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Sierra Nevada: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Sierra Nevada: Hike, Bike & Kayak

From $ 3,975 AUD

Description

California’s Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe regions are a mecca for lovers of the great outdoors. Come and discover mountains entwined with biking trails, walking tracks coursing through forests and a crystal-clear lake that’s asking to be explored. Whether you’re on two feet, two wheels or in a kayak, this 5-day adventure will reveal the most magnificent sights of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding landscapes. With a local leader to show you what they love about this part of the world, it won’t be long until Sierra Nevada has you under its spell.

Trip Name
Sierra Nevada: Hike, Bike & Kayak
Last Updated
2022-06-26
Days
5
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Combining the best cycling, hiking and kayaking experiences that the Sierra Nevada’s has to offer, this adventure is sure to get your heart pumping (and that’s just from the views!).
  • Navigate the beautiful crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe in a transparent kayak, paddling past the famous formations of Cave Rock, grandiose lakefront estates and coves shimmering with pyrite.
  • Jump on a mountain bike to traverse Tahoe’s most spectacular trails, climbing through forests, past peaceful lakes and taking in showstopping views at every turn.
  • Pay a visit to Truckee, a little town with a big history, and explore the old train tunnels of the Donner Pass as your leader shares the story of the region.
  • Hike a magnificent trail through the El Dorado National Forest, taking in unbeatable views of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake and the Carson Range.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - San Francisco & South Lake Tahoe
Welcome to California! Your adventure begins in San Francisco, your gateway to the Sierra Nevada region. If you arrive with time to spare, you may like to check out the iconic Golden Gate Bridge or take a stroll through the city’s Chinatown, the oldest in North America. Meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers at 9am, then make tracks for South Lake Tahoe. Perhaps use the drive to get to know your new travel companions as the spectacular Californian scenery streams past your window.
Day 2 - Lake Tahoe Kayaking
Today is all about exploring the beautiful Lake Tahoe. Boasting blue-green waters and fringed by awe-inspiring alpine peaks, there’s no doubt this is one of the prettiest spots in the country. Jump in a totally transparent kayak for a tour of the north shoreline, allowing you to admire not only what’s around you, but also what’s beneath you (and with depths of up to 75ft, there’s a lot to see down there!). Explore the famous formations of Cave Rock, paddle past grandiose lakefront estates and admire coves that shimmer with pyrite. After your kayaking adventure, the rest of the day is yours for your own discoveries of the South Lake Tahoe area.
Day 3 - Sierra Nevada Hiking
Time to lace up your boots and hit the trails of Sierra Nevada. Join your local leader for an on foot exploration through some truly remarkable scenery. Head to El Dorado National Forest, filled with diverse plant life, and set off along the Floating Island and Cathedral Lakes Trail. Climb past fir and pine trees, taking in sweeping views of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe and the Carson Range, then arrive at Floating Island Lake, named after the little grass islet that drifts along the lake’s surface. Take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous forest-flanked waters, then continue towards Cathedral Lake, sitting at the bottom of a secluded basin. This is your turning point to head back along the way you came, and another chance to soak in some unbeatable views of the Sierra Nevada region. Return to South Lake Tahoe and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 4 - North Tahoe Mountain Biking
Get ready to set your wheels in motion and explore North Tahoe on a mountain bike. Set off among shady forest then ride over single-track trails or dirt roads, enjoying short climbs and smooth downhill sections. You’ll be joined by an expert local mountain biking guide who will share stories of the region as you pedal, as well as pointing out interesting flora and fauna along the way.
Day 5 - Truckee & San Francisco
Say goodbye to Lake Tahoe and hit the road towards the charming little town of Truckee. First inhabited by the Washoe and Paiute tribes, Truckee was later populated by miners in the 1860s. Take some time to explore the heritage buildings of the well-preserved main street and grab a spot of lunch, then regroup for a journey through Old West history. Walk through the dark train tunnels of the Donner Pass as your leader shares stories of its past, and be sure to look out for the colourful graffiti that adorns the tunnel walls. After your explorations, drive back to San Francisco, arriving at around 6pm, at which point your adventure will come to an end.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-10-202227-10-2022AUD $ 4,095-
06-11-202210-11-2022AUD $ 4,095-
20-11-202224-11-2022AUD $ 3,975-

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Mountain Bike (e-bike option available,subject to availability),Kayak,On foot

Map