Base Camp.(camping trails)

Hike a variety of trails with just a daypack.

On some Base Camp Trips, pack animals carry most of your gear, food, and equipment to and from a backcountry camp, leaving you to enjoy the peace and serenity of the great outdoors. On others, campgrounds, huts, or other accommodations serve as a headquarters from which you make your daily explorations in the surrounding area.

Fun in the Sun, Anza-Borrego Park, California. January 15-22. Dayhike in the Sunbelt! East of San Diego, bordering on Mexico, this huge unique desert park offers an infinite variety of hiking trails from palm canyons to bizarre sandstone formations to oases and waterfalls. Come and explore the excellent examples of desert geological phenomena and biotic communities by day and enjoy gourmet cuisine and stargazing by night. Leaders: Angela White and Les Atkins. Price: $485; Dep: $50. [00410A]

America's Tropical Paradise: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. February 27-March 4. Feast on the sensory delights of warm, sandy beaches, secluded bays, colorful fish, and coral reefs. We'll hike the wooded hills and snorkel the turquoise waters, visit historic ruins and enjoy Caribbean cuisine. We'll explore the entire island using safari vehicles from our cottages at Cinnamon Bay campground. Meals are not included in the trip price. Leader: Margaret Rabel. Price: $795; Dep: $100. [00411A]

The Naturalist's Puerto Rico. March 26-April 1. We'll travel from rainforest to dry forest, mountains, beaches, and karsts. Daily excursions by van and foot will reveal the island's natural beauty, east and west. We'll see giant tree ferns, cactus, mountain trails, and tidepools. Dormitory accommodations in the east and a historic coffee plantation in the west. Most meals are included in the trip price. Leader: Sarah Stout. Price: $925; Dep: $100. [00412A]

Gigantic Granite Boulders, Joshua Tree Park, California. April 2-8. From our base camp we'll explore this Southern California desert land of crazy Joshua Trees, giant boulder washes, and palm oases. There is something for everyone, with choices of leisurely to strenuous hikes and a possible midweek overnight backpack for the more adventurous. Leaders: Lucy Henderson and Angela White. Price: $515; Dep: $100. [00050A]

Natural History of the Mojave Preserve, California. April 15-22. Come to the desert this spring and explore the panoramas, sand dunes, and cindercones of the new Mojave National Preserve. Dayhikes from our 5,600-foot camp will vary from easy to moderately strenuous. Our pace is leisurely as we stop for flowers, wildlife, and photos. On-trip naturalist. Leaders: Warren Alksnis and Ursula Pedersen. Price: $475; Dep: $50. [00051A]

Springtime in the Smokies, Great Smoky Mountain Park, Tennessee. May 14-20. Rejuvenate your mind and body hiking in the Smokies in the spring. The Smokies are part of a varied ecology and we'll enjoy the wildflowers along our hikes. Camping in Cades Cove, we'll also explore the human history of this diverse land. Leaders: Lissa and Ted Jackson. Price: $495; Dep: $50. [00052A]

Women Between the Sacred Mountains, Canyon de Chelly, Arizona. June 4-9. Experience a unique view of Navajo culture through the eyes of Navajo women. From our base camp at a hogan in the forest, we'll explore the spectacular and historic canyon country that has been home to native peoples for 800 years. Our native guides will teach us about traditional arts and ceremonies. Leader: Constance Lederer. Price: $1,280; Dep: $200. [00175A]

Daughters of the Sweet Grass--A Journey with Women of the Blackfeet Nation, Montana. July 3-9. Experience life as it was lived by Blackfeet women on the high plains in the shadow of Glacier National Park. We'll live in a tipi camp, learn about the plains environment, practice some traditional arts, attend a powwow, and hike in the splendour of the northern Rockies. Van transportation from Great Falls included. Leader: Constance Lederer. Price: $1,295; Dep: $200. [00176A]

Golden Trout Alpine Base Camp, Inyo Forest, California. July 16-22. Majestic scenery dominates our base camp in Humphreys Basin. Located at over 10,000 feet, the basin contains over 30 lakes with opportunities galore to fish, hike, explore, or just relax. Add to this good food and good fellowship, and you've got a trip you'll long remember. So leave your worries behind and don't forget your camera. Leaders: Sy and Laura Gelman. Price: $675; Dep: $100. [00177A]

Downeast Coastline: Acadia Park and Grand Manaan Island, Maine. July 17-23. Spend seven days camping at Acadia National Park, Maine and on nearby Grand Manaan Island in New Brunswick, Canada. See warblers, puffins, and whales on land and from boats. Feast on fresh lobster, crabmeat, and blueberry pie. Our guide will be Jeff Gordon, professional birder/naturalist and former ranger at Acadia National Park. Leader: Rochelle Gerratt. Price: $895; Dep: $100. [00178A]

Trails of Many Spirits, Blackfeet Reservation and Glacier Park, Montana. July 24-29. Our journey explores sacred sites for vision quests and cultural and contemporary art museums. Hiking to glacial lakes and waterfalls in the high alpine terrain, we'll access vistas where Napi looks over his people. Native guides provide a cultural viewpoint with traditional accommodations in tipi camps. Includes transportation from Great Falls. Leaden To be announced. Price: $1,295; Dep: $200. [00179A]

25 Summit Lake Base Camp, Northeast Yosemite Park, California. September 2-9. From our scenic base camp near Summit Lake we'll have access to the high country streams, meadows, lakes, and peaks of both the Hoover Wilderness area of Toiyabe National Forest and the Virginia Canyon area of Yosemite National Park. Dayhikes from camp will visit a different area every day. Or relax at camp and enjoy the fishing at Summit Lake. Leader: Mary Schinnerer, Price: $675; Dep: $100. [00180A]

Shenandoah National Park Base Camp, Shenandoah Park, Virginia. September 3-10. Exceptionally beautiful scenery, varied wildlife, and interesting history are found in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia. We'll establish a base camp in the southern Shenandoahs and dayhike several different trails (6 to 14 miles with elevation changes up to 3,000 feet). Highlights include Old Rag Mountain, White Oak Canyon, the Limberlost, Rip Rap Hollow, Rocky Mount, and the Appalachian Trail, Leaden Bob Goldberg. Price: $495; Dep: $50. [00181A]

25 Devils Postpile Monument, Minarets Wilderness, California. September 24-October 1. We'll first visit Devils Postpile National Monument, formed by molten lava a million years ago and sculpted into shiny columns by glaciers Then we'll hike about six miles to our lakeside base camp carrying only a daypack From there we'll hike to many lakes and passes or you can stay in camp and pursue your own hobbies--fishing, photography, or nature study. Leaders: Modesto and Diana Piazza. Price: $675; Dep: $100. [00182A]

Trails of Canyon de Chelly Monument, Navajo Reservation, Arizona. October 8-14. "Walking in beauty" is the Navajo expression of bringing the spirit of earth to our lives. Canyon de Chelly is the spiritual and historical center of the Navajo people who will guide us through the canyons and mesas of this national treasure. Hundreds of archaeological sites, many off the beaten track, will fill our days. Evenings feature storytelling, singing, and dancing. Leader: Bob Hartman. Price: $680; Dep: $100. [00183A]

Buffalo River Archaeology Base Camp, Arkansas. October 15-21. Camp and canoe among the limestone bluffs and clear waters. Discover the national river's heaviest concentration of lithic tools dating from over 8,000 to 300 years ago, while we conduct one-by-two-meter test excavations. Leader: To be announced. Price: $595; Dep: $100. [00184A]

St. John's Seaside, Virgin Islands Park, U.S. Virgin Islands. December 2-8. Feast on the sensory delights of warm, sandy beaches, secluded bays, coral reefs, verdant hillsides, and Caribbean cuisine We'll snorkel turquoise waters alive with brilliantly colored fish, hike, and visit historical ruins on excursions from our tent-cottages at Maho Bay. Meals are not included in the trip price. Leader: Gale Hill. Price: $795; Dep: $100. [00185A]

Base Camp.(camping trails)

Hike a variety of trails with just a daypack.

On some Base Camp Trips, pack animals carry most of your gear, food, and equipment to and from a backcountry camp, leaving you to enjoy the peace and serenity of the great outdoors. On others, campgrounds, huts, or other accommodations serve as a headquarters from which you make your daily explorations in the surrounding area.

Fun in the Sun, Anza-Borrego Park, California. January 15-22. Dayhike in the Sunbelt! East of San Diego, bordering on Mexico, this huge unique desert park offers an infinite variety of hiking trails from palm canyons to bizarre sandstone formations to oases and waterfalls. Come and explore the excellent examples of desert geological phenomena and biotic communities by day and enjoy gourmet cuisine and stargazing by night. Leaders: Angela White and Les Atkins. Price: $485; Dep: $50. [00410A]

America's Tropical Paradise: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. February 27-March 4. Feast on the sensory delights of warm, sandy beaches, secluded bays, colorful fish, and coral reefs. We'll hike the wooded hills and snorkel the turquoise waters, visit historic ruins and enjoy Caribbean cuisine. We'll explore the entire island using safari vehicles from our cottages at Cinnamon Bay campground. Meals are not included in the trip price. Leader: Margaret Rabel. Price: $795; Dep: $100. [00411A]

The Naturalist's Puerto Rico. March 26-April 1. We'll travel from rainforest to dry forest, mountains, beaches, and karsts. Daily excursions by van and foot will reveal the island's natural beauty, east and west. We'll see giant tree ferns, cactus, mountain trails, and tidepools. Dormitory accommodations in the east and a historic coffee plantation in the west. Most meals are included in the trip price. Leader: Sarah Stout. Price: $925; Dep: $100. [00412A]

Gigantic Granite Boulders, Joshua Tree Park, California. April 2-8. From our base camp we'll explore this Southern California desert land of crazy Joshua Trees, giant boulder washes, and palm oases. There is something for everyone, with choices of leisurely to strenuous hikes and a possible midweek overnight backpack for the more adventurous. Leaders: Lucy Henderson and Angela White. Price: $515; Dep: $100. [00050A]

Natural History of the Mojave Preserve, California. April 15-22. Come to the desert this spring and explore the panoramas, sand dunes, and cindercones of the new Mojave National Preserve. Dayhikes from our 5,600-foot camp will vary from easy to moderately strenuous. Our pace is leisurely as we stop for flowers, wildlife, and photos. On-trip naturalist. Leaders: Warren Alksnis and Ursula Pedersen. Price: $475; Dep: $50. [00051A]

Springtime in the Smokies, Great Smoky Mountain Park, Tennessee. May 14-20. Rejuvenate your mind and body hiking in the Smokies in the spring. The Smokies are part of a varied ecology and we'll enjoy the wildflowers along our hikes. Camping in Cades Cove, we'll also explore the human history of this diverse land. Leaders: Lissa and Ted Jackson. Price: $495; Dep: $50. [00052A]

Women Between the Sacred Mountains, Canyon de Chelly, Arizona. June 4-9. Experience a unique view of Navajo culture through the eyes of Navajo women. From our base camp at a hogan in the forest, we'll explore the spectacular and historic canyon country that has been home to native peoples for 800 years. Our native guides will teach us about traditional arts and ceremonies. Leader: Constance Lederer. Price: $1,280; Dep: $200. [00175A]

Daughters of the Sweet Grass--A Journey with Women of the Blackfeet Nation, Montana. July 3-9. Experience life as it was lived by Blackfeet women on the high plains in the shadow of Glacier National Park. We'll live in a tipi camp, learn about the plains environment, practice some traditional arts, attend a powwow, and hike in the splendour of the northern Rockies. Van transportation from Great Falls included. Leader: Constance Lederer. Price: $1,295; Dep: $200. [00176A]

Golden Trout Alpine Base Camp, Inyo Forest, California. July 16-22. Majestic scenery dominates our base camp in Humphreys Basin. Located at over 10,000 feet, the basin contains over 30 lakes with opportunities galore to fish, hike, explore, or just relax. Add to this good food and good fellowship, and you've got a trip you'll long remember. So leave your worries behind and don't forget your camera. Leaders: Sy and Laura Gelman. Price: $675; Dep: $100. [00177A]

Downeast Coastline: Acadia Park and Grand Manaan Island, Maine. July 17-23. Spend seven days camping at Acadia National Park, Maine and on nearby Grand Manaan Island in New Brunswick, Canada. See warblers, puffins, and whales on land and from boats. Feast on fresh lobster, crabmeat, and blueberry pie. Our guide will be Jeff Gordon, professional birder/naturalist and former ranger at Acadia National Park. Leader: Rochelle Gerratt. Price: $895; Dep: $100. [00178A]

Trails of Many Spirits, Blackfeet Reservation and Glacier Park, Montana. July 24-29. Our journey explores sacred sites for vision quests and cultural and contemporary art museums. Hiking to glacial lakes and waterfalls in the high alpine terrain, we'll access vistas where Napi looks over his people. Native guides provide a cultural viewpoint with traditional accommodations in tipi camps. Includes transportation from Great Falls. Leaden To be announced. Price: $1,295; Dep: $200. [00179A]

25 Summit Lake Base Camp, Northeast Yosemite Park, California. September 2-9. From our scenic base camp near Summit Lake we'll have access to the high country streams, meadows, lakes, and peaks of both the Hoover Wilderness area of Toiyabe National Forest and the Virginia Canyon area of Yosemite National Park. Dayhikes from camp will visit a different area every day. Or relax at camp and enjoy the fishing at Summit Lake. Leader: Mary Schinnerer, Price: $675; Dep: $100. [00180A]

Shenandoah National Park Base Camp, Shenandoah Park, Virginia. September 3-10. Exceptionally beautiful scenery, varied wildlife, and interesting history are found in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia. We'll establish a base camp in the southern Shenandoahs and dayhike several different trails (6 to 14 miles with elevation changes up to 3,000 feet). Highlights include Old Rag Mountain, White Oak Canyon, the Limberlost, Rip Rap Hollow, Rocky Mount, and the Appalachian Trail, Leaden Bob Goldberg. Price: $495; Dep: $50. [00181A]

25 Devils Postpile Monument, Minarets Wilderness, California. September 24-October 1. We'll first visit Devils Postpile National Monument, formed by molten lava a million years ago and sculpted into shiny columns by glaciers Then we'll hike about six miles to our lakeside base camp carrying only a daypack From there we'll hike to many lakes and passes or you can stay in camp and pursue your own hobbies--fishing, photography, or nature study. Leaders: Modesto and Diana Piazza. Price: $675; Dep: $100. [00182A]

Trails of Canyon de Chelly Monument, Navajo Reservation, Arizona. October 8-14. "Walking in beauty" is the Navajo expression of bringing the spirit of earth to our lives. Canyon de Chelly is the spiritual and historical center of the Navajo people who will guide us through the canyons and mesas of this national treasure. Hundreds of archaeological sites, many off the beaten track, will fill our days. Evenings feature storytelling, singing, and dancing. Leader: Bob Hartman. Price: $680; Dep: $100. [00183A]

Buffalo River Archaeology Base Camp, Arkansas. October 15-21. Camp and canoe among the limestone bluffs and clear waters. Discover the national river's heaviest concentration of lithic tools dating from over 8,000 to 300 years ago, while we conduct one-by-two-meter test excavations. Leader: To be announced. Price: $595; Dep: $100. [00184A]

St. John's Seaside, Virgin Islands Park, U.S. Virgin Islands. December 2-8. Feast on the sensory delights of warm, sandy beaches, secluded bays, coral reefs, verdant hillsides, and Caribbean cuisine We'll snorkel turquoise waters alive with brilliantly colored fish, hike, and visit historical ruins on excursions from our tent-cottages at Maho Bay. Meals are not included in the trip price. Leader: Gale Hill. Price: $795; Dep: $100. [00185A]