Compare Cascade Pass - Sahale Glacier by Wildland Trekking vs USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali by G Adventures
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 4 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,195 | $ 2,252 |
| Price Per Day | $ 299 | $ 250 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Camping |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners |
| Description |
This trip is dominated by the best qualities of the North Cascades: rugged, steep, and beautiful. On this four day trek, our route takes us up to a series of stunning sub-alpine basins with dramatic views of the jagged peaks of the North Cascades. We enjoy stunning meadows, abundant wild huckleberries, and rich wildlife habitat. Our hike begins with a steep climb up to Cascade Pass, and then back down the other side to Basin Creek. A rest day at Basin Creek will afford us plenty of time for relaxing, dipping in cold mountain waters, and exploring nearby Horseshoe Basin and the historic Black Warrior Mine. On day 3 we will climb back up to Cascade Pass, and then farther up towards the Sahale Glacier and a dramatic, exposed campsite at 7,600 feet with peaks stretched out as far as the eye can see. Finally, we will drop back into Cascade Pass and descend the familiar switchbacks to our vehicle. We will soak up some of the most dramatic views the North Cascades have to offer on this four-day exploration that truly is a world-class mountain trek. |
California is the land of dreamers and schemers and we schemed up quite the adventure for you. Start in LA and travel north to San Francisco along Highway 1 on this short nine-day trip. Then, head inland to see mighty Yosemite National Park and all of the beautiful hikes and views that landscape has to offer before driving back to southern California for an included surf lesson. Sounds like a win in our book! |
Day 1
Shuttle to the trailhead: 3 hours
Hiking Mileage: 7.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,300 feet
This multi-day North Cascades National Park hiking trip begins with a pick up at your hotel in Seattle, and then a scenic drive into the North Cascades. When we arrive at the trailhead, we will get our packs and gear sorted out and start climbing. We’ve got a lot of elevation to gain, but we will take it switchback by switchback, slowly climbing out of the trees and getting spectacular views of jagged peaks and glaciers. We will take a well-deserved break at Cascade Pass, soaking in the view and the flowers, and then descend into Pelton Basin and the headwaters of the Stehekin River. We will make our camp at Basin Creek, soak our feet in the river, and eat a hearty dinner before turning in for the night.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 4-6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Elevation Loss: 1,000 feet
Day 2 is our rest day, so we will share a leisurely breakfast before grabbing our daypacks and heading back up the trail for half a mile before turning north towards Horseshoe Basin. Another 1.5 miles will take us to the steep headwalls of Horseshoe Basin, festooned with flowers, waterfalls and steep granite walls. We will have a chance to explore the entrance to the historic Black Warrior Mine, search for wildlife, and take in the views, before turning back towards our camp for a restful evening.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 6.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,400 feet
Day 3 is up, up and more up! We will pack up camp early and head back towards Cascade Pass, bidding farewell to the Stehekin River and keeping an eye out for bears and marmots as we go. Once we hit Cascade Pass, we will turn north and continue climbing to the base of the Sahale Glacier. This section has the most stunning views of the hike: dramatic vistas and overlooks of the Sahale Glacier and Doubtful Lake, ending in one of the most famous campsite in the North Cascades. Our campsite tonight is exposed and windy, surrounded by peaks, glaciers, and open sky. Determined campers have built substantial rock walls to block the wind, and it truly feels like another world up here. Our night might be a bit windy and chilly, but it’s well worth the payoff. Black bears are commonly sighted on the Sahale Glacier, as well as marmot, ptarmigans, and more, so we will keep our eyes peeled for wildlife. And if the night is clear, we will have some of the best stargazing in Washington.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 6.4 miles
Elevation Loss: 4,300 feet
Shuttle to Seattle: 3 hours
On our final day we will soak up the sunrise over the Sahale Glacier, and pack up our camp after a final breakfast together. We will retrace our steps back towards Cascade Pass one last time, and then keep descending down the switchbacks to our vehicle. We will have plenty of dramatic views to keep us entertained on our way down, and then we will say farewell to the subalpine as we drop back into the forest and return to our car. After the hike we will hop in the car and head back to Seattle, your hotel, and a real shower and real bed.
Day 1 Los Angeles/Santa Margarita
Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.
Day 2 Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz
Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.
Day 3 Santa Cruz/San Francisco
Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Day 4 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park
Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.
Day 5 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.
Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.
Day 6 Yosemite National Park
Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.
Day 7 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach
Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.
After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.
Day 8 Hermosa Beach
Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.
Day 9 Hermosa Beach/Los Angeles
In the morning travel to Los Angeles. The adventure ends upon arrival.
