SIERRA CLUB ANGELES CHAPTER

See (and Hike) the World with the Angeles Chapter

Our Travel Adventure series offers an unparalleled opportunity to visit special places throughout the world, with trips oriented toward outdoor adventure and environmental awareness and led by our most experienced volunteer leaders. In addition, these trips provide vital support for the work of the Angeles Chapter.

Our 2012 schedule includes trips to the mountains, canyonlands and deserts of Asia, Europe, and North America -- browse our offerings below and let your fantasies run wild!
 

MAY 5-11, 2012
ARCHES & CANYONLANDS
RATING O: (Angeles Chapter, Sierra Sage Group)
Come with us on our 7 day, six night fly-drive excursion to eastern Utah to explore two of the most unusual and interesting National Parks: Arches National Park with over 2000 arches ranging from a few feet in size to several hundred feet and Canyonlands National Park with the deep canyons of the Green River and the Colorado River as they join to form the majestic Colorado. Fly into Grand Junction, Co and then drive in vans to Moab, Utah. We will use a local motel in Moab for our base for the entire trip with day trips into one or the other National Parks each day.

Trip cost is $1250 and includes lodging (double occupancy) and transportation to and from Grand Junction and each day while in Utah. All park admissions and special fees included. Breakfasts and three lunches will be provided. All other meals and airfare to and from Grand Junction are not included. For copies of the itinerary and application forms, please contact Mike Sappingfield (mikesapp@cox.net) or send 2 SASEs to Mike at 26352 Via Juanita, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. $500 deposit will hold a reservation with the remainder due by March 1, 2012. (Private accommodations extra) Leaders: Mike Sappingfield and Sylvia Stevenson.

images courtesy of Mike Sappingfield

MAY 14-21, 2012
VOYAGE of the GLACIERS
RATING O: (Angeles Chapter, OC Sierra Singles)
Alaska, the Last Frontier. If you ever wanted to go to Alaska, now is the time and this is the trip. Cruise up the Inside Passage from Vancouver, B.C. to Whittier, AK (Anchorage) on the Coral Princes. Visit the pioneer ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Join the leaders on rainforest hikes and frontier saloon explorations and onboard activities. Experience the spectacular grandeur that John Muir encountered in 1879 when he paddled his canoe in the waters of what is now Glacier Bay. View the maritime mammals and massive tidewater glaciers as we cruise Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord.

Cruise fare includes ship stateroom, gourmet meals, entertainment, exercise opportunities. Staterooms from $564, inside cabin, double occupancy. Port charges, taxes, transfers, tips, airfare extra. For information contact Gabriela Melgarejo at Iberoamericana, Phone 1-888-477-8669 email: Gabriela@iberoamericanatravel.com. Sign up today for the best price and best cabin choice, limited cabins in some categories. Post-cruise extension to Denali Nat'l Park. For information on extension or the cruise, email Cruise Coordinator: Donna Specht (donnaspecht@juno.com) Asst Leaders: Ana Cadez, Todd Clark, Sylvie Cote

MAY 21-27, 2012
DENALI - the LAST FRONTIER
RATING O: (Angeles Chapter, OC Sierra Singles)
A land tour extension to the Voyage of the Glaciers or meet us in Anchorage. Experience the Call of the Wild on a seven day/six night fully escorted charter coach trip to Talkeetna, Denali National Park and back to Anchorage for a fun slice of urban life, Alaska style. Relaxed pace to enjoy beautiful wilderness lodging, adventure, spectacular scenery and wildlife.

Price $1,175 includes: lodging, bus, transfers, happy hours, some meals. For complete information, itinerary, application, refund policy, optional tour to Seward and Kenai Fjords, send one large sase or e-mail to Trip Leader: Donna Specht, 22221 Wood Island Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92646 (donnaspecht@juno.com or 714-963-6345). Co leader: Ana Cadez.

images courtesy of Donna Specht

MAY 21-30, 2012
DENALI - the LAST FRONTIER and KENAI FJORDS
RATING O: (Angeles Chapter, OC Sierra Singles)
A 10 day land tour extension to the Voyage of the Glaciers or meet us in Anchorage. Experience the Call of the Wild on this 10 day, 9 night fully escorted charter coach trip to Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Anchorage, Seward and Kenai Fjords. Unique opportunity to see the best of Alaska’s interior at a relaxed pace to enjoy beautiful wilderness lodging, funky towns, adventure, spectacular scenery, wildlife and glacier cruise.

Price $1,775 includes: lodging, charter bus, Kenai Fjords wildlife and glacier cruise, transfers, happy hours, some meals. For complete information, itinerary, application, refund policy, send one large sase or e-mail to Trip Leader: Donna Specht, 22221 Wood Island Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92646 (donnaspecht@juno.com or 714-963-6345). Co leader: Ana Cadez.

images courtesy of Donna Specht

JUNE 23-30, 2012
BLACK HILLS ADVENTURE
RATING O: (Angeles Chapter, Sierra Sage Group)
Explore South Dakota’s fabulous Black Hills. Custer State Park is world renowned for its large buffalo herd and at this time of the year, we can expect to see a lot of buffalo calves. Bring your camera and binoculars as Pronghorn Antelope, prairie dogs, elk, deer, wild burros, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats also inhabit the park and are often visible. A jeep safari to the buffalo herds followed by a Chuckwagon BBQ. Other highlights include Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave and/or Wind Cave, Devils Tower, Harding Peak, and optional trip to the Badlands National Park. Our package includes seven nights lodging in South Dakota; transportation from Rapid City to the Black Hills and return and all transportation in the Black Hills; admission fees to all group activities,happy hours.

Cost $1250 for SC members, $1350 for non-members. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from Rapid City and for meals. A $500 deposit will hold your reservation (remainder due by April 1, 2012). For complete information, itinerary and application send 2 SASE to ldr: Mike Sappingfield, 26352 Via Juanita, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (mikesapp@cox.net). Assistant Leader: Patty Sappingfield

images courtesy of Mike Sappingfield

JULY 21-29, 2012
COLORADO NATIONAL PARK & MONUMENT SAMPLER
RATING O: (Angeles Chapter)
Fly roundtrip to Denver for 9 days of Hiking, Sightseeing, and Wildlife Observation. Visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Yucca House National Monument, Great Sand Dunes National Park and a tram ride to top of Pike’s Peak. We will spend 3 days in Estes Park hiking, wildlife viewing and sightseeing in Rocky Mountain NP. In Colorado NM, we will see the beautiful rock formations. Learn about early American Indian civilizations on our 3 day visit to Mesa Verde NP, Hovenweep NM, and Yucca House NM.

Price includes, lodging (2 Per room, 2 beds) Bus, Admission to Parks, Bus Refreshments, Farewell Dinner, and more. Group Airfare Extra. Adult price $1,450 and $900 for children under 13 staying with both parents in their room. Early sign-up discount of $50 per person if sign up before Dec. 31. Send 3 4X9 SASE, H & W Phones, SC#, e-mail address, check (Sierra Club) to Reserve: Cliff Caplan, 1932 Ruhland Ave #A, Redondo Beach, CA 90278-3669 Leader: Fred Dong 818-545-3878. Co Leader: Stephanie Gross

images courtesy of the National Park Service

JULY 28-AUGUST 4, 2012
SWISS BASE CAMP
RATING O: (Angeles Chapter, Orange County Group)
Our base is lively Interlaken, the center of the Jungfrau Region whose mountains and valleys have enthralled visitors for centuries. The daily outings are designed for the moderate walker interested in unsurpassed scenery, wildflowers, gastronomy, and Swiss efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Participants have a choice of staying at a 4-star hotel or of being accommodated in self-service holiday apartments. Complementing the daytime activities are after dinner discussions and presentations.

Sierra Club Member cost $1400, Non member cost $1500 (payable Sierra Club) includes studio accommodation (dbl. occup.), ground transport and guides. Sierra Club Member cost $2000, Non member cost $2100 (payable Sierra Club) includes first class hotel accommodation (dbl. occup.), ground transport, all breakfasts and dinners, guides. For itinerary, application, cancellation policy contact Leader: Ed Maurer (balois@cox.net), Co Leader: Helen Maurer. Or check website: http://tinyurl.com/interhikes.

AUGUST 4-16, 2012
JUNGFRAU TRAIL
RATING O: (Angeles Chapter, Orange County Group)
Experience the best the Alps have to offer: hike to mountain hotels dating back to the 1800s, explore wild valleys in the Jungfrau UNESCO World Heritage area, see how cheese is made in a copper kettle over an open fire, and enjoy Swiss hospitality, fabulous trails, incredible scenery, and new friends. Some of the hikes — some of them strenuous — take between 5 to 6 hours daily.

Sierra Club Member cost $3200, Non member cost $3400 (payable Sierra Club) includes lodges (dbl. occup. except 1 night dorm), ground transport, most meals. For itinerary, application, cancellation policy, contact Leader: Ed Maurer (balois@cox.net), Co Leader: Helen Maurer. Or check website: http://tinyurl.com/interhikes.

images courtesy of Charles Lee

AUGUST 17-SEPTEMBER 1, 2012
MONGOLIA-GOBI DESERT, MOUNTAIN & STEPPE ADVENTURE
RATING O: (Angeles Chapter)
See seldom visited sites where few Western tourists travel. Visit many of the treasures and experience the culture of Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbatar. Most nights we will stay in the traditional Mongolian “Ger” camps, easy hiking and exploration of National Parks seeing animals such as the rare Mongolian wild horse, gazelles, camels, ibex, deer, possibly snow leopard, and bird watching at a lake. We will also visit Karakorum, the ancient Mongolian capital, many old Buddhist monasteries, and Neolithic ruins. We will explore the Gobi desert to see the largest sand dune of the Gobi, possibly rare animals, the Flaming Red Cliffs where American Roy Andrews discovered dinosaur eggs and nests, and Bronze Age Petroglyphs. This is primarily a luxury camping trip as Gers are tents camps with hot cooked meals, hot showers, & flush toilets. Optional Beijing post trip extension tour.

Cost: $2,600 until February 29 (March 1st & later $2,800) all transportation in Mongolia, 4 star hotels, ger camps, nearly all meals, admissions, guides. International airfare to/from US-Mongolia extra. Group airfare available. Taxes & Visa Fees extra. Send 2 SASE, H&W Phones, SC#, e-mail, Check for $2,600 (Sierra Club) to Leader Bruce Hale, 3025 Alabama St, La Crescenta, CA 91214, phone 818-957-1936. Co-Leader: Fred Dong

SEPTEMBER 9-24, 2012
BALI ISLAND and KOMODO DRAGONS
RATING O: (Angeles Chapter)
Join Angeles Chapter on a brand new adventure to peaceful Hindu Bali and Flores Island, home to the famous Komodo Dragons. Come with us to experience this fast growing travelers paradise with its unique culture, history, and traditions. Our land package takes us around the famous island of Bali and to the island of Flores, spending varying number of days in each location. The trip includes several modes of transportation, planes, boats, and air-conditioned 17-passenger coaches. Also included are deluxe accommodations (dbl. ocup./hotels), some meals/happy hours, all park/museum entrance fees, guides, tours, misc.

Price is $1695 plus discounted group international and domestic airfares. For itinerary and application, send email to lajeunes@pacbell.net. Please insert subject line “Bali”. Applications accepted on first-come first-served basis, as previous trips have all sold out. Ldrs: John Lajeuness and Andrea Lim

SEPTEMBER 23-30, 2012
HISTORICAL VIRGINIA and NEARBY AREAS
RATING O: (Angeles Chapter, Sierra Singles, Sierra Sage)
Fly to Washington Dulles Airport, then van to the Revolutionary Era Town of Williamsburg; Jamestown, the first English settlement in America; and Yorktown Battlefield where George Washington won the climactic battle of the Revolutionary War. Tour Appomattox Court House where Lee surrendered his army to U S Grant; to Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson; to the Shenandoah Valley and the Appalachian Trail; Harpers Ferry, site of John Browns revolt; explore Gettysburg Battlefield and Fort McHenry, site of the Star Spangled Banner and the City of Annapolis and the U. S. Naval Academy. Trip includes lodging, transportation to and from Dulles Airport and while on the trip, admission fees to scheduled locations, breakfasts. Lunches, dinners, airfare to and from Washington Dulles are not included.

Trip cost is $1250 with SC#/$1350 non members. $500 deposit to reserve, balance due July 1, 2012. For information and application forms contact or send 2 sase to Ldr: Mike Sappingfield, 26352 Via Juanita, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (mikesapp@cox.net). Co ldrs: Mary Morales, Patty Sappingfield.

images courtesy of Mike Sappingfield
 

JANUARY 13-20, 2013
YELLOWSTONE NATIONALPARK in WINTER
Rating C/O: ( Angeles Chapter, Verdugo Hills)
Watching for wolves, bison, elk, mtn goats, arctic birds, swans at its winter best. Super photo ops. Icy air enhanced geyser scenes at Mammoth Hot Spr, Norris, Old Faithful and West Thumb geyser fields. Spend 5 days with Yellowstone Assoc. tour guide who knows where the wildlife is visible, and can guide us safely on snow covered walks, snowshoe or xc skiing around geyser fields. Bonus: Dinosaur exhibit, Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman. Travel by snow coach, stay in inns.

$2210 with SC # $2235 non-member. Includes hotels, ground transport, guides, 2 xc ski day options, breakfasts, most lunches, 1 dinner. Group limit 10 set by NPS. $500 deposit holds spot. Balance due 9/1/2012. Trip dates subject to confirmation in Mar. 2012. For information on itinerary, cancellation,policy, application, contact Leader: Judy Anderson (anderson-judith@att.net) ; Asst: Carol Henning.
 

FEBRUARY 2-18, 2013
ARGENTINA, CHILE, PATAGONIA
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter)
Explore the wilds of Patagonia on this 17 day active adventure. We meet in Buenos Aires and then fly to southern Argentina. Crossing into Chile, we spend 5 days hiking in the spectacular glaciated landscape of Torres del Paine National Park. In Argentina, we travel by boat on Lago Argentino to view the massive terminus of the Perito Moreno Glacier. A side trip takes us to a local Patagonia Estancia (ranch) on the pampas. We then embark on 3 days of hiking to explore the several beautiful lagunas (lakes) around El Chalten and hike to Laguna Torre to get a view of the famous Mt. Fitzroy and Glacier Grande, weather permitting. You will see condors, herds of rheas and guanacos, as well as many other animals on this trip. An optional side trip to spectacular Iguazu Falls will be offered.

Price includes hotels and lodges, private transportation, most meals, airport transfers, catamaran tour, most activities. Domestic & International Airfare extra; group air available. Sierra Club members $3,995 before September 15th. After September 15th, $4,095. Non-members $100 more. Leaders Fred Dong and Kath Giel.

images courtesy of Fred Dong
 

MARCH 14-APRIL 2, 2013
THAILAND CULTURAL & WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter)
Join us to see the cultural gems and wildlife of Thailand on a sightseeing and easy hiking adventure. Our trip will visit much of Thailand from Bangkok to the mountainous areas of the North. Spend 3 days in Bangkok visiting the magnificent Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, huge reclining Buddha in Wat Pho temple, Boat trip in Bangkok canals, Thai Theater performance, National Museum full of Thailand’s treasures, Royal Barge Museum & much more. Visit the ancient temple complex of Sukhothai, a UNESCO world heritage site and Thailand’s equivalent of Angor Wat. In depth tour of Ayutthaya, the Historic Capital City and UNESCO world heritage site, including Royal Palaces, Temples with Thailand’s largest Buddha image, and other priceless treasures. Wildlife viewing at Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site including Elephants, Hornbills. Royal palace and temple complex of Si Satchanalai, another UNESCO world heritage site. Visit Thailand’s premier birding national park, Doi Inthanon, known for the largest concentration of bird species. Visit the beautiful cities of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and many others too numerous to list. Optional tour to Phuket. 

Price includes hotel, bus transportation, most meals, airport transfers, most hikes or walks, and more. Domestic & International Airfare is extra and group air is available. Sierra Club members $1,895 before August 31st . After August 31st, $1,995. Non-members $100 more. Send 2 SASE, H&W Phones, SC#, e-mail, Check for full amount (Sierra Club) to Stephanie Gross, PO Box 423, Montrose, CA 91021. Leaders: Fred Dong, phone 818-545-3878, Maew Suchin.
 

APRIL 20, 2013 - MAY 4, 2013
CHINA HIGHLIGHT/YANGTZE RIVER
Rating O: (Angeles Chapter)
You are invited on a well-paced journey to China. Explore Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, where the Emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasties lived. Climb the Great Wall. Take a boat cruise on the Grand Canal of Hangzhou. Visit Suzhou's Silk factory where the reeling process of unwinding silk filaments from cocoons . Set sail to the Yangtze River and enjoy the wonderfull scene of deep and quiet gorges, the magnificent peaks as it they are cut by axes and knives. Take a shore excursion to the Shennong Stream, where you may see the ancient roads, coffins in precipice, and even some rare animals such as golden-haired monkeys. Xi'an's most important archaelogical site, where thousands of life-size terra-cotta warriors have been guarding the Emperor's burial site for over 2,000 years. See the Bund in Shanghai. 

Price $3,395 includes round-trip air transportation from LAX, and three domestic air within China; deluxe hotel (double occupany) three meals daily; admission fees and guides. Airlne taxes/fuel charge of $480 and visa, are subject to change are not included. Leaders, Andrea Lim and Salud Salinda. For information, send email to andrealim94@yahoo.com. Please insert subject line of "China 2013". Applications are first-come first-served.

images courtesy of Fred Dong
 

[Denali National Park and Airplane, Header photo by Donna Specht]