Saturday, August 20

History Hike: David Beesley, environmental historian,  is professor emeritus of history of Sierra College in Rocklin and author of the recent book, “Crow’s Range, an environmental history of the Sierra Nevada.”  Join him David for a three to four hour informational trek at the summit of the northern Sierra. The trek will provide an introduction to Sierra Nevada environmental history, beginning with a survey of the of the pre-history of its native people above Donner Lake. From there a continuing rambling account of the nineteenth-century opening of this portion of the Sierra by non-native interlopers will include opening of the Sierra to wagon travel, the effects of the discovery of gold, and the permanent development of this part of the region by the railroad, including the role played by Chinese immigrants. This moving trek will include discussion of the beginning of the conservation and preservation movement. If time permits, a comparison of the difference between this early conservaton movement with the later environmental history of the Sierra will be discussed. Plan for a relatively strenous but not life theratening off trail hike, Bring a lunch and plenty of water.  Richard Thomas is co-leader for this hike.

Geology Hike: Sterling Warr-Pryer, retired geologist and former Sierra College instructor, will lead a hike designed to show participants our Sierra Nevada's place in the grand picture of global plate tectonics. Evidence of volcanism, magma sources and great variety in rock formations can all be seen in the old Donner Pass area close to the Lodge. The hike will be a moderate climb of 2-3 miles. Co-leader:  Peter Lemkuhl

Birding Hike: Don Rivenes, Sierra Foothills Audubon Society Conservation Chair and field trip leader, will lead a hike to find high Sierra birds around several scenic lakes nearby the Lodge. Hiking could be up to 4 miles with some elevation gain - swimming is a happy possibility.  Co-leader:  Sally Lyon (Tahoe Group).

Mt. Judah Loop Hike:  Led by Kathie Hoxie (Tahoe Gp).  This moderate peak climb will be led by one of the Tahoe Group's Outing leaders. The hike begins on the Pacific Crest Trail, just one mile from CTL and climbs approximately 1100 feet to this pair of peaks, Mt. Judah (8,243 ft) and Donner Peak (8,019 ft). The 6 mile round trip hike offers outstanding 360 degree views of the Donner Summit area with its mountains, glacial valleys, and lakes.  

Boreal Ridge Hike: Mitch (Clair Tappaan Staff) will lead this easier and shorter hike beginning in the backyard of CTL. The 3 mile round trip hike climbs approximately 400 feet to the top of Boreal Ridge. Beautiful views of the Northern Sierra and Yuba River Corridor are the reward on this leisurely paced hike.

Mountain Bike Trip: Led by Glenn Polochko, Tahoe Group.  This will be a high beginner bike for people who are in fairly good shape and have been mountain biking. 15 miles and about 900-ft elevation gain. Some hills but nothing technical. We will ride near Prosser Lake a little north of Truckee about 15 min. from the Lodge. Ride will be on dirt roads and some pavement. Nice views of mountains and lakes. You will need to bring a mountain bike in good repair, plenty of water and Lunch We will drive from the Lodge to Truckee. High Beginner (3A) 

Sunday, August 21

Lake Flora Hike: Mitch (Clair Tappaan Staff) will lead an outing to this secluded, granite rimmed gem of a lake, perfect for swimming or wading. The hike begins right outside the backdoor of Clair Tappaan, has approximately 600 feet of elevation gain and is 5 miles round trip.

Andesite Peak Hike:  Led by Sally Lyon (Tahoe Gp).  The summit is reached from Castle Pass.This moderate peak climb will be led by one of the Tahoe Group's Outing leaders. The hike climbs approximately 1000 feet over 2.5 miles and tops out on Andesite Peak at 8,219 feet. From the top of Andesite Peak there are outstanding views of Basin Peak, Round Valley, Castle Peak and the proposed Castle Peak Wilderness area.

Mountain Bike Trip: Led by Glenn Polochko, Tahoe Group.  This will be a high beginner bike for people who are in fairly good shape and have been mountain biking. 11 miles and about 500-ft elevation gain. Some hills but nothing technical. We will ride through rolling hills and forest to a few lakes on the summit. Mostly on dirt roads and some pavement. You will need to bring a mountain bike in good repair, plenty of water and Lunch.   We will drive from the Lodge.   High Beginner (2A)

rev. August 2, 2005.  EM