Compare Choose Your Pace: Hiking the Southern Adirondacks by Road Scholar vs USA Road Trip — Highway 1, Yosemite & Utah by G Adventures

Day 1
Arrival, Orientation, Lecture
North River, NY D Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity note: Shuttle from Albany Airport will be leaving at 2:00PM. If you plan on taking the shuttle, please complete and return the shuttle information form that can be found in the information packet.

Afternoon: If you are taking the transfer from the Albany Airport, the shuttle will be leaving at 2:00 PM. It will be approximately a 1.5 hour drive, depending on traffic. Please complete and return the shuttle information form that can be found at the end of your information packet. Check in to the hotel between 4-5PM. Meet at 5:30 for welcome reception and dinner (at hotel).

Dinner: At 6 p.m. we will enjoy a special welcome dinner at Garnet Hill's Log House Restaurant. Guests will be able to choose an appetizer, entree and dessert from the restaurant's full menu as well as a free glass of wine or beer as they enjoy our spectacular views of 13th Lake and the Adirondack mountains.

Evening: After dinner, guests will be introduced to our guides and program for the week. Following orientation, there will be a class on the wide variety of Mushrooms and Wildflowers of the Adirondacks. As they walk along the trails on day two, guests will be well prepared to observe and appreciate the flowers and mushrooms discussed during this lecture. Be advised that specific hikes & trails throughout the program may change last minute due to weather, group interest, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Day 2
Mushrooms & Wildflowers of the Adirondacks
North River, NY B,L,D Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity note: There will be 3 options to choose from on trails that lead to rivers or lakes. Easy Hike - Walk at your own pace on the hiking trail alongside 13th lake. Turn around when you are ready. Moderate Hike and Paddle - 1.2 mile hike to Elizabeth Point on 13th lake and paddle back to the Garnet Hill boat launch. Slightly challenging descent to the lake after turning off the Old Farm Trail. Challenging Hike - 5 mile round trip hike to Blue Ledges overlooking the Hudson River. 230 ft vertical rise.

Breakfast: A delicious buffet-style breakfast at Garnet Hill Lodge's Log House Restaurant, including eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes or french toast, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola and pastries.

Morning: Hikers will set out on the trails near 13th Lake or the Hudson River, organized into three groups based on preference and ability. Choose from a gentle walk at your own pace around the lake, a 1.2 mile hike to 13th lake, paddle back in canoes or kayaks, and an optional walk back to the Log House, or a 5 mile round trip hike to Blue Ledges overlooking the Hudson. The Blue Ledges trip requires a 30 minute bus ride to and from the trailhead.

Lunch: Garnet Hill Lodge will provide each hiker with a made to order picnic lunch to be enjoyed at a scenic spot on the trails. Hikers may choose from a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches that will include a gluten free and vegetarian option. The lunches include a choice of pretzels, chips or trail mix as well as fruit and a drink.

Afternoon: Hikers will continue their chosen hikes and have some time to relax once they get back to the lodge. The lounge, games room, pub and fire-side seating in the Log House will all be open and available to guests at their leisure, as well as our network of trails and the Garnet Hill Beach.

Dinner: A buffet-style dinner will be offered at our Log House Restaurant including vegetarian and gluten free options.

Evening: For those at the Lodge, there will be a local band and beer garden this evening.

Day 3
Garnet Mines, 1-way overnight trip departs
North River, NY B,L,D Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity note: Easy Hike - A 1-mile hike with 200 ft of vertical rise to Hooper mine. Explore an abandoned open pit garnet mine and the ruins of miners cabins along the way. Moderate Hike - touring oldest family owned and operated mine in the U.S. Hike 4 miles back to Garnet Hill Ski Shop through the forest preserve, passing two scenic ponds on the way. Challenging hike - embark on 13 mile total, 1-way over night hike (about 5.5 miles today).

Breakfast: A delicious buffet-style breakfast at Garnet Hill Lodge's Log House Restaurant, including eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes or french toast, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola and pastries.

Morning: Hikers will set off on their chosen trips to either Hooper Mine, Barton Mines or the overnight trip through Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area. Our Advanced Hikers may choose to depart on our 13 mile, 1-way hike with a shuttle drop-off. This group will be camping out in tents over night. We will see them again tomorrow as they triumphantly walk back into the lodge after having walked through the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area. If you are interested in taking part in this over night hike, you must complete the form at the end of this information packet indicating that you would like to take part in this unique experience. For those who would prefer to stay at at Garnet Hill Lodge overnight, we are offering two hikes to Garnet Mines.

Lunch: Garnet Hill Lodge will provide each hiker with a made to order picnic lunch to be enjoyed at a scenic spot on the trails. Hikers may choose from a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches that will include a gluten free and vegetarian option. The lunches include a choice of pretzels, chips or trail mix as well as fruit and a drink. The Easy group will picnic at Garnet Hill Beach, the Moderate group will picnic at Barton Mines, and the Challenging group will picnic along the trails.

Afternoon: Easy - Hikers will be taken via shuttle to visit the Adirondack Depot Museum in North Creek, where they will learn about the fascinating important role of the railroad in developing the Adirondack region. North Creek is a small town with a surprising amount of history. Moderate - Hikers will continue their hike back from Barton Mines.

Dinner: Easy and Moderate groups will enjoy a buffet dinner at Garnet Hill Lodge including vegetarian and gluten free options. The challenging group will enjoy dinner cooked on the campfire on their overnight trip.

Evening: We'll gather after dinner for a lecture by a local expert on garnet mining in the area in preparation for our garnet mine visits on Day 3, then weather permitting, relax beside a campfire out on the lawn.

Day 4
Great Camps
North River, NY B,L,D Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity note: Easy and Medium Groups will visit Camp Santanoni, one of the Adirondack's historic "Great Camps." The Challenging group will return from their overnight hike (about 7.5 miles today).

Breakfast: A delicious buffet-style breakfast at Garnet Hill Lodge's Log House Restaurant, including eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes or french toast, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola and pastries. Challenging - Hikers will enjoy breakfast by the campfire on their overnight trip.

Morning: Easy and Moderate groups will take the shuttle to Camp Santanoni, about an hour drive from Garnet Hill Lodge. Easy - We will meet our tour guide and our tour will take place at the Gate Complex. We will then hike to 1.75 miles alongside Lake Harris to the Lake Harris Campground for lunch before hiking back. Moderate - We will hike 4.9 miles to the main complex of Camp Santanoni, past their old farm complex. Once we arrive, we can picnic, swim and complete our tour before getting a horse and carriage ride back to the gate complex.

Lunch: Garnet Hill Lodge will provide each hiker with a made to order picnic lunch to be enjoyed at a scenic spot on the trails. Hikers may choose from a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches that will include a gluten free and vegetarian option. The lunches include a choice of pretzels, chips or trail mix as well as fruit and a drink.

Afternoon: Hikers will continue their trips. Those at Camp Santanoni will return via shuttle.

Dinner: As we welcome the overnighters back to the comforts of the lodge, we will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at the Log House Restaurant.

Evening: After a lecture from a local expert about the history of logging in the area, and treacherous tales of balancing on logs to free up jams on the Hudson River as they floated down to market, we will again light a campfire on the lawn and have time to relax on the adirondack chairs as we enjoy each others company and tell stories from the day. As always, the Log House Pub is open to all of our guests and patrons.

Day 5
Adirondack Experience - Rivers, Lakes, Mountains, Woods
North River, NY B,L,D Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity note: We will again be offering three levels of activity. Easy - Enjoy the morning on our campus. Enjoy the beach and trails or simply relax in your room or at the Log House. Moderate - Hike to the East Branch of the Sacandaga River, a 5 mile round trip that begins along Old Farm Trail near Garnet Hill Lodge. No significant vertical rise. Challenging - Paddle across 13th Lake, then hike up Peaked Mountain, a 6.4 mile round trip with 1245 ft of vertical rise.

Breakfast: A delicious buffet-style breakfast at Garnet Hill Lodge's Log House Restaurant, including eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes or french toast, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola and pastries.

Morning: Choose to spend the final morning with some free time on our campus, or on a moderate or challenging hike.

Lunch: Garnet Hill Lodge will provide each hiker with a made to order picnic lunch to be enjoyed at a scenic spot on the trails. Hikers may choose from a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches that will include a gluten free and vegetarian option. The lunches include a choice of pretzels, chips or trail mix as well as fruit and a drink.

Afternoon: Easy - Visit the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake. A beautiful museum with both indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing the best of Adirondack art, architecture, history and culture as well as our wildlife and natural beauty. Moderate - Hike back from the river. Challenging - Hike and paddle back from Peaked Mountain.

Dinner: Farewell dinner. Guests will be able to choose an appetizer, entree and dessert from the restaurant's full menu as well as a free glass of wine or beer as they enjoy our spectacular views of 13th Lake and the Adirondack mountains.

Evening: Live music at the Log House, a chance to relax with new friends and celebrate the end of a great week!

Day 6
Departures
North River, NY B
Activity note: Shuttle will be departing the Lodge to Albany Airport in the morning, based on flight schedule. Please do not book flights until after 12:00PM.

Breakfast: A delicious buffet-style breakfast at Garnet Hill Lodge's Log House Restaurant, including eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes or french toast, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola and pastries.

Morning: Independent departures. For those enrolled to take the shuttle back to Albany Airport, the return shuttle will be based around your flight schedules and departure time will be sent to you prior to your program. Please do not book flights until after 12:00PM. Your information packet will include a form to fill out and send to Road Scholar regarding your flight information. It is very important to fill out this form. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1 Los Angeles/Santa Margarita

Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.

Day 2 Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz

Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.

Day 3 Santa Cruz/San Francisco

Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 4 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park

Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.

Day 5 Yosemite National Park

Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.

Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.

Day 6 Yosemite National Park

Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.

Day 7 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach

Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.

After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.

Day 8 Hermosa Beach

Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.

Day 9 Hermosa Beach/Joshua Tree National Park

Depart the coast for the desert today, travelling through Los Angeles on the journey eastward to explore Joshua Tree National Park. Climb through the park’s famous rock formations and make sure to get some photos of the park's namesake tree as the sun lights up this desolate landscape.

Day 10 Joshua Tree National Park/Grand Canyon National Park

Drive down the famed Route 66 today as we cruise further east to the Grand Canyon. Get ready to see breathtaking views with arguably the best sunset you have ever seen overlooking the Grand Canyon. Kick off those shoes, sit back, relax, and enjoy one of nature’s finest performances. Enjoy a cheesy slice of pizza or two overlooking the Grand Canyon during sunset.

Day 11 Grand Canyon

Get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon as you spend the day hiking from the South Rim. There are a variety of hikes to choose from that will take you deeper into the canyon where you can really appreciate the size and depth of this national park. Choose whichever trail you wish or do short bursts of multiple hikes, just make sure you bring plenty of water and take your time.

Opt to book the Grand Canyon helicopter ride for a bird's-eye view during a 45 to 50 minutes flight over the canyon.

Day 12 Grand Canyon/Page/Bryce Canyon

Journey onwards from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona, the site of Lake Powell. There will be free time here. Opt to join a local Navajo guide and explore Antelope Canyon; a stunning natural sandstone slot canyon located on tribal lands. Then, lace up those hiking boots for a visit to Horseshoe Bend, a geological masterpiece that has been sculpted by the Colorado River. Walk to the overlook where you can hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment. Finish the day with a picturesque drive to your camp in Bryce Canyon.

Day 13 Bryce Canyon

After a camp breakfast head out for a short drive into Bryce Canyon National Park. Once in the park, take advantage of your free time to hike through the wild and weird rock formations known as hoodoos. Opt to visit Inspiration Point, hit the rim trail, horseback ride, or hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo loop trails to see sites like Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street. At night stargaze in a park known for its night skies.

Day 14 Bryce Canyon/Zion National Park

We pack up early this morning and move on towards Zion and our Glamping tents! Located in a private canyon away from civilization, but close to Zion National Park this location is made for outdoor enthusiasts who also like to be pampered a little. On route to camp we will make a stop at the lesser-known Coral Pink Sand Dunes and enjoy a scenic overlook of Utah’s surrounding landscape on the Colorado Plateau. It’s a unique geological feature that you shouldn’t miss. You’ll have free time in the afternoon and evening to become acquainted with your surroundings. Maybe hike the Water Canyon trail or enjoy camp and put on a cornhole tournament as a group. The only rule is to have a good time!

Day 15 Zion National Park

It’s all about Zion today as you get a chance to wander this beautiful national park in Southwest Utah. Take the shuttle into the park and spend the day exploring and hiking with your fellow travelers. Admire the monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and remember you can choose to turn around on these hikes at any point. In the evening enjoy leisure time back at our Glamping tents. Once it gets dark get ready to sit around the campfire and roast some marshmallows as a group.

Day 16 Zion National Park/Las Vegas

This morning opt to get in one last activity at our Glamping site if you ran out of time yesterday or simply relax in the wild surroundings. Then the group will drive from Zion to Las Vegas where the tour ends on arrival.