high above the valley floor to gain spectacular views of the scenery far

below. Accommodations: Campground, Zion National Park

DAy 3

lAS vegAS

Today we venture back to the “Entertainment Capital of the World” for an afternoon and evening of

exploration. Here we cruise the strip and witness the bright lights, intricate architecture, and towering

hotels made famous by TV and movies. Every turn holds something new and exciting as we explore

the city in search of souvenirs and hilarious photo opportunities. As night falls, we treat ourselves to

the dancing fountains of the Bellagio or ride the roller coaster at New York, New York. Exploring the

bright lights and bustle of Vegas illustrates the ingenuity and allure of this renowned location.

Accommodations: Hotel, Las Vegas

DAy 4

DeAth vAlley nAtionAl pArk

A few short hours west from Las Vegas lies the vast desert wilderness of Death Valley. Rolling sand

dunes, expansive salt flats, and mysterious creatures live tucked into this unique destination, and

we spend the day passing through the park while exploring it’s exciting sights! We visit Badwater

Basin, the lowest point in the continental US, and take fun perspective photos against the backdrop

of white salt flats. We scale the 100ft dunes of Mesquite Flat to witness the beauty of rolling sands

stretching towards distant mountains, and visit other intriguing sites scattered across the park. In

the evening, we settle into our campsite outside of Kernville, CA excited to cool off in the crystal

waters of the Kern River! Accommodations: Campground, Kernville, CA

DAy 5

WhiteWAter on the kern

The Kern River is fed by snowmelt near Mount Whitney and runs approximately 165 miles through the

southern Sierra Nevada mountains northeast of Bakersfield. The river passes through scenic canyons

in the mountains and is a well known destination for whitewater rafting! Our day of adventure begins

when we learn about the different parts of the river, how to paddle and about river safety through the

instructions of our experienced guides. Once briefed, we set off on a full day adventure downstream

laughing as we splash through exciting rapids. Our trip highlights Tabatalabal Indian pictographs, a

slickrock water slide, and sculpted granite gorges. In places the river glides through dense foliage

pressing in from both sides as the the rafts squeeze through, making our day on the river something

we will not forget. Accommodations: Campground, Kernville, CA

DAy 6

SequoiA AnD kingS cAnyon nAtionAl pArk

Sequoia and Kings Canyon sit at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada mountains and are best known

for their giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman, the largest tree on earth! The Sherman

tree grows in the Giant Forest, home to five of the ten largest trees in the world that brings visitors

from across the country and globe to witness living giants! During our time in the park we gain new

perspectives of how small we truly are in these vast expanses of wilderness. As we wander through

prehistoric landscapes kept safe by our park system, we learn how the logging industry nearly wiped

these giants off the face of the earth, and partner with rangers working to restore ancient groves. Our

work in the park will ensure that future generations have a chance to witness what the first pioneers

experienced as they traveled West exploring new frontiers.

Accommodations: Campground, Sequoia National Park

DAy 8

yoSemite nAtionAl pArk

Perhaps the most famous glacially-carved landscape in the world, Yosemite is the jewel of the

Sierras. As one of the most visited National Parks in the country, it is chock full of innumerable lakes,

meadows, forests, and rocky summits that boast endless and awe-inspiring alpine scenery. We settle

into our campsite and spend our time exploring the meadows of Yosemite Valley as the granite

monoliths tower above us. The sheer granite cliffs have inspired visitors for generations, and made

this park one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the world. Meeting up with our professional

guides we try our own hand at climbing against one of the most beautiful backdrops in the country.

This challenge-by-choice activity is both rewarding and engaging, literally bringing us to new heights

as we encourage our peers to reach higher, taking in the gorgeous landscape around them.

DAy 12

While in the park we also take a day to partner with the Yosemite Conservancy whose aim is

to preserve the park’s resources while providing enriching visitor experiences. Our work with the

organization highlights their decades of efforts to protect and care for these pristine landscapes

and helps us identify how we can continue to care for the park. When our work is done, we have

time to explore the valley floor, home to the famed Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls, the towering rock

cliffs of El Capitan, and the distinctive Half Dome. Dominating the valley, Half Dome rises 4,733 feet

from the valley floor, and is the park’s most well-known natural features. Venturing to Glacier Point,

we prepare a meal and spend an evening overlooking this dramatic landscape until the stars come

out to greet us. Accommodations: Campground, Yosemite National Park

explore SAn FrAnciSco

After traveling for many miles across some of the best National Parks the West has to offer, our

journey takes us to the famous “City by the Bay.” Home to rolling hills, gorgeous parks, and a

sprawling oceanside Embarcadero, San Francisco offers countless options to explore around every

corner. We spend our days exploring the famous sights including the ever-popular Fisherman’s

Wharf and Ghirardelli Square, famous for its gourmet chocolate. We ride on the iconic cable cars

to explore the city in search of souvenirs for friends and loved ones, and explore interactive local

museums designed to pique our interest.

North of the city, across the towering red arches of the Golden Gate Bridge, lies Marin county; full of

rolling hills, serene beaches, and hidden pockets of redwoods. We spend a day exploring the slopes

of Mount Tamalpais watching the fog creep in below us as it engulfs the landscape, and pay a visit

to the quaint city of Sausalito for more stunning views of the bay.

Accommodations: Campground, Marin County

DAy 15

WAnt to leArn more? contAct the regionAl Director:

eben coenen | regionAl Director: DomeStic progrAmS

eben@arccprograms.com415-332-5075 Ext. 227

SurFing AnD the golDen gAte briDge

We spend our last full day together surfing at a famous Northern California surf break. Our surfing

lessons begin with an early morning meeting with our surf instructors on the beach. After an ocean

awareness and safety class, we jump into the water to try out surfing and boogie boarding along

the beautiful Pacific Coast. Ripping the curl, learning the art of the cut back, hanging ten or just

having a blast in the Pacific, we indulge in our ocean time relaxing a bit on the beach after splashing

through the surf.

After getting our feet wet in the Pacific, we take the time to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, and soak

in the salty air while witnessing the beautiful city skyline walking across this famous bridge.

Accommodations: Campground, Marin County

DAy 16

DepArture

Eventually all good things must come to an end. After an early rise, we drive to the airport to say

our goodbyes to our new friends and board our flights home. The memories of the experience and

our group will carry us through to next summer!

DAy 18