EDUCATIONAL TRIP TO THE CALIFORNIA PARKS

REDWOODS TO YOSEMITE

[TRIP LENGTH: 7 DAYS]

Itinerary can be customized to fit within your time frame or budgetary needs.

On this class trip to California students are taught about the great ecological diversity that can only be found in California’s National Parks. California is the most geographically diverse state in the nation. When it comes to ecology, California is one of the richest and most diverse areas of the world and provides the perfect backdrop for school field trips. While on this excursion students will have the opportunity to experience and study some of the state’s incredible marine and terrestrial plants and animals. Photographers flock here for the natural beauty, and biologists have long come to study its wealth of wildlife. Appleseeds’ student groups will not only explore unique habitats through active excursions, but will also spend time serving at a wild cat rescue center.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in San Francisco

Following breakfast, your school group will head to the Golden Gate Bridge where you will see spectacular views of this amazing landmark. Here students will learn about two hundred years of history from the Native American culture, the Spanish Empire frontier, the Mexican Republic, maritime history, the California Gold Rush, the evolution of American coastal fortifications and the growth of urban San Francisco.

Day 2 – Muir Woods

Your school group will spend the day exploring giant redwoods. Muir Woods lies in the middle of the redwood’s latitudinal range that spans from the California/Oregon border to Big Sur, just south of Monterey. The incredible diversity of flora and fauna at Muir Woods can be daunting some times, elusive at other times. The redwoods themselves dominate the scene, but the humble Steller’s jay, ladybugs, ancient horsetail ferns, and the banana slug hold their own beneath the canopy. Plants adapt to low light levels on the forest floor, while whole plant and animal communities bustle in the canopy above our heads.

 Day 3 – Guided Trip Through Yosemite

On this school class trip you will explore El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley.  Take in Tunnel View, Glacier Point, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and more. The group will also learn about the geology of glaciers that impacted this region.

Day 4 – Take in Sequoia National Park

Explore Giant Forest, the premiere grove of Giant Sequoias and visit an enchanted meadow. Experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Learn all about the Big Trees at the new Giant Forest Museum Climb Moro Rock and see commanding views of the Great Western Divide.

 Day 5 – Volunteer at Wild Cat Sanctuary

Volunteering at the Cat Haven is all about teaching and working with the public. It is an excellent opportunity to be involved with the conservation of wild cats. It also provides work experience and an introduction to the jobs associated with a zoological facility. The Cat Haven relies on volunteers to assist with the educational goals of the facility as well as cover routine duties like cleaning cages and helping with feeding.

 Day 6 – Kayak Monterey Bay and Explore Big Sur

Our school group will participate on a guided tour of Monterey Bay. The students may come face to face with sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and shorebirds galore! In the afternoon we will take a two-hour kayak adventure that encompasses an in-depth look at various aspects of pacific ecology. In the late afternoon we will explore Big Sur National Park. Here we will learn about coastal habitat ecology while taking an adventurous hike along beaches and cliffs.

Day 7 – The Journey Home

After breakfast we will pack up and head for the airport for the flight home.

Itinerary subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including availability with vendors, weather conditions and flight schedules.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Horseback ride the foothills of Big Sur National Park
  • Study intertidal species off the coast of Monterey Bay
  • Explore Brides Veil Falls in Yosemite
  • Hike trails next to the famous El Capitan, Half Dome and the Sentinel
  • View the oldest living tree in the US at Sequoia National Park
  • Explore Kings Canyon, California’s Deepest Canyon

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Qualified trip leader – Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts from naturalists to regional specialists who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes and local culture. Your guide is with the group 24/7 and also staying with you at the same hotel
Daily reflections lead by your tour leader
Overnight stays are in hotels with private bathrooms rated 4 star or more on Trip Advisor
All Meals are included but please note: On arrival day only dinner is provided; on departure day, only breakfast is provided
Tour Journal, T-shirt and Luggage tag
Note: Tour cost does not include airline-imposed baggage fees, or fees for any required passport or visa.