Yosemite & Sequoia: John Muir’s California
August 10 – 17, 2013
We invite you to follow the historic path of naturalist John Muir, who in 1869 found himself overwhelmed by his first views of Yosemite and later, on a lifelong mission to ensure that this marvel of nature would be protected for generations to come.
Visit the redwoods of Muir Woods, take a guided tour of the historic Presidio in San Francisco, cross the agriculturally endowed Central Valley, and explore Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite national parks. Along the way, hear the story of Muir’s efforts to protect the “grandest of all the special temples of nature I was ever permitted to enter.” Guided visits with local experts and rangers, Tauck-exclusive filmed vignettes by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan, and live portrayals of Muir and a “Buffalo Soldier” by lecturer-actors, add to the magic of these gorgeous places. Spend three nights in the heart of San Francisco and, in between, stay in lodges inside Sequoia and Yosemite national parks.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1- Arrive independently San Francisco; welcome dinner
Day 2– Visit Muir Woods; lunch at the Presidio Social Club; Take a guided tour of the base; Visit the Ferry Terminal Building with a local epicurean guide
Day 3 – Follow the approximate route of the Buffalo Soldiers by rail to Fresno, then board a motor coach for the 7,000-ft. climb to Sequoia National Park. Lecture by Bill Tweed (retired Chief Naturalist for the National Park Service)
Day 4 – Walk among skyscraper-high Giant Sequoias; Enjoy a barbecue at Wolverton Meadow, where a living-history re-enactor describes mountain life in the late 1800s. Travel inside Sequoia National Park on a 10-passenger vehicle with a guide; climb the steps at Moro Rock for stunning views of the park and the peaks of the Great Western Divide, Tonight, immerse yourself in the wonders of a night sky far removed from city lights while a naturalist guides you through the spectacular constellations that grace the sky.
Day 5 – View from Kings Canyon overlook; Enter Yosemite National Park and see a film by Ken Burns; lunch at Wawona Lodge, meet a “Buffalo Soldier,” portrayed by Park Ranger Shelton Johnson; Visit Glacier Point, where John Muir stood with Teddy Roosevelt in 1903; join the group for coffee and cordials with John Muir (portrayed by actor Lee Stetson), who shares stories of his life and philosophy
Day 6 – Guided tour Yosemite by open-air vehicle, with opportunities to explore on foot
Day 7 – Return to San Francisco, driving across the Central Valley, with stops in the historic towns
of Mariposa and Manteca,lunch at a Merced bistro. En route, see filmed narratives by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan; Arrive late afternoon at The Fairmont San Francisco on Nob Hill; farewell cocktail reception and dinner.
Day 8 – A transfer is included from The Fairmont San Francisco to San Francisco Int’l Airport
Reservations
To reserve by credit card, please call 888-484-8785; to reserve online, please fill out our reservation form. View our terms and conditions.
Questions?
Please email National Trust Tours for questions about this program. Be sure to include your mailing address if you are requesting a paper copy of the brochure for this program.
