Unique Experiences

Item Description

Your first evening in Sequoia National Park will find you as a guest at the beautiful Wuksachi Lodge operated by Delaware North Companies. Located in the heart of Sequoia National Park, the lodge boasts panoramic views of the surrounding forest and High Sierra peaks. Built in 1999, this stunning Sequoia lodge is an upscale mountain resort featuring 102 spacious guest rooms, a full-service restaurant serving sumptuous Sierra Alpine cuisine, cocktail lounge, retail shop, and shuttle services in the summer months. Enjoy your first dinner at the Wolverton Barbeque Dinner and living history program, “Voices from the Past”.

Travel back in time and experience Sequoia National Park through the eyes of one of four unique characters, whose stories will add intrigue and entertainment to your visit! Enjoy the luxury of dining among the trees, as you feast on a well-deserved traditional barbeque. Hear how the park influenced the life of a female visitor during a time when the Park’s resources were seen from a different perspective, and the role of women showed tremendous growth. Befriend an early mule packer who guided visitors through the nooks and crannies of the backcountry throughout a lifetime as he regales you with tales of adventure or a young man who comes to Mineral King looking silver and finds the ‘real’ treasure in the beauty of the mountains. The Wolverton BBQ is sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family and a perfect way to end your day.

The next morning in the park will introduce you to “The Ghosts of Giant Forest.” The Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park contains some of America’s most venerable and stately trees: the General Sherman, Clara Barton, Colonel Young, Booker T. Washington, Chief Sequoia, and the Roosevelt tree to name just a few. Are these trees living ghosts of people past? Who these giants were in America’s history and just how trees were named for these individuals reveals some intriguing and controversial stories rarely told. Spend the day touring John Muir’s Giant Forest with a park naturalist and expert to uncover the mystery and history of the naming and protection of these mighty trees. Complete your day with an evening picnic reminiscent of a late afternoon in the Giant Forest of yesteryear.

Bonus: The final day will take you into the underground world of Sequoia National Park. Beautiful formations, impressively large rooms and ornate marble polished by a subterranean stream make a tour of Crystal Cave an unforgettable experience. After passing through the spider web gate, your guide will give you a brief history of the cave and point out unique features and formations. During the 45 minute tour, you will be led from room to room on paved, lighted pathways, pausing to listen to the water and echoes in the cave in total darkness.

Package Includes:

• 2 nights lodging w/breakfast for up to 4 people (one room) at Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park
• 4 tickets to the Wolverton Barbeque Dinner and “Voices from the Past” living history program (available June, July, August only)
• 4 Crystal Cave tickets (available May – October only)
• 1 full-day tour of Giant Forest with a Sequoia Field Institute naturalist
• An assortment of books and maps for travel planning
• Sequoia Natural History Association Supporter Membership and benefits for one year

Item Special Note

This package can accommodate up to 4 people. It is a kid-friendly experience and all ages are welcome. The physical requirements for your guided tour may require walking a couple, gentle miles with little elevation gain. The trip to Crystal Cave requires a ½ mile walk up hill. Airfare, car rental or any travel costs associated are not included. Participants will also be responsible for some meals not included in the package.  Due to weather conditions and the operation of Crystal Cave and the living history program, suggested dates would be late June through August. Holiday weekends do not apply due to heavy visitation in the parks. It is important that the participant call for travel advice and naturalist reservations BEFORE confirming travel plans. Package expires September 2012.

After auction closes all items and redeemable gift certificates will be shipped directly to the winning bidder by Sequoia Natural History Association.