Compare Choose Your Pace: Hiking the Southern Adirondacks by Road Scholar vs Roaming Western Trails by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 999 | $ 3,789 |
| Price Per Day | $ 167 | $ 474 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included |
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| Description | Learn about garnet mines, railroads, wildlife and more as you explore the Adirondacks on foot and by canoe, choosing from multiple activity levels each day. |
Blaze an unforgettable trail experiencing the legends and lore of America’s Wild West. This trip includes a medley of manmade and natural attractions – of gargantuan proportions - from Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons, to Mount Rushmore, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Channel your inner pioneer spirit as you meet a colorful cast of characters in Cody, and the rough and tumble town of Deadwood. Unwind in the splendor of Jackson Hole’s profoundly beautiful landscape brimming with wildlife. Watch herds of buffalo graze against majestic mountain ranges as you float on Snake River, marvel at the timely precision of Old Faithful in Yellowstone, and have a close encounter with the nation’s first National Monument, Devil’s Tower in this small group guided tour. |
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 - Arrive Salt Lake City, Utah
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it was like to be an early Frontiersman, now is your chance! Transfer to the airport for your flight to Salt Lake City. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by our local guide and our awaiting motor-coach. Enjoy a city tour of Salt Lake City, where we will see downtown, the Capitol, Temple Square and more. We will check into our hotel before our ‘welcome’ dinner.
Day 2 - Salt Lake City - Jackson, WY
This morning, we will head over to Temple Square after breakfast. Here we will have a chance to see the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s weekly broadcast performance. After, we say goodbye to Salt Lake City as we travel north along the shores of the Great Salt Lake. We will travel through Logan Canyon to beautiful Bear Lake for an included lunch. We will arrive into the fun town of Jackson, WY. Once we check into our hotel, the evening is free to explore the many shops, art galleries and restaurants on your own.
Day 3 - Jackson - Yellowstone National Park
This morning after breakfast, we are in for a wonderful experience as we are introduced to Grand Teton National Park on a half day scenic float trip on the Snake River! Enjoy amazing views of the Teton Mountains and wildlife viewing opportunities as your guide explains the geology and history of the area. After the float trip, we continue sightseeing of Grand Teton which will include: Jenny Lake, Colter Bay and Jackson Lake. Next, we enter into Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first National Park, for sightseeing including the heart of the park, Old Faithful. There will be time to witness an eruption and explore Old Faithful Village and the many thermal features in the area. Later this afternoon, we travel to West Yellowstone and check into our hotel. This evening is free to explore and have dinner on your own.
Day 4 - Yellowstone National Park - Cody, WY
After breakfast, we head back into Yellowstone National Park for another day of sightseeing. We will visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and pass through Hayden Valley and along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. As we exit the park, we enter into the historic town of Cody, where we will tour the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which is five museums under one roof. Tonight, we enjoy food and entertainment at the Cody Cattle Company with a chuckwagon style dinner, traditional cowboy music and some laughs. Then, there is exciting cowboy action at the Cody Nite Rodeo!
Day 5 - Cody - Rapid City, SD
We will depart Cody after breakfast and continue East crossing the Bighorn Mountain. Our first stop is at Devil’s Tower National Monument for sightseeing of the country’s first National Monument. Later this afternoon, we will arrive at the historic town of Deadwood for sightseeing. This is a rough and tumble western town famous for outlaws, gunslingers and lawmen alike. There will be time to explore the town and have dinner, on your own, before continuing on to Rapid City, SD for a two night stay.
Day 6 - Rapid City
After breakfast, we take a short drive to Badlands National Park for sightseeing. This famous park consists of nearly 243,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. After lunch, we travel to Custer State Park and the historic State Game Lodge to get up close and personal with the residents of this park as you head out on a Wildlife Jeep Safari to view the buffalo herds and much more. Next, we make our way to the Crazy Horse Monument for sightseeing of the unfinished mountain carving and insight into the Lakota culture. Then, join the group for an included dinner followed by a wonderfully patriotic and inspiring event as we attend the Mt. Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony!
Day 7 - Rapid City - Cheyenne, WY
We start our day after breakfast with a beautiful drive to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, where we will have morning views of this magnificent monument. Depart the Black Hills and take your journey south returning to the plains of Wyoming. We make a stop at Fort Laramie National Historic Site for sightseeing and a picnic lunch. This afternoon, we continue to the capitol city of Cheyenne and check into our hotel. After, we have time to freshen up, we will enjoy a ‘farewell’ dinner, at the hotel.
Day 8 - Depart Cheyenne
After breakfast, we take a Trolley Tour of Cheyenne. After, a nice introduction to the city, we arrive at the Cheyenne Frontier Days grounds to experience a ‘Behind the Chutes Tour.’ The Cheyenne Frontier Days Arena is the home of the world’s largest outdoor rodeo each July. Get a first-hand look at what goes on during the rodeo from behind the scenes. This exiting tour follows the path of the bulls and broncs as the animals are rounded up and threaded through the maze of gates on their way to the chutes and out into the arena with cowboy in tow. A special experience awaits as we step into the chutes and finish the tour by walking across the arena. This afternoon, we will enjoy a western lunch before departing Cheyenne for the Denver International Airport for your departing flight.
