Rafting the Grand Canyon

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:10:35 -0600

Rafting the Grand Canyon:
This Ultimate Adventure has been on our list since we were kids and first saw the Grand Canyon. Seeing it from above just wasn’t for us. We needed to get down into it. Explore it by foot and by boat. The river is one of the most stunning rivers in the nation. The most tradition way to travel the Grand Canyon is via a Dory. This is a human-powered wooden boat, and when placed into the river with some of the most unforgiving rapids the boat turns into a bucking bronco. Hold on you are going for a ride.

Weather you travel the traditional way or via a new modern day raft you are sure to see the Canyon in a totally different light. Traveling the Grand Canyon on a Dory can take up to 15 days. 15 days that will be filled with over 48 major rapids, vistas and colors in the Canyon that can only be seen from the water, and waterfalls that plug into the canyon that are only accessible via the river. It will truly be a once in a life time adventure that you will never forget.

Trips are somewhat difficult to book as there are National Park Service restrictions. The National Park Service restricts recreational boating opportunities on the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park to one trip per year per individual. Because of this regulation, the Grand Canyon river outfitters cannot accept a reservation from any individual who has or will participate in any other full or partial canyon commercial or non-commercial river trip within the same calendar year. However on the flip side this all works into your favor because the river is much less crowded.

The Ultimate Adventure is perfect for any adventurous person, is ready to get wet, take a float, and maybe drink a little water along the way.

For more information on this incredible Ultimate Adventure Check out:

Grand Canyon River Outfitter Association: www.gcroa.org

Grand Canyon National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/grca

Climbing Mount Rainier

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:17:35 -0600

Mount Rainier won’t be taken lightly. In fact of the 10,000 climbers that annually seek the summit an one of the mountains 42 routes, only about 4,000-6,000 will even make the summit. About half of the climbers will turn around mostly due to severe weather or personal fatigue. At 14,410 feet above sea level there are four other mountains in the lower United States that exceed Mt. Rainier in height, yet each can be summited in what amounts to a long day hike while wearing trail shoes. Rainier, with a vertical prominence greater than K2’s, is an entirely different beast, and the list of climbers who started their great careers here reads like a who’s who of American Mountaineering: Lou and Jim Whittaker, Pete Athans, Ed Viester, Phil Ershler, and Dave Hahn.

On a clear day around Washington’s Pudget Sound, when views stretch for nearly a hundred miles in every direction, it is easy to pick out the mountain against the Seattle sky line. Crowned in white, the mountain is the most extensively glaciated peak in the continental United States. The mountain is heavily glaciated, avalanche prone and battered by intense storms. When you are on the Big ‘R’ it will never let its guard down and will always, even on its best and calmest days, make sure you know who is boss.

The peak can be approached by any angle, however the more popular route is the Ingraham Glacier-Disappointment Cleaver on the South Side, and the Emmons Glacier on the East. On an annual basis more the 9,000 climbers ascend onto these routes in search of the summit. The routes offer near-limitless opportunities for both aspiring and experienced mountaineers, drawn to the distinctive physical and mental challenges inherent to an intensely glaciated peak. Between the trailhead and the summit, climbers must face a grueling 9,000ft of vertical gain, of which most climbers attempt to complete it in 24 hours. To be the most successful on the mountain a 2 day adventure is wisely advised. The combination of altitude, Pacific Northwest weather, and an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice make climbing Rainier a heroic experience.

As exalting as glacier climbing seems, there’s a hitch; simply put, glaciers can kill you. there are thousands of ways for a trip up Rainier to turn fatal, from icefalls, to avalanches to falling down steep glacial slopes or into a crevasse. Hypothermia, of course, is a constant threat as well. The single deadliest mountaineering accident in North America occurred here in 1981, when an icefall-triggered an avalanche on Rainier’s Ingraham Glacier killed 11 members of a 29 person team. It only took a matter of seconds and there was little to no escape for their fate.

The majority of climbers that reach the summit each year travel with guide groups, mostly up the Disappointment Cleaver route on the peaks south side. This route begins at the National Park Services Paradise trailhead, at 5,460ft. The route quickly ascends through alpine meadows up to Panorama Point at 6,960ft. The Muir Snowfield then provides a snow-packed, though occasionally slushy march to Camp Muir at 10,060ft. It’s a non-technical walk up a moderately graded,snowy-slope, but still a telling test of the endurance needed to reach the summit. If you’re bone-tired by the time you reach Muir, your chances of visiting the summit on this attempt are already hanging by a thread.

Grabbing a few hours of rest before leaving for the summit on an early morning alpine start, tests everyone ability to function so early in the morning on very little rest. Reaching the summit on a nice day you will be welcomed with some beautiful panoramas of nearby peaks, Helens, Adams, Baker,and Hood.

Rainier to many is the beginning of a long love for mountaineering. To some it is an annual homage. What ever it is to you, just remember it is a mountain, and the mountains always win. Show the mountain respect and you will gain respect.

Kayaking the Isle Royale

Wed, 26 May 2010 12:55:22 -0600

Reached by a three-hour ferry ride from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Isle Royale, is a remarkable gem for our National Park system. The Island boasts a wild and distinct personality of remote wilderness.

Although the potential mineral deposits and surrounding fish-rich waters have attracted notice for centuries, Isle Royale’s most precious commodities are its untrammeled woodlands, rocky coastlines, and inland water ways. Isle Royale is accessible only by sea plane or ferry, and simply getting to the Isle can be an adventure requiring time and patience. With no roads or cars on the island, and wheeled vehicles strictly forbidden - including bicycles and even canoe and kayak portage dollies - it’s easy to see why Isle Royale is one of the least visited National Park in the United States.

Once to the Island, you will land at the public docks at Rock Harbor on the island’s southeast side, with its visitor center, small store, and lodge, or Windigo on the west, with its visitor center and store, the rest of the island is untrammeled wilderness.

Kayaking the island will bring some of the most beautiful and untouched shore lines in the beautiful Lake Superior. Moose and wolves along with hundreds of other animals call the Isle their home. Wolves and moose haven’t always called Isla Royale home. In fact, both are relatively new arrivals. The first group of moose probable swam to the island for Canada around the year. 1900, and for a halt century they lived the high-life feasting on the thick aquatic vegetation on the island lacking predators. All that changed when a pack of wolves wandered across an ice bridge from Canada sometime around 1950, instantly forming a unique relationship that exists to this day. The moose have no other predators, the wolves have almost no other prey, with the moose population providing ninety percent of the wolves’ sustenance.

The shoreline of the Isla Royale is a Kayakers dream destination. It is dotted with isolated bays, barrier islands, and coves.

The campsites for kayakers around the islands might be some of the most majestic sites you will find. The northern lights often put on an evening dance for overnight kayakers.

Kayaks can be brought to the Island on the NPS Ferry. Limited rentals and quality of kayaks can be rented at the Isle store. We would strongly considered the logistics of packing your own and the preparation of knowing what you are in for. This kayaking adventure is only for experienced kayakers. Weather, and winds can quickly change and kayakers must be prepared to deal with the elements. Also a strong logistical approach to packing and balancing your kayak is critical to this Ultimate Adventure.

Peak season is late July through early September. Mosquitoes and Black Flies are at their worst in late June. Be PREPARED. They start die off by late July.
The Isle Royale is accessible via either the NPS ferry from Houghton on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, or by park-authorized private vessels leaving from both Copper Harbor, Michigan and Grande Portage, Minnesota. Seaplane service is available to the island from Houghton County memorial Airport (CMX).

Additional information about this Ultimate Adventure at:

Isle Royale National Park Website: http://www.nps.gov/isro
Boating, Camping, Kayaking Guide information: http://www.isle.royale.national-park.com/boat.htm

Hiking The John Muir Trail

Sat, 8 May 2010 13:13:56 -0600

The daily routine on California’s epic John Muir Trail is simple one. Stating with another in a long string of dramatic sunrises, you break camp with a quick breakfast and are back on track in the slanting light of dawn. After morning shadows peel away from the wooded valleys, you’re treated to a crisp, bright blue morning and comforting mountain breezes while enjoying unobstructed views about the tree line. Once you’ve switched backed up a talus pass and skirted yet another isolated glacial lake, its time to stop for a foot-soothing soak in a mountain stream and enjoy a snack propped up against a moss-padded granite boulder. After a long day on the trail and an energy packed dinner, you’ll sleep soundly on even the thinnest of thermorest. This is your day on the remarkable John Muir Trail.

The trail starts in America's treasure, Yosemite National Park, and continues 215 miles through the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sequoia National Park, King's Canyon National Park, and ends at the highest peak in continental United States, Mount Whitney at 14,496 ft.
Gliding through a great swath of Sierra Nevada wilderness, the John Muir Trail passes dozens of 14,000 feet peaks and hundreds of mountain lakes and streams. If this isn’t enough to entice you to take this Ultimate Adventure that climate should be. The John Muir Trail is blessed with the mild climate found throughout the Sierra Nevada south lands. Summer days are mild and sunny providing for perfect weather for backpacking and camping.
The trail starts in the heart of American Climbing, Yosemite. Starting in Yosemite, you will witness some of the most beautiful vistas. The dozen or so miles you will travel through the park makes for a perfect first day on the trail for this 200+ mile journey.
Throughout the 215 mile trek most of the trail will remain about the 10,000 foot elevation level. dropping only a few times below 8,000 feet. Because the trail stays at such a consistent alpine elevation it opens up to some of the most remarkable and unseen views in the Sierra Nevada's.
While the John Muir Trail can be trekked in either direction most thru-hikers choose a North to South route as its easier to obtain the required entry permit at eh Northern Terminus- Yosemite National Park- than at Whitney Portal to the South. Once you have a permit and are on the trail, you can stay as long as you like on the trail.
A typical through hike of the John Muir Trail in either direction will take approximately 31 days traveling sometimes dozens of miles during a day. Don’t let this deter you through. The trail contains some of the most pristine campsites, and alpine lakes you will ever see.
Logistically, like with any thru-hike food and gear caches are sometimes the most time consuming part of the trip. There are several areas throughout the trip that Caches can be placed. There are three primary re-supply points/stores along the trail. Tuolumne Meadows, Reds Meadows, and The Muir Trail Ranch. As food choices are limited, provisions can also be mailed to these re-supply points.
July to mid-September is ideal to plan this Ultimate Adventure. Starting a trip in Early July is the best. Anytime before you will encounter areas of large snow amounts, making for some not so fun navigation, and post-holing. The first snow generally hits in Mid-October in the higher elevations.

For additional information and logistical planning contact us or check out the following:
John Muir Trail official Website: http://johnmuirtrail.org
John Muir Trail teams up with the Pacific Crest Trail for a short distance: http://www.pcta.org/about_trail/muir/over.asp
John Muir Trail Website: http://www.hikejmt.com/
Yosemite National Park: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/jmt.htm

Hiking the Grand Canyon RIm-to-Rim

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:41:31 -0600

Every year nearly five million people travel to the Grand Canyon, make it the Western United States Most Visited National Park. They stand at designated over look points, and admire what from these distances is a rather flat, one dimensional display of geologic majesty. But the view from the rim doesn’t give a hint at the variety of wonders that await those who drop below and actually come face to face with the canyon;s inner sanctum at the Colorado River, Nearly a vertical mile below. This is the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon National Park receives nearly 50,000 requests for 13,000 available backcountry permits each year. if you're not one of the lucky ones who received a permit, but you’d still like to delve deeply into the canyon you are left with one daunting prospect; a one-day rim-to-rim crossing of the Grand Canyon. With this option there will be no campsites available below the rim, important note if you run of steam before making it out of the canyon. There is no easy way out, no simple Plan B if things go south at the Colorado River.

Begin your trek at the North Rim, which stands about one thousand feet higher then the South Rim- a more inviting, but still grueling ascent at the day’s end. From here, the North Kaibab Trail is your only option for a descent and crossing of the Colorado River. The Trail, a well crafted route that drops quickly from the Plateau forests of Ponderosa Pines and Douglas-fir, offer a spectacular study of the Canyon geology with layers of unexpected beauty. After Dropping below the rim, you enter forests of spruce. The Trail passes through Supai Tunnel, carved through a cliff of Ruddy Navajo Sandstone, before crossing a bridge and descending the lip of a side Canyon to Roaring Springs water fall that gushes from the Canyon walls. Below Roaring Springs, the trails follows Bright Angel Creek Through cottonwood stands and beaver burrows. You will finally end up at Phantom Ranch with a Ranger Station, Campground, Cantina, and a rustic lodge near the river. Depending on your timing, this may be either a brief stop before pressing on or a good place to rest a few hours during the hottest part of the day. At this point you will have hiked 14.5 miles and descended 5800ft.

The Trail will continue to parallel the river for about a mile before arriving a Pipe Creek. Here the Bright Angel Trail begins its 4500-foot, Eight mile ascent to the south rim along an ancient Havasupai footpath. If you kept a stead pace and kept hydrated you should be able to arrive at the South Rim around Sunset.

For help planning the Logistics of this adventure contact us our check out the following:
Grand Canyon National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/grca

Kayaking the Everglades

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:28:27 -0600

The sight of an alligator several feet off the bow of your kayak is enough to get anyone’s blood racing. Seeing an creature that resembles the modern day dinosaur. Seeing the dark eyes just pocking up through the water. the spiking back and the long tail brings a shiver up the spine. Their movements through the water are calm, collected, and territorial. This Ultimate Adventures sets you in the middles of alligator waters; Kayaking the Everglades.

The Everglades, on the southern tip of Florida, is an expanse of Sawgrass, prairies, mangrove swamps, pinelands, coastal islands, and marine environments. It’s both temperate and tropical, with a complex mix of fragile ecosystems found in a labyrinth of freshwater lakes, rivers, saltwater coastlines, and brackish swamps. It’s not a region bursting with breathtaking, majestic landsforms and panoramas, but rather one with an understated and enduring beauty. In part, its the lack of obvious individual scenic wonders that make a trip here so rewarding.

The reserve is the flattest area in the United States, over a million acres where the landscape never exceeds 8ft above sea level, with a gradient of just an inch or two per mile and water that may only travel 1000 feet in a day, this is really a flat water paddlers dream destination. On multi-day trips you can explore mangrove swamps, grassy inlets, coastal islands, and find wildlife found nowhere else in North America. Animals seen in the park include hundreds of varieties of birds, bottle-nose dolphins, alligators, crocodiles, and one of the rarest mammals on the planet, the Florida Panther.

The logistics of this Ultimate Adventure can easily be planned by following the Wilderness Waterway. a 99-mile route the runs through some of the most spectacular landscape found in the park. Allow for at-least eight days for the trip. Remember you must carry all your water with you for the entire eight days. It is critical to stay hydrated. Before entering the Everglades you need to be competent with maps and compass navigation, and have ample sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, and a tent with insect netting. Backcountry campsites can be found on beaches, ground sites, or in elevated wooden platforms built over water, which come with a roof and a self-contained toilet. You will need a permit to camp with in the park. Check out the NPS website for the latest information for backcountry camping.

The most enjoyable times to travel through the everglades are durning the cooler temperature day found between December and May.

There are several guide serves found in Everglade City. Check out them to help out your planning, or allow them to plan the trip for you.

Additional Information
http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm

Climbing Joshua Tree

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:08:33 -0600

Clustered throughout the Mojava Desert landscape you will find mounds of smooth granite monoliths protruding from the dessert floor. The formations can be seen for miles from the desert roads. Each formation, has random shapes, sizes and angles to make up some of the best climbing condition in world. With more than 400 climbing formations and 8,000 established climbing routes, Joshua Tree offers world class climbing for every climbing ability, and is truly a world class climbing destination and Ultimate Adventure.

Joshua Tree has become a climbing Mecca in the last 30 years. Climbers and boulderers travel from all over the globe to get the rubber of their climbing shoes sheered up against the smooth desert granite. Maybe it is because the massive amount of established routes, the more then predictable weather conditions, or the ease of the drive right up and camp next to some of the best boulder formations. Or maybe it is just because it is home to some of the best traditional-style crack, slab and steep-face climbing. What ever it is if you are a climber you dream about getting to J-Tree for this ultimate climbing adventure.

Joshua Tree National Park got its name from the famous Joshua Tree that have occupied this desert landscape for thousands of years. The botanical name, humwichawa, is the poster child of the Mojava Desert. The Joshua Tree is found only in California, Nevada, Arizona, and areas of Utah. Within the Joshua Tree National Park, the Joshua Tree is found only within the Mojava Desert region and not in the park’s warmer Sonora Desert or the higher Great Basin Desert. The slow growing tree rises up no more than a few inches a year, eventually reaching a hight of close to 40ft. According to the native stories that fill the region, the trees were first named by the Mormon pioneers, as the tree reminded them of the biblical prophet Joshua with outreached arms leading to a promise land. Fortunately for climbers the best time to see these trees in full bloom is also the best climbing season, February through March.

The ease of access to most of the climbing areas is what draws many climbers to J-Tree. You can easily access most of the established routes from the parks campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers. The most popular area is called the Hidden Valley Campground, and it lies within the heart of the National Park. Within just a short trek from Hidden Valley climbers have access to hundreds of climbing routes, with a huge variety of grade.

Optimal time for climbing is in the spring and fall, where you will find an average high/low of 85 and 50 degree (F) and minimal humidity. Winter can also provide great days for climbing with the days hovering around 60 degrees (F), but bring the down sleeping bag, because evenings in the desert can get pretty chilly. Throughout the summers you will find days reaching 100 during the day and not much lower then 85 in the evening. The rocks during the summer months are hot and almost boil the rubber off the climbing shoes.

From a logistical stand point this might just be our easiest Ultimate Adventure to plan. Permits are not required for climbing, and all the National Park Campgrounds are available on a first-come first-served basis. This might be the biggest headache to your trip. Plan ahead to get to the campground early in the morning and be ready to pick out a spot quick. The more popular camping areas fill up quick.

There are several guides in the area that provide outstanding service for all levels of climbing. Also because J-Tree is such a great climbing mecca many guide services with the proper permits operate organized climbing trips to J-Tree each year. Check out your favorite AMGA guide and see if they are headed to Joshua Tree this year. There are many great resources to select your tick list for your adventure. MountainProject.com offers a huge selection of maps, and routes. The National Park Website also has downloadable PDF maps of climbing areas, the best guidebook for J-Tree is by Falcon Publishing, Randy Vogel’s Rock Climbing Joshua Tree.

Weather you are seasoned or just starting out make this climbing adventure top on your list.

Great information to help out with your Logistics:

List of Climbing maps:
http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/maps.htm

Randy Vogel’s Rock Climbing Joshua Tree
http://www.infibeam.com/Books/info/randy-vogel/rock-climbing-joshua-tree-2nd-regional-rock-climbing/9780934641302.html

National Park Service Website:
http://www.nps.gov/jotr

Mountain Project Joshua Tree Link:
http://www.mountainproject.com/v/california/joshua_tree_national_park/105720495

Palms Springs, Ca:
http://www.ci.palm-springs.ca.us/

Surfing the Lost Coast

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:25:55 -0600

Surfing the Lost Coast of California:
Stretching from Fort Bragg to Eureka, California this pristine, 80-mile stretch of the coastline is a surfer’s paradise. The 80-miles provide glorious northern California wilderness, ocean cliffs, unbelievable beaches, and obviously some amazing waves. The lost coast wave is the stuff of American surfing legends: a big, consistent, year-round swell that washes onto a rocky shore with high energy and perfect curvature. With more than 80-miles of coast no surfer should be fighting for a wave. Many hidden coves and shore lines are easily accessible and often times you will find yourself being the only surfer in the water.

One of the more popular but still very low key is Shelter Cove. It is a small fishing community that clings to the steep coast of California in a spot that has been inhabited off and on for many years, starting as far back as the thirteenth century, when it was occupied by natives. These people may have belonged to what is currently known of as the Sinkyone Indians. The natives, explorers, loggers, tan bark collectors, sheepherders, fishermen, and tourists were the people that made up this long history. In modern times The Cove was abandoned then repopulated by a new type of individual that promoted tourism and fishing as the main stay of the area. Shelter Cove holds one the easiest accesses to some of the best surfing along the lost coast. Access is easily to get to and a short walk up the cove you will find some of the best waves you will ever ride. The locals are always very helpful and willing to point you to a new wave or a hidden wave not on the maps.

Pack a five-millimeter suit for the water temperatures rarely raise above 52 degrees (F). Don’t forget the camera. The best waves arrive in fall or even winter, when the swells run down from the Gulf of Alaska. Come with a hefty supply of patience: You're just as likely to score clean, user-friendly groundswell as scary, behemoth-size waves. Get a tide chart before you start hiking. Several sections of the coast are impassable at high tide. Watch for rattlesnakes in driftwood and in rocky areas. Oh, and FYI, autumn is high season for great white sharks.

It’s not called the lost coast for anything, getting there can be a little tricky. The lost coast is about 230 miles north of San Francisco, and accessible from U.S. Route 101 at Garberville and Ferndale. Caution: The roads to the coast are rough.

Once there the logistics of planning for lodging or camping are simple. For backcountry regulations and free campfire and wilderness permits, check the King Range and Sinkyone Web sites. If camping on the beach, bear canisters are required; hanging your food is not allowed. The town of Shelter Cove has many B&B and several great food joints and pubs.

Get the logistics of the adventure:
The Surf Forecast:
http://www.swellinfo.com/surf-forecast/eureka-california.html

Local Surf Shop:
http://bodegabaysurf.com/

Climbing Devils Tower

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:18:00 -0700

To Native Americans it is called Mato Tipila, meaning the Bear Lodge. To modern day tourist is is called Devils Tower. To climbers is is known for its remarkable lines. Weather it is the classic Durrance Route or the notable El Matador stem, climbers flock to Wyoming every year to face the epics found on the Tower. For most climbers it is not just about the climbs or the summit; it is about the history, the culture the stories to tell about our world. Climbers just get to experience the world a little different then the modern day tourist.
Towering 1200ft above the prairie floor the vertical rock face of Devils Tower National Monument attracts climbers from around the world. The geology and geometry come together to form something more appealing then those school subjects will ever have to offer. The tower consists of naturally formed, stacked hexagonal columns; what you see on the surface are hundreds of clean vertical lines where the columns join one another. Each crack represents a potential climb.

The small, hard nature of the rock’s crystal structure makes the tower great for full body friction moves such as jamming, lay backs, and stemming. Let your move take you up the unpredictable routes as high as your strength and stamina allow. The tower’s longest crack stretches a length of over 600 feet straight up. Topping out is always exciting and a huge accomplishment but with so many climbs around the tower you can easily make this boulder a playground. With rating from 5.7 to 5.13 the tower has something for every ability of climber. Single pitch runs can easily by ran up and rapped off.

Devils Tower is located along the eastern edge of Wyoming, right between two climbing meccas; the Tetons to the West and the Needles of the Black Hills to the East. An amazing drive across either state places you in some of middle americas most untouched prairie lands. Beautiful sunsets are often found along this great stretch of I-90. Occasionally the Northern lights can be seen dancing across the even sky. Traveling to the Tower is relatively easy. The Trip planning, lodging, food joints, and beers are easily found. Truly the most difficult part of this Ultimate Adventure will be maintaining your climbing ability, strength and selecting your lines up the tower. We strongly recommend staying away from the most popular routes if you are visiting the tower in the middle of the summer, as you may be waiting in lines to get up your route.

To the Native Americans of the region the Tower is a sacred place. During the month of June there is a voluntary climbing closure, supported by the park service and all local climbers. Show your respect and understanding for the Native American people who regard the tower as a sacred place of worship for their culture. We have climbed the tower many times and stepped into the visitor center countless times to register for climbs, but something new always is awaiting us. There is always room for more education about this boulder you are about to climb. Take time understand and appreciate the history of Devils tower.

Respect your position in the park as a climber. Stop and talk to the interested tourists who don’t know about climbing. Help them understand “how we get our ropes up there” and “what if we fall”. Your small amount of time spent with them strengthens the climbing perception and community. You are a rock star to them, you could potentially be the high point of their vacation to devils tower. Think about your awe inspirations before you ever put on a harness. We were all there once. Before climbing the tower you need to register with the National Park Service. Be sure to bring plenty of water, and always keep hydrated and climb with helmets.

If you are planning an Ultimate Adventure to Devils Tower this season let us help you out. Contact us about lodging, route selection, guide services and trip planning. One of the best guide services in the area is Sylvan Rocks. They provide great multiple day climbing experiences for the beginner to the advanced. If you are a beginner they can get you on the tower in just three days.

Check out the Adventure Chronicles post on Fun Facts about Devils Tower.

Useful Planning Links:
Devils Tower NPS Climbing Information
Black Hills of South Dakota Tourism
South Dakota Tourism
Wyoming Tourism
Sylvan Rocks climbing school & guide service
Black Hills Climbing

Trekking in the Annapurna Himal

Wed, 3 Mar 2010 20:34:29 -0700

The name comes from the Sanskrit, an ancient Indic language of India, meaning of “Goddess of the Harvest”, given because of its nourishing and replenishing flow of water to the low land rivers and farmlands. The nourishing soul of the mountain is far from its reality. It is one of the most deadly and technically difficult climbs in the world. It is the most rarely climbed 8000m peak in the world. It is Annapurna.

As of 2005, there have been only 143 successful summit attempts, and 56 lives have been lost on the mountain. With such a hostile and unforgiving reputation it is easy to understand that trekking in the mighty shadows of the “Goddess of the Harvest” is an adventure in its self.

There are three major trekking routes in the Annapurna region: the Jomson Trek to Jomsom and Muktinath ; the Annapurna Sanctuary route to Annapurna base camp; and the Annapurna Circuit, which circles the Annapurna Himal itself and includes the Jomson route. The town of Pokhara usually serves as a starting point for these treks, and is also a good starting place for other short treks of one to four days, such as routes to Ghorepani or Ghandruk.

The Mustang district, a former kingdom bordering Tibet, is also geographically a part of the Annapurna region, but treks to Mustang are subject to special restrictions.
About two-thirds of all trekkers in Nepal visit the Annapurna region. The area is easily accessible, guesthouses in the hills are plentiful, and treks here offer incredibly diverse scenery, with both high mountains and lowland villages. Also, because the entire area is inhabited, trekking in the region offers unique cultural exposure and experience.

The Annapurna Himal set in North Central Nepal is one of the most dominating shields of rock and ice on the planet, with an elevation gain of over 6000m for over the 35km along its spine. At the west end of the spine is Annapurna, The kingpin, the “goddess of the Harvest”, the tenth highest peak in the world at 8091m (26,545 ft).

To complete the entire Annapurna circuit you must plan for three or more weeks for the full journey. The 186 mile trek is one of the most beautiful in the world as it will take you from the rice fields in the low lands to the tibetan plateau skirting the worlds highest mountain range. The 16-25 day trek will take you over mountain passes at 5,416m. This is an ultimate adventure for the fit and adventurers must be prepared to undertake drastic elevation changes. However if you are unable to make the commitment of a three week trek planning shorter trips along the route are easily done and can provide for a great experience with wonderful views and educating culture experiences.

In recent years a route known as the Royal Trek as become very popular for travelers on a limited budget and time frame. It follows an easy route around the Pukhara Valley along a one-way semi-circular track. The trail follows a ridge through villages with small cultivated plots and fields. The highest point along this routes is easily accessible at only 1830m at the village of Kalikathlan. This shorter treks allows for lighter packing because of the lower elevation and mild temperature in the lower region.

With more time and passion for high elevations and fantastic mountain views, a trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Himal. It’s a vigorous 10 day trek with some steady ascents and a maximum elevation of 4100m, but at the relatively modest elevation you find yourself in the enviable position of standing in the base camp of the Annapurna looking up at the near vertical south face.

There are guides that can outfit you and supply you with sherpas to haul your gear leaving you with a relatively light load to spring this trip. The best time to go is in March and April. The colors are the most vibrant during this time, however a fall trek can easily be just as beautiful and enjoy in the months of October or November

Getting to Nepal is sometimes the most adventurous part of the trip. You will need to fly into Katmandu and take a short flight to Pokhara, when you can sometimes get a glimps of some very notable peaks including Everest.

Make sure this trip is on your list of Ultimate Adventures.