Hiking Adventures

     In the six short years since we introduced our first "hiking only" program in the Grand Canyon, our Hiking Adventures category clearly has become the fastest growing component of our adventure series. That original program will be only one of 22 separate and distinct hiking adventures planned for 1999. We’ve also recrafted several of our established cycling tours by expanding those itineraries with dedicated hiking segments.

     
No less than five new hiking adventures join our program for the coming season. A major focal point for Timberline since our earliest days has been the magnificent national parks and monuments throughout the western U.S. and Canada. In 1999, we’ll offer new adventures in Big Bend, Capitol Reef, Grand Staircase/Excalante, Yosemite and Volcanoes in the U.S. and Yoho National Park as part of our new Canadian Rocky Mountain Hiking Series.

At the heart of all of our hiking programs is the same spirit of adventure which has been the driving force for our entire program since our beginnings 17 years ago. We are committed in our hiking program to creating backcountry experiences that fall just short of actual extended backpacking trips. All hikes are inn-to-inn experiences and not camping, but, on occasion, we’ll each carry whatever we may need for an overnight stay at a backcountry lodge accessible only by foot. Important components of several of our hikes are the exceptional opportunities to spend overnights at remote lodges like the Phantom Ranch on the floor of the Grand Canyon, Havasupai Lodge in the Supai village deep within Havasu Canyon and Shadow Lake Lodge in the Canadian Rockies.

Grand Canyon/Havasupai

Dates: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) April 18-23; Oct. 17-22

Assembly Point: Grand Canyon Village (airline, rail and bus service to Flagstaff; Timberline van shuttle between Flagstaff and the South Rim prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,295 (includes all lodging, all meals, van shuttles, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

    
Early on during our embryonic years when Timberline was primarily a bicycle touring organization, we proclaimed that "you’ve never seen the West until you’ve done so by bicycle." But if we learned anything form our first hike into the Grand Canyon as part of a biker/hiker 14 years ago, the only way to experience the Grand Canyon is by foot. For sure, one can float the Canyon on the Colorado, or lumber to the river’s edge on the back of a mule, but the reality is — if you really want to see and feel the Canyon — Hike IT!

Our Grand Canyon/Havasupai Hike assembles at the Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim (we’ll provide shuttle service from Flagstaff to the Canyon) mid-afternoon of Day 1. Following an evening at the Maswik Lodge on the rim, we’ll shuttle to the South Kaibab trailhead early the next morning and begin our 8-mile, 4,800-foot descent to the floor of the Canyon.

The variety within the Canyon is overwhelming. The land forms, the colors, the spectacular vistas, that first sighting of the Colorado—every switchback along the trail is its own visual and sensual adventure. We’ll descend from the pine forests at the Rim through the desert scrub of the Tonto Plateau to the Colorado at the base of the Canyon.

We’ll spend the evening at the Phantom Ranch and greet the rising sun as we begin our ascent up the Bright Angel Trail, a longer but more gentle experience than our descent into the Canyon (10 miles).

Another night on the South Rim at Maswik and an awesome dinner at El Tovar precedes a van shuttle from the village to the Havasu Canyon trailhead at the Hualapai Hilltop. An 8-mile trek into Havasu Canyon leads to Supai Village on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, and we’ll spend our first of two nights at the Havasupai Lodge. The magnificent waterfalls of Havasu provide the adventure for Day 5. We’ll hike from the lodge along Havasu Creek, first to Supai and Navajo Falls, and then on to Havasu Falls with its drop of nearly 100’. Another mile downstream, we’ll visit legendary Mooney Falls, where the waters of Havasu plunge 196’ in a dramatic descent to the Colorado.

A final evening at the Havasupai Lodge precedes our hike from the canyon and return to Flagstaff.

Grand Canyon: Rim-to-River-to-Rim

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) May 16-21; Sept. 19-24

Assembly Point: Flagstaff (airline, rail and bus service to Flagstaff; Timberline van shuttle from Flagstaff to North Rim prior to tour and return to Flagstaff following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,295 (includes all lodging, all meals, van shuttles from Flagstaff to North Rim prior to tour and return to Flagstaff, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

      
If you’ve ever wondered whether we at Timberline ever lose any of our enthusiasm for adventure over the years, rest assured we never do. We’re forever looking for the new and extraordinary experience and we never run short of ideas. But every now and then, a program comes together that really spikes our pulse.

The Grand Canyon has been a part of the Timberline experience for the past 14 years. We’ve cycled to the Rims, hiked deep within the Canyon from both Rims and gone beyond to the River and Phantom Ranch several times each season. But like the runner who hungers for a first marathon, we’ve long dreamed of hiking from North Rim to the Colorado and up to the South Rim. Last season, that fantasy became a reality.

Rim-to-River-to-Rim will assemble in Flagstaff mid-morning of Day 1 and we’ll shuttle to the North Rim, arriving early enough for a leisurely walk along the Rim. We’ll overnight at the Grand Front Lodge and then begin our long descent into the canyon the following morning, following Bright Angel Creek as it tumbles toward the Colorado. By the time we reach the Phantom Ranch, our destination for the evening, we will have descended almost 6300 feet over 14 miles through five distinct life zones to the canyon floor.

Breakfast precedes daybreak—a Phantom Ranch tradition—and we’ll be crossing over the Colorado as the sun begins to rise above the canyon walls. We’ll follow the Bright Angel Trail as it climbs from the river beyond the Inner Canyon to Indian Gardens, and onward and upward to the South Rim (10 miles). We’ll spend the evening at the Maswik Lodge on the Rim and celebrate over dinner at magnificent El Tovar.

We’ve altered the second portion of Rim-to-River for the coming season. In ‘99 we’re going to Havasu as we do with Grand Canyon/Havasupai, rather than Sedona. Sedona is great, but it’s ordinary; Havasu Canyon is truly extraordinary. Early morning of Day 4 (but, we promise, not as early as our departure from Phantom the previous morning), we’ll van shuttle from the Grand Canyon Village to the Hualapai Hilltop, the Havasu trailhead. An 8-mile trek into Havasu leads to Supai Village, tribal center of the Havasupai Nation, and we’ll spend our first of two nights at the Havasupai Lodge.

The magnificent waterfalls of Havasu provide the adventure for Day 5. We’ll hike from the lodge along Havasu Creek, first to Supai and Navajo Falls and then to Havasu and Mooney, with their spectacular drops of 100’ and 196’ respectively, as the creek plunges toward the Colorado (6 miles). Following a final evening at the Havasupai Lodge, we’ll hike from the canyon and return to Flagstaff.

Big Bend National Park

Dates: (6 days, 5 nights; Tues-Sun) March 2-7

Assembly Point: Big Bend N.P. (airline service to Midland, TX; Timberline van shuttle between Midland and Big Bend N.P. prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,295 (includes all lodging, all meals, full-day raft program, van shuttle between Midland and Big Bend, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

If someone had suggested to us hard-core Coloradans in our early adventure outfitting days that we would be about to launch a program in Texas, at the very least we might have smiled and raised a collective eyebrow in disbelief. Merely a reflection of our relative parochial ignorance in those days and a reflection of how much we yet had to learn about this western land we call home. Clearly, we had yet to discover the wonders of Big Bend National Park.

Nestled in the southwest corner of Texas, not close enough to any major city to provide any meaningful clue as to its location, Big Bend requires a little scrutiny to understand its remote and wild character. The park is situated along a 107-mile stretch of the Rio Grande, including that point where the river turns sharply to the north (hence, its name, "Big Bend"). This section of the Rio Grande is protected as a Wild and Scenic River and the spectacular limestone gorges through which the river flows are among the astonishing, varied natural features contained within the park’s boundaries. The vast Chihuahan Desert, extending northward from Mexico, dominates a considerable expanse of the park, but standing in stark contrast to the desert lowlands are the rugged, forested Chisos Mountains, whose peaks reach an elevation of 8,000’. Without a doubt, Big Bend offers some of the wildest and unspoiled land remaining in the "lower 48".

We’ve planned our inaugural Big Bend program for early spring—-the absolute best time to visit this park. With an estimated 1100 plant species, 430 species of birds and a wide range of other wildlife, including gray fox, pronghorn antelope and mule deer, spring is an exciting season in this desert environment.

Although we’ll spend all five nights at the Chisos Mountain Lodge, the only lodging facility within the park, we’ve structured this program in a manner that will provide the varied experiences that are the essence of Big Bend. We’ll hike the high country of the Chisos, explore the erosional landscapes of the Window, the Chihuahan Desert environment and the breathtaking gorges carved by the Rio Grande. A full-day’s raft journey on the Rio Grande through spectacular Santa Elena Canyon is another dramatic feature of this program.

We’ll assemble at the Chisos Mountain Lodge late afternoon of Day 1 (we’ll provide a van shuttle from the Midland Airport to the park earlier that afternoon). Early the following morning, we’ll hike from the lodge into the Chisos as we head for the South Rim on what generally is recognized as the quintessential hike in Texas. The views along the trail of much of the Big Bend country extending into Mexico are unsurpassed (12.5 miles).

We’ll head south on Day 3 for a relatively moderate hike to Mule Peaks along a trail that showcases the beauty of the Chihuahan Desert in bloom. We’ll climb to a ridge overlooking the broad Smokey Creek Valley and the peaks of the Sierra Quemada to the south (7 miles).

Days 4 and 5 are dedicated to the Rio Grande and its spectacular canyons. On Day 4, we’ll challenge the awesome Marufo Vega Trail as it winds through the Dead Horse Mountains to the rim of Boquillas Canyon overlooking the Rio Grande 1,000 feet below. We’ll descend to the river itself before returning to our trailhead (14 miles).

On Day 5, we’ll team with Texas River Expeditions for a thrilling full-day whitewater adventure on the Rio Grande as it twists through the Santa Elena Gorge. The sheer limestone walls that line the gorge soar 1,500 feet above the river.

Following our final overnight at the Chisos Lodge, we’ll hike leisurely along the Window Trail to the Window itself and capture a sense of the geological diversity of Big Bend, including its volcanic origins (5 miles). We’ll then van shuttle back to Midland where our program concludes late afternoon.

Capitol Reef and The Grand Staircase

Dates: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) May 9-14; Oct. 3-8

Assembly Point: Torrey, UT (airline service to Salt Lake City; Timberline van shuttle to and from Salt Lake airport prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,295 (includes all lodging, all meals, van shuttles to and from Salt Lake airport, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

Of all the hiking programs that we have crafted in the course of the six years since we launched our first Grand Canyon Hike, none has posed a greater challenge as to content than our new Capitol Reef and the Grand Staircase adventure. Our other Colorado Plateau hikes—the Grand Canyon series and Bryce/Zion—provided well-delineated parameters within which to structure a program. In contrast, the vast expanse of the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument is daunting, to say the least. The choices that we have made for the hikes that will constitute this program will always be subject to the inevitable: "But what about the...trail-why was that not included?"

For the season ahead, and for all future seasons, know that our Grand Staircase program will always be a work in progress. With the inclusion of Capitol Reef National Park because of its geographical proximity and geological affinity with the Grand Staircase, the hiking options are without limits. It’s our intention to vary the composition of this program each year.

Creation of the Grand Staircase/Escalante, our newest national monument, in 1996 has provided a partial cloak of protection (falling well short of wilderness designation protection) over some of our nation’s most precious remaining wildlands in an area that has represented the quintessential battleground between developers and environmentalists.

Our program assembles in Torrey, UT, at the western entrance to Capitol Reef, and we’ll provide van shuttle transportation from the Salt Lake City airport at noon on Day 1. We’ll arrive at the Capitol Reef Resort early enough to visit the Visitors Center within the park and hike the short distance from Panorama Point to the Goosenecks Overlook as an introduction to Capitol Reef’s geology.

Following our first of two overnights at the Capitol Reef Resort, we’ll hike the Rim Overlook Trail with its magnificent views of the orchards of Capitol Reef and the fascinating Waterpocket Fold, a major geological feature of the park and one that we’ll explore later in the program. We’ll continue beyond the overlook to Navajo Knobs and its breathtaking views (9 miles).

On Day 3, we’ll hike to Cohab Canyon, climbing initially to a grand overlook of the Fremont River Canyon and then descending into the narrows of Cohab with its soaring sandstone walls. We’ll continue on to Cassidy Arch and the Grand Wash before returning to our trailhead (10 miles). We’re then off to Boulder late afternoon and we’ll spend our first of two overnights at Pole’s Place.

We’re headed for the Burr Trail on Day 4 and a full day’s exploration of the intriguing Waterpocket Fold. We’ll hike the Upper Muley Twist Canyon, considered perhaps the most scenic of all sections that comprise the Waterpocket, with its numerous arches and dramatic vistas (12 miles). We’ll return to Boulder for our forth overnight and then head west into the Escalante to experience the remarkable canyon hiking for which this region is famous. We’ll hike along Boulder Creek, knowing that wading through the creek’s shallow waters at times is an integral facet of the Escalante experience (8 miles).

We’ll spend our final overnight at the Prospector Lodge in Escalante and hike to beautiful Calf Creek Falls (6 miles) on our final day prior to our return to Salt Lake.

Bryce/Zion

Dates: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) May 30-June 4; Oct. 10-15

Assembly Point: Bryce Canyon (airline service to Las Vegas; Timberline van shuttle between Las Vegas and Bryce prior to tour and from Zion to Las Vegas following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,295 (includes all lodging, all meals, van shuttles, leaders, trail maps and narratives)

Southern Utah is a geologic fantasyland that offers some of the most fascinating and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes to be found on this planet. Nowhere is nature’s workshop so dramatically displayed, where time is inconsequential and the artistry will always be a work in progress.

Thankfully, much of nature’s handiwork in the region lies within the protective confines of a series of national parks and monuments that are remarkably accessible for those ambitious enough to set forth on foot to explore their wonders. We’ll explore the heart of Utah’s "color country" in the context of our Bryce/Zion Hike.

Our program assembles mid-afternoon at Bryce Canyon with time for at least an introduction to Bryce. We’ll tour several of the overlooks along the Rim Trail and watch the sun set from Sunset Point. We’ll spend our first of two evenings at Bryce and then begin our trek into the canyon along the Queen’s Garden trail complex early the following morning.

Early into this hike, you’ll understand that those who view Bryce only from the rim overlooks are without a clue as to what Bryce is all about. Each bend in the trail reveals a view more spectacular than the last. The towering hoodoos and natural bridges are everywhere. Before we’re finished, we will have done not only Queen’s Garden, but also the entire Navajo and Peekaboo loops (9 miles).

We’ll hike the Fairyland Loop (6 miles) on Day 3 and then head to Zion where we’ll spend the next three days and nights.

Without a doubt, Zion is a hiker’s fantasy with a large and varied selection of trails that will captivate the imagination of participants of all levels. On Day 4, we’re headed for the Kolob Terraces region in the remote northwest corner of Zion. We’ll descend from Lee Pass along Timber Creek to the falls of the La Verkin River, and then follow the river to Kolob Arch, the world’s largest free-standing arch (14 miles).

On day 5, we’ll climb from the floor of Zion Canyon through Echo Canyon to awesome Observation Point, the highest accessible promontory in Zion. The views from Observation Point are incredible. Far below, the Virgin River winds through Zion Canyon towards its ultimate rendezvous with the Colorado; massive sandstone temples line the Virgin corridor. From our vantage point, we look down on famed Angel’s Landing with its swarms of hikers (8 miles).

Weather and season will dictate our hiking choice on our final day. In the Spring, when the river runs high and fast, we’ll hike Angel’s Landing and Emerald Pools. In the Fall, when the Virgin is at its lowest, we’ll wade through the river into the Narrows of Zion Canyon, whose 100-foot walls create a spectacular corridor through which the Virgin flows.

Taos/Santa Fe: The Pecos Wilderness

Dates: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri); June 20-25;

Assembly Point: Taos (airline, rail and bus service to Albuquerque; bus or optional Timberline van shuttle between Albuquerque and Taos prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,295 (includes all lodging, all meals, leaders, whitewater raft program, van shuttles to and from Albuquerque Airport, trail maps and narratives)

    
 For years, we’ve cycled so many of the backroads of Northern New Mexico and believed that we had become intimately familiar with every facet of this "land of enchantment." Santa Fe, Taos, Red River, the magical villages of the High Road—Chimayo, Truchas, Ojo Sarco, Las Trampas, Chamisal, Penasco—the Enchanted Circle itself—the loop encircling Wheeler Peak— these were the components of an adventure we knew so well.

How many times over the years have we climbed the hill to Truchas and paused at the crest outside the village to photograph majestic, snowclad Truchas Peak? What an incredible thrill for us when, in the context of our Pecos Wilderness Hike, we climbed to the base of that awesome mountain and discovered the backcountry magic that truly defines the rugged Pecos Wilderness of Northern New Mexico.

Our Pecos Wilderness Hike will assemble in Taos mid-afternoon of Day 1, with ample opportunity to visit the famous Taos Pueblo and Taos Square. Following our orientation dinner, we’ll overnight at the El Pueblo Lodge and then head for the Carson National Forest, where we’ll challenge formidable Gold Hill. At 12,711’, Gold Hill is among New Mexico’s highest peaks, though falling some 400 feet short of Wheeler’s summit. Wheeler, though, is well-travelled; Gold Hill stands alone with views from the summit that are absolutely incredible. Visible from the crest, which is well beyond timberline, are not only Wheeler to the south, but the high "fourteeners" of southern Colorado to the north (10 miles).

We’ll spend a second evening in Taos and then head for the Rio Grande the next day and a whitewater rafting adventure on this historic river as it carves its course through magnificent Rio Grande Gorge State Park. Later that afternoon, we’ll van shuttle to Las Vegas (not to be confused with that other Las Vegas) and our first of two overnights at the grand Plaza Hotel on the historic Las Vegas Square.

Early morning of Day 4, we’re headed for the Pecos Wilderness, and a moderate 7-mile hike along bubbling Beaver Creek through beautiful Porvenir Canyon. Following a second night at the Plaza, we’ll shuttle to Cowles on the southern fringe of the Pecos and hike from the Pecos River toward Santa Fe Baldy in the Sangre De Cristos. Our destination on this 10-mile round-trip hike is Stewart Lake, an idyllic mountain tarn below timberline at 10,300.’

We’re headed to Santa Fe for the evening and a final overnight on the famous plaza at Garrett’s Desert Inn. The adventure continues on our final day as we hike to Nambe Lake above Santa Fe.The lake has profound spiritual significance for the Tewa people of the Nambe Pueblo, who believe the lake is home to the spirits of "those who never did become." We’ll return to Santa Fe after this 7-mile hike, where our program concludes.

Yosemite

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) June 27-July 2; Sept. 12-17

Assembly Point: Yosemite N.P. (airline service to Fresno; Timberline van shuttle between Fresno and Yosemite prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,395 (includes all lodging, all meals, leaders, van shuttles between Fresno and Yosemite, trail maps & narratives)

     
As an organization whose emphasis has always included the national parks of the U.S. and Canada, we’ve struggled with our long-standing exclusion of Yosemite as a destination. As cyclists, we’ve often looked at Yosemite’s potential and each time concluded that the limited cycling options and substantial vehicular traffic in the valley were negatives that could not be overlooked. As hiking has matured as a major component of our program, we now have a forum within which to build a Timberline-style Yosemite adventure. In 1999, Timberline is headed for Yosemite National Park.

The reality of Yosemite is that of its approximate 750,000 acres, or 1200 square miles, over 90 percent of its area is protected wilderness and the vast majority of visitors never venture more than a mile from their vehicles. As we’ve learned from our years of hiking in Yellowstone, five minutes out of the trailhead parking area and we well may not see another person on our trail until we return to the trailhead at day’s end.

And so, in the season ahead, we’ll begin to explore the wonders of Yosemite, its giant sequoias, dramatic waterfalls, deep glacier-carved canyons, snowclad Sierra peaks and magnificent domes. As is the case with so many of our programs where the hiking opportunities are essentially without limits, we’ll always struggle with the decisions as to which hikes to select for a 6-day program. Our goal has been to include those trails that are reasonably athletic, non-technical day hikes, and that best reflect the variety and scenic fascination that is Yosemite.

Our program assembles in Yosemite mid-afternoon of Day 1 and we’ll provide a van shuttle to the park from the Fresno airport. We’ll spend our first of two nights at the White Wolf Lodge (Toulemne Meadows Lodge for fall program) and devote our first two hikes to the Toulemne Meadows region of the park. Early morning of Day 2, we’ll hike from Dana Meadows to historic Mono Pass, with its great alpine views of the Sierra crest and Blood Canyon as well as the high desert region east of the Sierra (8 miles).

On Day 3, we’re headed for what well may be the park’s most spectacular viewpoint as we challenge the Clouds Rest Trail that ultimately will lead to the Clouds Rest summit. Clouds Rest is substantially higher than better-known Half Dome, safer to climb without the terrifying drop-offs for which Half Dome is famous, and, most importantly, far less crowded with significantly better views of the park (14 miles). Following our Clouds Rest experience, we’re headed for the valley, where we’ll spend our next two overnights at the Yosemite View Lodge.

On Day 4, we’ll hike from the valley floor along the Yosemite Falls Trail, initially to Lower Falls and ultimately to the brink of Upper Falls. With a vertical plunge of 1,430 feet, Yosemite Falls is highest in the U.S. We’re not about to call it a day as yet because we’re headed beyond the falls to Eagle’s Rest and its commanding view of the valley (12.5 miles).

The Vernal/Nevada Falls Loop, considered to be among the park’s most scenic hikes, is our plan for Day 5. We’ll begin our hike from Glacier Point and head toward the valley with countless breathtaking views of the massive monoliths—Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and Clouds Rest—for which Yosemite is famous. We’ll visit Nevada Falls initially and then prepare for a traditional drenching as we descend along Vernal Falls on the aptly named Mist Trail (9 miles).

We’ll spend our final night at the Wawona Lodge in the park’s southern sector and then explore the magnificent giant sequoias of the Mariposa Grove prior to our program’s conclusion mid-afternoon (7 miles).

Olympic Rain Forest

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) July 4-9

Assembly Point: Seattle, WA (airline, rail and bus service to Seattle; Timberline van shuttle between Seattle and Port Angeles prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,295 (includes all lodging, all meals, van shuttles to Port Angeles prior to tour and return to Seattle following tour, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

     
 "This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight stand like Druids of old, with voices sad and prophetic..."

The words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow seem so appropriate as we begin to consider the character and quality of a land upon which we hope to tread in the season ahead. Situated on the far northwestern fringe of the "lower 48", the Olympic Peninsula is a land of remarkable diversity. Surrounded substantially by the sea, the Peninsula’s feel, like its climate, is decidedly maritime. It is also a land of magnificent, rugged mountains whose peaks are snowclad year-round. And, of course, it is a land of dense, lush forests that flourish in the glow of abundant rainfall.

Our program assembles in Seattle early-afternoon of Day 1 and we’ll van shuttle to Port Angeles for our orientation dinner and overnight at the Bayshore Inn. Early next morning, we’ll head for Hurricane Ridge and hike from the crest of the Ridge to Hurricane Hill with its sweeping vistas of the snowclad peaks of the Bailey Range. From Hurricane Hill, the trail descends steadily, initially through dense stands of Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock to the floor of the Elwha Valley (7.4 miles).

We’ll van shuttle to Lake Crescent for an overnight on the lakeshore. Pyramid Peak awaits the following morning and promises incomparable views from its 3,000´ summit of nearby Lake Crescent and Mt. Storm King as well as Vancouver Island in the Strait of Georgia and snowclad Mt. Baker, rising above the lesser peaks of the Cascades to the east (7 miles).

We’ll overnight at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Lodge, whose name suggests the manner in which we may relax that evening. We’ll then hike above Sol Duc on Day 4 to Sol Duc Falls and beyond to the Bogachiel Trail for a glimpse of mighty Mt. Olympus, highest of the Olympic Peaks (12 miles). We’re headed for the ocean that evening and an overnight at the Kalaloch Lodge.

Much of the fascination of Olympic National Park is its amazing diversity, and our plans for Day 5 are appropriately eclectic. We’ll begin with a morning hike along the beach near Kalaloch with an opportunity to explore the tidepools teeming with maritime life. Later that morning, we’ll head to the Hoh Rain Forest, aptly named considering the 144+ inches of rain that falls in the forest annually. We’ll begin at the visitors’ center and follow the basically level trail deep into this fantasyland and observe the unique vegetation so characteristic of a rain forest (8 miles).

It’s on to Lake Quinault that evening and a final overnight at the Lake Quinault Lodge. An interesting hike in the Quinault Rain Forest is planned for our final day prior to our van shuttle return to Seattle.

North Cascades

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) July 11-16

Assembly Point: Seattle (airline, rail and bus service to Seattle; Timberline van shuttles to and from transportation terminals prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,295 (includes all lodging, all meals, all van shuttles, leaders, trail maps and narratives)

     
Some of the West’s most rugged, dramatically sculpted, high-alpine terrain lies within the parameters of the Cascade Range that stretches from British Columbia southward into northern California. Glaciation claims a major share of the credit for the rugged character of the North Cascades and remains an active force today. Of the approximate 1,100 active glaciers found in the "lower 48", more than 750 are located in the North Cascades.

The region is also marked by incredible diversity. The west-facing slopes receive abundant precipitation from the Pacific and are heavily forested. The eastern, or leeward slopes, lie within the Cascades rainshadow where sunshine is prevalent, rainfall infrequent and vegetation sparse.

Our North Cascades Hike will emphasize the diverse experiences that are so prominent in the region. We’ll explore the heavily-forested windward slopes early in the program and again on our final day, and the drier leeward region of the eastern slope and Methow Valley.

We’ll meet in Seattle early-afternoon of Day 1 and shuttle north and east to Marblemount in the Cascade foothills. We’ll spend the evening at Clark’s Skagit River Resort and then van shuttle the following morning along the Cascade River to the Cascade Pass trailhead. From the trailhead, we’ll begin to climb gently through no less than 33 switchbacks to the crest of Cascade Pass at 5400´. The views along the way are remarkable as we traverse flower-filled meadows and cross countless sparkling streams. Dominating the landscape at the summit is Johannesburg Peak with its spectacular hanging glacier (7 miles). Late that afternoon, we’ll van across the Cascades to Winthrop and spend our next two evenings at the elegant Sun Mountain Inn.

Early on Day 2, we’ll shuttle along the Twisp River to the Twisp Pass trailhead. We’re headed to Twisp Pass on the boundary of North Cascades National Park, a 2,400´ climb in five miles. A short distance beyond and above Twisp Pass lies the Stiletto Vista with its awesome views of Stiletto Peak, Early Winters Spires and several of the other dominating North Cascades peaks (11 miles).

We’ll spend a second evening at Sun Mountain and then head for Goat Peak early-morning of Day 3. The Goat Peak hike is a moderate challenge with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain in the course of the 7-mile round-trip trek. The view from the lookout at the summit is spectacular with a commanding vista of the Methow Valley, beautiful Silver Star and North Gardner Peaks, and the high ridges of the Pasayten Wilderness to the north.

We’ll move over to the Mazama Country Inn for the next two evenings. On Day 4, we’re headed for timberline and beyond on our way to Grasshopper Pass. Following a shuttle to Hart’s Pass, we’ll climb above timberline early into this 11-mile day, and we’ll remain above the treeline with magnificent views of the surrounding high peaks the entire way to the Grasshopper summit.

We’re headed west over Washington and Rainy Passes toward the Pacific on our final day, but our adventure is far from complete. Just to the west of Marblemount, we’ll turn to the north for one final climb—this time to the summit of Sauk Mountain and an unbelievable 360-degree panoramic view of the Cascades to the east, Mt. Baker to the north, the Pacific to the west, and, on a reasonably clear day, Rainier to the south (7 miles). Late-afternoon, we’ll return to Seattle.

Yellowstone/Grand Tetons

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) July 18-23; Aug. 29-Sept. 3

Assembly Point: Jackson (airline service to Jackson; Timberline van shuttle to and from Jackson prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,395 (includes all lodging, all meals, shuttles prior to and following tour, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

    
  We’ve been cycling the Grand Loop in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks for the past 14 seasons and we’ve developed an intense attachment to this region. Only when we began hiking in the parks five seasons ago did we begin to understand the full measure of the magic of Yellowstone Country.

The Yellowstone/Grand Teton Hike remains an important component in our Hiking Adventures category for ’99. Since our program is an inn-to-inn experience and not a backpacking trek, we’ll enjoy overnights in the magnificent historic lodges of the parks. We’ll spend our first two nights at the grand Old Faithful Inn and the final three evenings at the beautiful Jackson Lake Lodge.

Our program assembles early-afternoon of Day 1 in Jackson and we’ll van shuttle to the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone.We’ll arrive early enough to explore the fascinating thermal features that surround the Inn, including famous Old Faithful geyser itself.

Day 2, we’re off on a 13-mile hike along the Fairy Creek Trail as it meanders through meadows that are prime feeding habitats for bison and elk herds. We’ll hike to Mystic Falls and Imperial Geyser, one of the park’s most active and dramatic thermal features, and to Fairy Falls, whose 300’ drop is among Yellowstone’s highest.

After a second night at Old Faithful, we’ll follow the relaxed Mallard Lake Trail on a 7-mile round-trip hike to the lake through Mallard Lake Canyon. We’re then headed to Grand Teton and our first of three nights at the Jackson Lake Lodge.

Early-morning of Day 4, we’ll hike Death Canyon above Phelps Lake with its spectacular views of the majestic, snowclad spires of the Teton Range (8 miles).

Perhaps the most spectacular and challenging hike of the program is planned for Day 5. We’ll cross Jenny Lake by boat and follow the popular trail to Hidden Falls. The adventure begins beyond the falls as we begin a 2,220’ climb to Lake Solitude in the heart of the magnificent Tetons. If you’re awed by the beauty of the Tetons from the valley below, you won’t believe that which awaits you along the trail to Solitude–a hike that many consider to be the quintessential Teton experience (14 miles).

We’ll spend a farewell evening at the Jackson Lake Lodge, hike leisurely to Bradley and Taggert Lakes the following day before returning to Jackson where our program concludes mid-afternoon.

Canadian Rocky Mountain Hiking Series

Creating a Canadian Rocky Mountain hiking program poses a challenge of enormous proportions—a challenge because of the overwhelming number of backcountry opportunities from which to choose. Our solution—the Canadian Rocky Mountain Hiking Series—comprised of three separate and distinct programs, each with its distinct focus.

Banff Park/Kananaskis Country will feature hikes that explore Banff National Park near Lake Louise and the Kananaskis region west of Canmore. Lake Louise/Columbia Icefields/Jasper will combine hikes in northern Banff Park along with treks near Jasper in Jasper National Park. Yoho features the magic of Lake O’Hara, Yoho Lake and other fascinating Yoho trails.

Banff Park/ Kananaskis Country

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) July 18-23; Aug 15-20

Assembly Point: Lake Louise (airline, rail and bus service to Calgary; bus service or Timberline van shuttle between Calgary and Lake Louise prior to, and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,395 (includes all lodging, all meals, van shuttles, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

     
Banff Park/Kananaskis Country assembles in Lake Louise mid-afternoon at Deer Lodge, perched high atop the village near the lake, and we’ll hike leisurely to Agnes Teahouse before dinner. Our next day’s hike begins at nearby Moraine Lake trailhead and we’ll trek through the flowering meadows of beautiful Larch Valley surrounded by the spectacular spires of the Ten Peaks that hover above the valley, to the awesome switchbacks leading to majestic Sentinel Pass. We’ll then descend through Paradise Valley to conclude this 11-mile loop.

Our hike for Day 3 is a backcountry adventure you won’t soon forget. We’ll van shuttle to the summit of Vermillion Pass near the Continental Divide and beyond to the Vista Lake trailhead. An immediate descent to Vista Lake is followed, as you might guess, with an ascent to beautiful Arnica Lake, named for the abundant yellow blooms that surround its shores. Our trail leads to the picturesque Twin Lakes and then climbs to the tundra at timberline astride Gibbons Pass. A rapid descent and we’re at magnificent Shadow Lake Lodge, a backcountry jewel in the heart of Banff National Park (9 miles).

Painful though it may sound, an incredible reward awaits those hardy souls willing to leave the delicious warmth of down-quilted beds at sunrise and hike the 1/2 mile back to Shadow Lake. As the sun rises and illuminates the crown of rugged Ball Mountain, its reflection in the glassy, still waters of Shadow Lake are a photographer’s fantasy.

We’ll return to the lodge for the usual hearty breakfast that is a Shadow Lake tradition and then hike leisurely along Red Earth Creek to the trailhead (8 miles).

We’re off to Kananaskis Country for the next segment of our program. We’ll spend our first of two overnights at the Kananaskis Inn and then begin to explore the magnificent trail network characteristic of Kananaskis. On Day 5, we’ll cross the Kananaskis River and trace the downward plunge of Galatea Creek as we hike to Lillian Lake. We’ll then continue above Lillian to timberline and beyond to the beautiful Upper Galatea Lakes, nestled in a cirque with the awesome Tower as a backdrop (8 miles).

On our final day, we’ll return to the Galatea Creek trailhead and hike leisurely along the Kananaskis River to Ribbon Creek and follow Ribbon back to the village (6 miles).

Lake Louise/Columbia Icefields/Jasper

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) Aug. 1-6

Assembly Point: Lake Louise (airline and rail service to Calgary; bus or Timberline van shuttle between Calgary and Lake Louise prior to tour and from Jasper to Calgary following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,395 (includes all lodging, all meals, van shuttles, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

      
  Lake Louise, et. al., assembles in Lake Louise mid-afternoon of Day 1 with time for a leisurely hike to Agnes Tea House above the lake before our orientation dinner. Early-morning of Day 2, we’ll shuttle north to the Crowfoot Glacier and then hike above the Glacier to a lovely open meadow with an incredible view of the surrounding snowclad peaks, including Crowfoot Mountain, Bow Peak and Mt. Hector. We’ll continue on to Helen Lake and then switchback beyond timberline to a high ridge overlooking Katherine Lake and Dolomite Pass (9 miles).

We’ll spend our second evening at the Saskatchewan Crossing Lodge and head toward Sunwapta Pass the following morning for our next hike, a relatively moderate 9-mile round-trip journey to Nigel Pass on the Banff-Jasper park boundary. As we approach the pass, the trail opens into a beautiful meadow with spectacular views of Mt. Saskatchewan, Parker Ridge and the Saskatchewan Glacier.

Following another overnight at The Crossing, we’ll begin to explore Jasper Park. Our hike planned for Day 4 is a remarkable high alpine adventure. We’ll begin at the Continental Divide atop Sunwapta Pass near the foot of Athabasca Glacier and climb gently beyond timberline into an alpine world of astonishing beauty at the crest of Wilcox Pass. Hope for a clear day because you won’t believe the views that are a part of the Wilcox experience (7 miles).

We’ll visit the Icefields Interpretive Center on our way to Sunwapta Falls and an evening at the Sunwapta Falls Resort. On Day 5, we’ll shuttle to Jasper and visit beautiful Maligne Lake and climb above the lake among the Opal Hills (6 miles). We’ll spend our final evening at the Tonquin Lodge in Jasper and explore awesome Maligne Canyon, perhaps the most spectacular of the many limestone river canyons for which the Canadian Mountain Parks are famous. We’ll picnic at the top of the canyon and return to the trailhead for our shuttle to Calgary (5 miles).

Yoho!

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) Aug. 29-Sept. 3

Assembly Point: Lake Louise (airline service to Calgary; bus or Timberline van shuttle between Calgary and Lake Louise prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,395 (includes all lodging, all meals, van shuttles between Calgary and Lake Louise, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

       
 "Yoho" is a Cree word that translates roughly as "how magnificent" and, if anything, the Cree perhaps understated the utter magnificence of this Canadian Rocky Mountain region. Second smallest of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, Yoho is a land of glacial lakes and towering, snowclad mountains whose steepness explains the park’s many spectacular waterfalls. And not lost upon us is Yoho’s 252-mile network of trails; without a doubt, Yoho is exciting as a new hiking destination for Timberline in the season ahead.

Yoho assembles in Lake Louise mid-afternoon of Day 1 (we’ll provide a van shuttle from Calgary earlier in the day) with ample opportunity to hike to either of the famous teahouses above the Lake before dinner. We’ll spend our first two overnights at beautiful Deer Lodge, adjacent to the lake.

A word of warning about our hike planned for Day 2—you won’t believe what you will see on that day. Tucked away in the remote reaches above the Great Divide is some of the most amazing high alpine scenery that you will ever experience. We’ll begin to hike from Lake O’Hara Lodge along the lake and then climb significantly above the lake to Wiwaxy Gap. The views from the gap are stunning as we stand atop the windy saddle between Wiwaxy and Huber Peaks. In the distance are awesome Balfour and Daly high above the Yoho Valley, as well as Cathedral and Mt. Victoria. Behind us are Lakes Oesa and O’Hara, the Opabin Plateau and McArthur Pass, one of the many highlights of our next day’s hike (7 miles).

We’ll hike from O’Hara again on Day 3, initially along the Big Larches Trail to Schaffer Lake, and then to timberline and the startling blue waters of Lake McArthur. From the lake, we’ll climb to McArthur Pass with its breathtaking view of the twin towers of Goodsirs, and continue on to the Odaray Plateau. Those eager for a steep scramble to Odaray Grandview will be rewarded with a glorious view of all the major lakes of the area—O’Hara, Oesa, Mary, Linda and McArthur (8 miles).

Late afternoon of Day 3, we’ll shuttle to the Cathedral Mountain Lodge where we’ll spend our next overnight. We’re headed for a true Yoho backcountry adventure on Day 4. Beginning at magnificent Takakkaw Falls, which vies with Vancouver Island’s Della Falls as Canada’s highest waterfall, we’ll hike the fascinating Iceline Trail as it climbs toward Emerald Glacier. We’ll leave the Iceline and walk to Celeste and Marpole Lakes. The crashing waters of Twin Falls announce our approach to the Twin Falls Chalet, where we’ll spend the night (12 miles).

Breakfast at the chalet is incredible and we suspect that we’ll need to drag you kicking and screaming from the dining room table back onto the trail. The enticement to move on down the trail? Encounters with Yoho’s three most spectacular waterfalls—Laughing Falls, Angel’s Staircase and Takakkaw. We’ll also consider an optional walk to Yoho Glacier along the way (12 miles).

For better or worse, it’s back to civilization and a final overnight at Cathedral Mountain. On our final day, we’ll again hike from Takakkaw to Yoho Lake and beyond to Yoho Pass, and then descend to beautiful Emerald Lake (6 miles). Following a grand farewell lunch at the Emerald Lake Lodge, we’ll return to Lake Louise and Calgary where our program concludes.

Alaska: The Kenai

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) July 18-23; Aug. 15-20

Assembly Point: Girdwood (airline service to Anchorage; Timberline van transfers prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,395 (includes all lodging, all meals, van shuttles, Kenai Fjord boat cruise, train from Seward to Anchorage, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

       
Alaska, perhaps more than any other region in North America, is cloaked in a mystical aura that ignites the imagination. To some extent, that aura obviously is the product of Alaska’s incredible, incomparable natural beauty. Its mountains, glaciers, coastline and wilderness are without equal.

Arguably, though, without in any way diminishing its physical magnificence, Alaska’s irresistible attraction is that it symbolizes the "Final Frontier," a last oppor-tunity to experience the wilderness in its most pristine, unspoiled expression. Alaska still promises the opportunity to see a bear scramble through the brush of a mountain valley or to sit in a kayak and watch a massive glacier calve ice off its face into the fjords below.

Our Alaska Hike assembles in Girdwood near Anchorage mid-afternoon of Day 1 (we’ll provide van transportation from Anchorage earlier in the day) and we’ll spend our first of two overnights at Aleyeska Accommodations. The Winner Creek Trail is planned for our first hike as we explore the historic Iditarod Trail that provided access to the gold fields near Crow Pass during the early years of the 20th century. We’ll continue to climb moderately along the upper reaches of the creek to the picturesque falls of Winner Creek Gorge. We’ll then return to Aleyeska for a second evening (9 miles).

Early morning of Day 2, we’re headed for the historic Iditarod Trail as we climb towards Crow Pass. Along the way, we’ll pass the remains of the Monarch Mine, a hardrock gold mine that ceased operations in 1948. Nearby Crystal Lake lies nestled beneath a steep mountain wall and then its on to the Raven Glacier overlook before descending to the trailhead.

We’ll spend our third evening at Moose Pass in the Trail Lake Lodge and then hike to beautiful Ptarmigan Lake in the heart of the Chugach National Forest on Day 4. We’ll follow Trail Creek to the lake, picnic along its shores and then descend along Ptarmigan Creek to the Ptarmigan trailhead. A short van shuttle and we’re in Seward where we’ll spend our final two overnights at the Taroka Inn.

A change of pace is planned for Day 5. Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and we’ll explore this extraordinary treasure in the context of a boat cruise. The glacier-laced fjords offer an exceptional wildlife opportunity that, with a little luck, can include whale sightings.

Our visit to Kenai Fjords Park continues on our final day. We’ll hike the Harding Trail along Exit Glacier to the Harding Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America (7 miles). The icefield is 35 miles long and 20 miles wide, and is the source of the glaciers of Kenai Fjords. Following our visit to the Icefield, we’ll board the famous Alaska Railroad for a memorable return journey to Anchorage.

Sun Valley/Sawtooths of Idaho

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) July 25-30

Assembly Point: Ketchum/Sun Valley (airline to Boise; Timberline van shuttle between Boise and Sun Valley prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,395 (includes all lodging, all meals, raft trip, van shuttles between Boise and Sun Valley prior to and following tour, leaders, tour maps & narratives)

   
 Idaho, among the last of the "lower 48" to be settled and granted statehood, today remains one of the last true reminders of the pristine beauty of the West as it must have appeared to those earliest settlers. Vast regions of Idaho today remain wild, undeveloped and inaccessible, and the state ranks second only to Alaska in the amount of totally undeveloped land.

Among the many magnificent mountain ranges that dominate Idaho’s geography, perhaps none can match the rugged Sawtooths for sheer scenic splendor. Much of the range is embraced within the 2.1-million acre Sawtooth National Forest and its recreational importance is recognized and protected within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

The beautiful Sawtooths will be the focus of our Idaho Hike, which will assemble in the world-famous ski resort of Sun Valley. We’ll spend our first and final nights in Sun Valley at the Tyrolean Lodge with ample opportunity to enjoy the excitement of the area as well as our lodge’s inviting outdoor swimming pool.

Early-morning of Day 1, we’ll head north toward the "tooths" over Galena Summit and beyond the headwaters of the Salmon River. We’re headed for Alturas Lake, second largest in the Sawtooths, and we’ll hike above the lake along Cabin Creek to a series of high lakes from which the creek flows.

Later that afternoon, we’ll shuttle to the mountain village of Stanley on the banks of the Salmon, and we’ll spend our next three nights at the Mountain Village Lodge. An early breakfast on Day 3 and we’ll then board the shuttle boat at Redfish Lake for a quick trip across the lake to our next trailhead. We’ll hike from the shoreline through Redfish Lake Creek Canyon to Alpine Lake. Beyond the lake, we’ll cross a meadow riotous with wildflowers; another 720 feet of elevation and we’re standing atop spectacular Baron Divide, near timberline at 9160’. The view from the divide is breathtaking with wild Baron Creek Canyon and Baron Lakes below and Big Baron Spire on the western horizon (13 miles).

The town of Stanley and the wild Salmon River are the focus for some of the world’s best whitewater adventure. And so, we’ll give the weary legs a well-deserved rest on Day 4 as we "float" the Salmon in the context of a full-day whitewater journey.

Our plan for Day 5 is an engagement with the most renowned of Idaho’s backcountry lakes, incomparably beautiful Sawtooth Lake. We’ll hike initially among the lodgepole pine along Iron Creek to Alpine Lake, which in reality is sub-alpine and largely surrounded by fir except for its magnificent view of massive Alpine Peak to the south. We’ll switchback beyond Alpine Lake above the trees as we head for Sawtooth. Our first view of Sawtooth is one never to be forgotten as it mirrors the image of towering, snowcapped Mt. Regan hovering above (10 miles).

We’re headed back to Sun Valley for a final evening at the Tyrolean Lodge. One final climb the next morning to Pioneer Cabin for a commanding view of the Pioneer Mountains east of Sun Valley offers a dramatic conclusion to our adventure (7 miles).

Glacier Park

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) July 25-30; Aug. 22-27

Assembly Point: Lake McDonald (airline, rail and bus service to Kalispell/West Glacier; Timberline van transfers to and from transportation terminals)

Tour Cost: $1,395 (includes all lodging, all meals, transfers, leaders, trail maps and narratives)

     
 If we’ve learned anything in the course of our many years of cycling in Glacier, it’s that the cyclist can experience only a hint of it’s magnificence. Glacier’s "frontcountry" that is accessible by road is spectacular, but pales in comparison with its vast backcountry. It’s the hiker who will have the opportunity to capture the essence of the park.

In the season ahead, we’ll again collaborate with Glacier Wilderness Guides in the context of an extraordinary 6-day program that explores the alpine magic of Glacier’s magnificent backcountry.

We also believe that an important part of all of our national park experiences are the evenings that we spend in the historic national park lodges. We’ll spend our overnights in the grand lodges of Glacier.

The Glacier Park Hike assembles mid-afternoon at Lake McDonald Lodge, situated on the shores of Lake McDonald. Our orientation meeting and dinner is planned for the Lodge that evening and we’ll shuttle to Logan Pass atop Going-to-the-Sun Road early the following morning. We’ll hike the magnificent Highline Trail from Logan Pass along the Garden Wall and the West Face of the Continental Divide to the Granite Chalet in one of the most incredibly beautiful high-alpine settings to be found anywhere. Another .9-mile gentle climb and we’re atop the Swiftcurrent Lookout, with a 360-degree panoramic view of the glacier-carved rockscape. We’ll then descend below Swiftcurrent Pass into the Many Glacier drainage, passing a series of high-alpine lakes linked by magnificent waterfalls as we head to the Many Glacier Hotel (15 miles).

We’ll hike to Grinnell Glacier the following morning from the Swiftcurrent trailhead. We’ll walk along Lake Josephine to Mt. Grinnell high above Grinnell Lake and Grinnell Falls, and ultimately to Upper Grinnell Lake and the Glacier itself. We’ll return for a second night at the Many Glacier Hotel (Distance—8.5 miles).

Our destination for Day 4 is stunning Iceberg Lake, a 9-mile hike through meadows ablaze with wildflowers beyond Ptarmigan Falls to the glacial cirque where we’ll find the lake nestled in the shadow of Iceberg Peak. Floating on the lake’s surface are the startling ice formations for which the lake is named. We’re then headed for East Glacier following the hike and we’ll spend our final two nights at the grand Glacier Park Lodge.

Dawson Pass is our destination for Day 5. We’ll catch an early morning boat across Two Medicine Lake and hike from the upper boat dock beyond Twin Falls to the windswept saddle of Dawson, with its magnificent views of the Lewis Range and the glacier-carved valley of Nyack Creek to the south. We’ll be prepared to divide our group at this point; those intrigued by a longer loop will follow the Continental Divide on to Pitamakin Pass and return to Two Medicine (16 miles), while those who prefer a more relaxed itinerary will return to the upper boat dock directly from the Dawson summit (6.5 miles).

Our adventure continues on our final day as we return to Two Medicine for a short, but interesting climb to Scenic Point for a final grand vista of the plains to the east (6 miles). We’ll enjoy a final lunch at the historic Isaac Walton Inn in Essex as we return to Kalispell late afternoon.

The Beartooths

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) Aug. 1-6

Assembly Point: Red Lodge, MT (airline and bus service to Billings; Timberline van shuttle between Billings and Red Lodge prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,295 (includes all lodging, all meals, shuttle between Billings and Red Lodge prior to and following tour, leaders, trail maps and narratives)

       
For the past decade, Beartooth Pass, straddling the rugged Montana/Wyoming border, has been the cornerstone of several cycling and hiking programs that we have developed in the Yellowstone Country. In so many ways, the Beartooths symbolize the concept of adventure that is the heart of our program. We are a group with an enormous appetite for high mountain adventure; we cherish each and every alpine encounter that we have embraced in our program since our earliest beginnings. But for us, let there be no doubt, Beartooth is without equal—it is the best!

Situated northeast of the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the Beartooths, for the most part, are contained within the vast Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The rugged terrain, high elevations and somewhat remote location are factors that conspire to preserve the pristine quality of this region.

Our program will assemble late-afternoon in Red Lodge, eastern gateway to the Beartooths and a short van shuttle from Billings. Following our orientation dinner and first overnight at the Rock Creek Resort, we’ll shuttle west of town along Rock Creek for our first hike, a moderate 9-mile introduction to the wilderness as we hike to Timberline Lake. The views from the lake are magnificent, including Timberline Glacier and 12,500’ Silver Run Peak. This day’s adventure, though, does not end with our return to the trailhead. We’re headed for dinner at the incomparable Grizzly Bar in Roscoe, but be forewarned, some of last year’s guests have threatened to return this season if only to be part of another Grizzly Bar experience.

We’ll spend our second night at the Rock Creek Resort. Early the following morning, we’re off to Glacier Lake, nestled serenely above timberline at 9702’. We’ll arrive at Glacier Lake late-morning and continue beyond (into Wyoming) to Emerald Lake. Another night is planned at the Rock Creek Resort, and then we’ll head west beyond the Continental Divide for a spectacular encounter with Beartooth High Lakes. Much of this 9-mile hike in the Beartooth high country is at or above timberline with breathtaking views of countless high alpine lakes and the dominating presence of Lonesome Mountain and famous Beartooth Butte. We’ll rendezvous with our van at the Beartooth Lake trailhead and head to Cooke City outside the Yellowstone entrance for an overnight at the All Seasons Inn.

Early-morning of Day 5, we’ll shuttle to the Clay Butte trailhead east of Cooke City, pausing first for a grand sweeping view of the Beartooth Plateau from the Clay Butte Lookout. Our destination this day is Upper Granite Lake, one of the largest, deepest and most majestic mountain lakes in the Beartooths. We’ll pass through high mountain meadows teeming with wildflowers. Snowcapped peaks are everywhere with great views of towering Lonesome Mountain to the north and prominent Pilot and Index Mountains to the west (10.4 miles).

We’re headed back to the Rock Creek Resort for a final night, and we’ll bid farewell to the magnificent Beartooths the following day with a leisurely hike through Quinnebaugh Meadows (6 miles).

Telluride, COLORADO!

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) Aug. 8-13

Assembly Point: Durango (air service to Durango; Timberline van transfers to and from airport prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,295 (includes all lodging, all meals, train from Durango to Silverton, support van, transfers, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

     
Telluride, Colorado—Rocky Mountain magic in its most eloquent expression. Nestled deep in the rugged San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, the once quiet, mountain village of Telluride today has become the destination of choice for those seeking a high-country holiday.

And so the West’s best kept secret has been revealed and Telluride is thriving, to say the least. The good news, however, is the ease with which one can escape the excitement of town and emerge in an alpine wonderland as magnificent as that to be found anywhere. Colorado is renowned for its alpine grandeur and the San Juans are generally acclaimed as the state’s most spectacular range. Praise of that nature speaks volumes about the utter beauty of the San Juans.

In the season ahead, we’ll again offer our Telluride Hike, a program that features an exceptional array of backcountry alpine adventures. It’s title notwithstanding, Telluride, COLORADO, will assemble in Durango mid-afternoon of Day 1. We’ll spend the night in the historic Rochester Hotel and then board the famous narrow gauge train for Silverton early the following morning. We’ll hike to Ice Lakes above Silverton that afternoon to acclimate to the region’s lofty elevation.

We’ll climb close to 1500 feet on the way to Ice Lake, situated in a glacial cirque at the end of a trail that passes several waterfalls and traverses meadows ablaze with wildflowers (6 miles). We’ll then head to the beautiful town of Ouray and an evening at the Ouray Chalet.

It’s on toward Telluride on Day 3. Near the Dallas Divide, we’ll set off along the Blue Lakes Trail on a 12-mile hike to a series of beautiful high alpine lakes, each more magnificent than its predecessor. We’ll approach the base of majestic Mt. Sneffels before returning to the trailhead and heading to Telluride, where we’ll spend our final three evenings at the Viking Hotel.

Awesome Sneffels again is our focus on Day 4 as we challenge the remarkable Sneffels Highline Trail that skirts the perimeter of the Sneffels Wilderness. We’ll hike well above the town on the Judd Wiebe Trail and then follow Butcher Creek upstream as we head for the alpine wonders of Pack and Mill Creek Basins. If you’re a photographer, and even if you’re not, you won’t believe what awaits you in these two basins. The views of surrounding snowclad San Juans are incredible; expect to wade waist-deep through meadows of wildflowers (13 miles).

We’ll hike the Lizard Head trail on Day 5, climbing through shimmering aspen groves and more meadows with riotous displays of wildflowers. We’ll tread gently through the alpine tundra to the base of the Lizard. Once above timberline, views of the surrounding peaks, including Sneffels and Vermillion, are incredible (9 miles).

Following a final overnight at the Viking, we’ll ride the tram to the top of the Telluride ski mountain and hike the ridge atop the mountain for yet more of the spectacular views of the amazing San Juans. We’ll descend along the backside of the mountain back to town and van shuttle to Durango where our program concludes.

The Winds Of Wyoming

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) Aug. 22-27

Assembly Point: Jackson (airline service to Jackson; Timberline van shuttles to and from Jackson airport prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,295 (includes all lodging, all meals, van shuttles prior to and following tour, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

      
The Wind River Range of western Wyoming, pure and simple, is a hiker’s heaven. These magnificent mountains, perhaps more than any other Rocky Mountain range outside of Alaska, offer an experience that most closely approximates a true wilderness adventure. Sprawling southward from their better known and more frequented neighbors—the Tetons to the north—the Winds are high alpine mountain majesty in its boldest expression.

Forty-seven peaks reach or exceed 13,000 feet in elevation and 63 glaciers remain active in the Winds. Over 1,600 lakes are sprinkled throughout the range and this abundant water supports a vigorous wildlife population and encourages a brilliant proliferation of wildflowers. In so many ways, the Winds are an incredible natural treasure and enjoy protected status under three major wilderness designations.

We’ll hike the Winds in the context of an extraordinary 6-day adventure. Ours is an inn-to-inn, and not backpacking, program but the dayhikes that we’ve selected include high alpine experiences that in every way reflect the magic of these mountains.

We’ll assemble in Jackson Hole, with the convenience and accessibility of its major airport and excellent airline service, and van shuttle mid-morning of Day 1 to Pinedale. We’ll be spending our first two evenings in the beautiful setting of the Lakeside Resort on Fremont Lake outside of Pinedale adjacent to the Bridger/Teton Wilderness. We hope to arrive early enough for a boat ride across the lake and an exciting hike into the Wilderness to Photographer’s Point.

Early-morning of Day 2, we’re headed into the western Winds. We’ll hike from Green River Lake along Clear Creek with great views of cascading Clear Creek Falls. The trail opens into a vast meadow encircled by massive, snowclad peaks. Our destination is Natural Bridge, an enormous rock barrier through the heart of which the creek has carved its course (8.5 miles).

Following a second overnight at the Lakeside in Pinedale, we’ll head south toward the Sweetwater Gap entrance to the Winds and hike to beautiful Little Sandy Lake, situated in a rocky glacial cirque in the shadow of towering Mt. Nystrom (8 miles).

We’re headed for Lander where we’ll spend the next two evenings at the Piece of Cake Bed & Breakfast. Our plans for Day 4 are evidence that we are not totally without compassion for some weary legs. We’ll spend much of this day leisurely exploring fascinating Sinks Canyon, including beautiful Popo Agie Falls near Lander (6 miles).

As Day 5 dawns, we’re rested and ready for Stough Creek Basin and a hike that offers the ultimate in high-alpine scenery. In its 6-mile course, the trail passes from lush meadow to rugged, exposed rocky slopes at treeline. More than a dozen lakes are visible as we approach the 10,560’ crest overlooking massive snowclad Wind River Peak and the basin below (12.5 miles).

We’ll spend our final evening in DuBois and, although we’re now into our final day, our adventure is far from complete. No early flights home from Jackson on this day; the Glacier Trail, one of the most rewarding of the Wind River experiences, is too close to ignore and that’s where we’re headed on this day. We’ll choose among several options, depending on legs and weather conditions, ranging from a leisurely journey to Lake Louise, an exciting climb to the 11,157’ summit of Whiskey Mountain, or a dramatic, breathtaking visit to Ross Lake.

At some point late-afternoon to early-evening, we’ll return to Jackson where our program concludes.

Aspen, COLORADO!

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) Sept. 19-24

Assembly Point: Aspen (air and bus service to Aspen; Timberline van transfers to and from transportation terminals prior to and following tour)

Tour Cost: $1,295 (includes all lodging, all meals, transfers, leaders, trail maps & narratives)

Aspen Colorado! The mere mention creates a ripple of excitement. Everyone knows Aspen—it’s forever being thrust in our consciousness. If it’s not reports of Jack Nicholson or Goldie Hawn seen linking turns down the face of Ajax, then it’s Sly Stallone, Don Johnson and the boys taking the wraps off another Planet Hollywood.

That’s not the Aspen that will be the heart of our Aspen Hike. The Aspen we promise is the magnificent high-alpine setting whose beauty enraptures everyone with the opportunity to bask in its glow.

Aspen, COLORADO, assembles in Aspen late-afternoon of Day 1 and following our orientation dinner, we’ll spend the evening at the Limelite Lodge. We’ll leave Aspen early-morning on Day 2 and shuttle up the Castle Creek Road beyond Ashcroft to the Cathedral Lake trailhead. Shortly into the 6-mile hike, we’ll enter the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness as the trail climbs to timberline and beyond. Our destination is beautiful Cathedral Lake where we’ll picnic along its protected shoreline.

We’ll head up the Crystal River Valley following the Cathedral Lake Hike to historic Redstone and our first of two overnights at the Redstone Inn.

On Day 3, we’ll challenge Avalanche Pass above nearby Marble, a physically engaging 10-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of 3,040 feet to its 12,100’ summit. The Avalanche Pass trail is the quintessential Colorado hike, meandering initially through pine forest to magnificent meadows studded with aspen that turn a Rocky Mountain autumn into a golden spectacle to behold. The trail crosses Lost Trail Creek before ascending to the alpine tundra that announces the approach of Avalanche Pass. The reward awaits at the summit—an incredible panoramic view of snowclad peaks in every direction, including magnificent Maroon Bells near Aspen.

We’ll spend a second night at the Redstone Inn, and then return down-valley toward Mt. Sopris. Our hike for this day is somewhat of a "breather" after Avalanche and before Buckskin. A moderate 7-mile encounter is planned as we traverse the wooded slopes of Sopris to Dinkle and Thomas Lakes. It’s then back to Aspen for our final two evenings at the Limelite.

Early-morning of Day 5 we’ll return to the Maroon Bells area and hike from the Maroon Lake trailhead to Buckskin Pass. We’ll come to understand the magic of Aspen—the Aspen whose photos adorn coffee tables throughout the world. This is the Aspen of the Maroon Bells, golden, shimmering aspen and indescribable beauty that will penetrate your soul. This 9-mile hike, into the heart of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness with an elevation gain of 2,860’, promises breathtaking views of Colorado’s mighty "fourteeners."

Our final day in Aspen is pure leisure and we’ve earned it! We’re headed for the summit of Aspen Mountain—the famed Ajax that lures skiers worldwide. Our mode of bagging this summit, however, is the Silver Queen, the high-speed gondola that transports skiers to the top of the hill. We’ll hike the trails atop Ajax, with its magnificent views of the surrounding alpine landscape, enjoy lunch on the sundeck at the summit restaurant, and then catch the gondola back to town where our program concludes.

Hawaii: Volcanoes and the Kailua-Kona Coast

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) Oct. 31-Nov. 5; Jan. 23-28, 2000

Assembly Point: Kailua-Kona (airline service to Kailua-Kona; Timberline van transfers to and from airport)

Tour Cost: $1,595 (includes all lodging, all meals, leaders, transfers, trail maps & narratives)

Vast, surreal lava fields streaming from towering, massive mountains that rise from the ocean floor; a lush remote valley whose parameters are defined by 1,000-foot walls and whose landscape is punctuated by a myriad of thunderous waterfalls; miles and miles of remote black sand beaches—this is the Big Island of Hawaii and that’s where we’re headed in the fall of ‘99.

We’d like to say that we at Timberline are the first to visit this island in search of adventure. The reality is that Hawaii has been the destination of choice for adventurers for many centuries, from the ancient Polynesians, perhaps the greatest seafaring adventurers of all time, to modern day hikers and backpackers, among others, who have discovered a new meaning to adventure in this tropical paradise.

Adventure for Timberline on the big Island translates into a 6-day hiking program that will experience the island’s amazing diversity. We’ll visit the awesome volcanoes, hike their rims and into the bowels of their craters. We’ll trek into the isolation of the Waipio Valley, and then explore the breathtaking Kailua-Kona Coast,

We’ll assemble in Kailua-Kona and van shuttle to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, as an excuse to stretch our legs, we’ll visit the City of Refuge on the Kona Coast. We’ll spend our first of three nights at the Volcano House on the rim within the park and then set out on the Crater Rim Trail the following morning. A short sidetrip from this trail leads to Halemaumau, the famed firepit and legendary home of Pele, goddess of volcanoes. We’ll also descend into Kilawea Caldera and walk along its lava floor (11 miles).

On Day 3, we’ll hike the Napau Crater Trail as it traverses lava fields to Puu Huluhulu, and then to the observation point above with its views into the volcano’s fern-filled crater and the rain forest beyond. Also visible is the smoking hulk of Mauna Ulu. Our trail soon passes into the dense rain forest and we’ll continue to vast Napau Crater (12.5 miles).

Following another overnight at Volcano House, we’ll shuttle north to Waipio Valley. A steep descent from the trailhead leads to the valley floor and we’ll spend the day exploring this magnificent area. We’ll visit the black sand beaches of Waipio as well as its many spectacular waterfalls (6 miles). From Waipio, we’ll shuttle to Kona, where we’ll spend our final two evenings.

Day 5 is a treat with a healthy dose of leisure and an intriguing change of pace. We’ll hike the Captain Cook Trail, a 4-mile round-tripper that includes an awesome 1400-foot descent to the pounding surf below. We’ll hang out for much of this day on a beautiful black sand beach that offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. We’ll spend our final night in Kona and then hike along the coast from Milolii to Aholi Holua, an ancient slide used by ancestral Hawaiians as a form of athletic competition (4 miles). We’ll then return to Kailua-Kona, where our program concludes.

Kauai: Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast

Date: (6 days, 5 nights; Sun-Fri) Nov. 7-12; Jan. 30-Feb. 4, 2000

Assembly Point: Lihue (airline service to Lihue; Timberline van transfers to and from airport)

Tour Cost: $1,595 (includes all lodging, all meals, leaders, transfers, trail maps & narratives)

Rain forests, waterfalls, deep canyons not to be believed, and a wilderness shoreline without equal—Kauai is a hiker’s fantasy. Clearly, Timberline is headed to Hawaii in ’99 and we could not imagine creating an adventure program in the islands that didn’t include wondrous Kauai. Kauai and adventure truly are as one.

Kauai is the oldest geologically of the Hawaiian chain and the first to be visited by Captain James Cook (a distinction perhaps best forgotten). Located on Kauai is Mt. Waialeale, the wettest spot on earth (did you really want to know that) and the only place where the unique iliau plant is found.

In the course of our Kauai program, we’ll visit Kokee State Park and hike magnificent Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We’ll hike to several of the island’s fabled waterfalls, explore the wild Na Pali Coast, experience the magic of Hanalei, and, who knows, perhaps even catch a glimpse of Puff, that magic dragon, off the shores of Hanalei Beach.

We’ll assemble in Lihue mid-afternoon of Day 1 and van shuttle to Kokee State Park. We’ll spend our first of three nights at the Waimea Plantation Cottages and devote Day 2 to the Nualolo-Awaawapui Trail, considered among the best hikes in all of Hawaii. The trail begins in a rain forest, but ultimately breaks into the open on a ridge leading to the spectacular Na Pali Cliffs and their phenomenal views of the brilliant blue waters of the sea and the Na Pali Coast nearly 2,000 feet below (6.5 miles).

Wondrous Waimea Canyon is our plan for Day 3 along the Kukui Trail that drops 2,000 feet to the canyon floor and (in case you were hoping for a miracle) inevitably rises again to the canyon rim (5 miles). Following a third night at the Waimea Plantation Cottages, we’ll hike to spectacular Waipoo and Kumuwela Falls, with more views of Waimea Canyon along the way (6 miles).

We’re off to Hanalei late-afternoon of Day 4, where we’ll spend the next two nights, and begin our exploration of the Na Pali Coast the following morning. We’ll hike the remarkable Kalalau Trail, though not to its terminus at Kalalau Beach. We’ll begin at Kee Beach and alternately climb to overpowering views from high cliffs only to again descend, first to Hanakapiai Beach and then into the rain forest of Hanakapiai Valley. We’ll hike along the valley floor to Hanakapiai Falls and then return to our trailhead (9.2 miles).

We’ve earned some leisure and we also have no intention of leaving Kauai without some quality beach time. We’ll spend this final day in search of a different perspective of the Na Pali Coast—on board an excursion boat whose itinerary includes the opportunity for some offshore snorkeling. We’ll return to Lihue late-afternoon where our program concludes.