IHW 2004 EXCURSIONS

These Reno/Lake Tahoe excursions take you to the adventure, unsurpassed scenic beauty and rich history of America's west. Be advised that the altitude is high and so the air is thin - please select tours commensurate with your health and physical condition. We recommend layered clothing as the temperature can drop at higher altitudes. The conference will supply you with a lunch to go, a personal water bottle, and any needed equipment for your excursion.

Tour Descriptions

E1 Emerald Bay Hiking
Novice to Expert 11:30 - 18:30

This hike is for both beginners and intermediate hikers. The trail dips up and down along a secluded shoreline of Lake Tahoe and offers some of the most scenic views in the area. The trees are old growth trees - cedar, sugar pine and fir - where ospreys make nests in the broken - off trees near the water. Toward the end of this hike we enter beautiful Emerald Bay with views of Mt. Tallac and the only island in Lake Tahoe, Fanette Island. We hike over a babbling creek, passing brilliant displays of lupines and sugar peas until we reach Vickingsholm. This castle is considered to be one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. One of the best features of this hike comes near the end - a cascading waterfall that flows into the fjord. This is our last stop before a final push out of the bay - a great hike for all different abilities because the guides can offer various routes to make it easier or harder.

Recommend: Sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, snack, layered clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera.

E2 Virginia City and Carson City
12:00 - 18:00

As you ascend into the foothills, the exciting history of Virginia City and how this boomtown came to life will be revealed. Built on the riches of gold and silver ore, Virginia City was not only known as "the richest place on earth", but was also the biggest city between San Francisco and St. Louis in the 1860's. Abounding with 30,000 people and 110 saloons, it was an affluent and rowdy population. Today, Virginia City stands as a link to the past - a town vibrant with the activities of visitors, and filled with memories and ghosts of days gone by. Your personal guide will escort you through the downtown, telling many legends of "rags to riches" and "riches to rags". You will discover the beautiful Victorian mansions built by the mine-owners and stroll through the various mines that made them rich. You will also have some time to yourself to stroll the wooden sidewalks and explore on your own.

You will also visit Carson City, Nevada's state capitol, and the Nevada State Museum. Housed in the original US Mint Building, it offers fabulous renditions of a working mine, and many relics. Don't forget to visit the Washoe Indian exhibit, Nevada's original inhabitants. Your guide will stay with your group throughout the day, not only to share the rich history of Virginia City, but also to make sure that the day runs "without a hitch."

E3 Tahoe Queen Paddlewheeler
12:30 - 18:00

Take a scenic motor coach ride over the mountain to South Lake Tahoe where you will enjoy a 2 ˝ hour cruise on Lake Tahoe aboard the Tahoe Queen. This famous paddlewheeler was built on the Mississippi River in 1983, then trucked to Lake Tahoe where it was reassembled. The Tahoe Queen is 144' (44 m) long and 33' (10 m) wide with 3 decks. Cruise along the shoreline of Lake Tahoe, called "Big Water" by the Washoe Indians and enjoy the remarkably clear and deep blue water. View the surrounding mountains, listen to a live historical narration and visit spectacular Emerald Bay.

E4 Sierra Guided Hiking
Novice to Expert 12:00 - 18:30

Ride the Cable Car to 8200' (2500 m) High Camp and trailhead of the Pacific Crest Trail at Squaw Valley, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Join your guide for a hike appropriate to your ability level. The different hikes will allow you to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains, meander through meadows covered with wildflowers, climb to the weathered buttresses of Squaw Peak, or hike past waterfalls to Shirley Lake. Distances and times vary.

Recommend: Sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, snack, layered clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera.

E5 Biking along South Lake Tahoe
Novice to Intermediate - limited to 45 11:30 - 18:30

You'll be surrounded by the magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains on this leisurely self-guided bike ride on a paved multi-use trail that takes you through the Forest and along the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Stop and enjoy one of the lakeside beaches; visit historic estates; view fish in their natural habitat at the Stream Profile Chamber; sit on the deck at The Beacon Restaurant overlooking Lake Tahoe; and for the more adventurous, ride the nearby dirt trails to Fallen Leaf Lake.

E6 Rim Trail Hike
Moderate Hike 12:30 - 17:30 and 13:00 - 18:00

It doesn't get any better than this! Experience breathtaking views with exceptional scenery as you hike with a knowledgeable guide along the Tahoe Rim Trail. At an elevation that ranges from 7000' (2100m) to 9150' (2800m), this 165 mile (265km) long multi-use trail runs along the ridge tops and peaks surrounding Lake Tahoe. View the High Sierra's and breathtaking Lake Tahoe as you hike along this famed scenic path.

Recommend: Sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, snack, layered clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera.

E7 National Automobile Museum & Evening Show
Afternoon on your own at the museum; evening show

Car enthusiasts will love visiting the National Automobile Museum with its collection of 220 antique, vintage and classic cars. Watch the history of automobiles in the multimedia theater and visit the galleries, taking you from 1890, age of the "horseless carriages" and blacksmith's shops, to the present showcasing today's streets as well as tomorrow's classics. After enjoying dinner on your own, get ready for the lights, the music, the action… What trip to Reno would be complete without experiencing the lights and excitement of top-drawer entertainment in a fabulous stage production. (Shows are not specified this far in advance. However, past shows have included the likes of Christopher Cross, .Willie Nelson, The Motor City All Stars, The Price is Right Game Show, The Shaolin Monks - Masters of Kung Fu, Spirit of the Dance, etc.)

E8 Whitewater Rafting on the Truckee River
Novice to Expert - limited to 90 12:00 - 18:00 (+$30)

Experience the thrill of Class III rapids (Class V being most difficult) on this 2 hour Whitewater Rafting adventure on the sparkling Truckee River. The Truckee River was named for the Washoe Indian Chief who befriended and guided many early settlers through the area on their journey to California. Today's exciting experience takes us on the Boca Run, the most popular run on the Truckee River, from Boca to Floriston. Our whitewater adventure starts out gently from the Boca Reservoir, and ends with the rapids building to an exciting climax in the Floriston Gorge.

Recommended: Waterproof sandals (such as Tevas) or water socks, sunscreen and a hat - no valuables or glass.

E9 Mountain Biking the Flume Trail
Expert - limited to 25 11:30 - 18:30 (Ride takes 3-5 hours, +$30)

Considered one of the world's premiere mountain bike trails, this adventure starts at Spooner Lake in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The Flume Trail climbs to a spectacular setting above the east shore of Lake Tahoe and ends with a 3 mile (4.8 km), 1500' (457 m) descent. The ride to the Flume Trail passes the old shepherd's hut, and continues through an uphill rolling terrain and groves of Aspen. At the summit take a break under the whispering lodge pole pines. Then a quick descent takes you to Marlette Lake where the Flume Trail begins just a short ride away. The Flume trail is a moderately difficult ride at 7000-8000' (2100 - 2400 m) in elevation with over 1000' (300 m) of climbing and 4.5 miles (7.2 km) of single track. Staggering heights, steep terrain and spectacular views reward those who dare to take the Flume Trail challenge.

Includes: High quality full suspension bike, helmet, water bottle, pump, and repair kit, shuttle.

E10 Horseback Ride in the Olympic Valley
Novice to Expert - limited to 45 12:00 - 18:30 (+$30)

Experience the majesty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe on horseback. Your guide will lead you on a 2 hour ride through a meadow where wild flowers bloom, up the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, then following the Western States Trail through the woods to a breathtaking view of Lake Tahoe. The stable has all kinds of horses.... gentle horses for gentle people, spirited horses for spirited people. You will also have about 1 ˝ hours to relax and explore Tahoe City on Lake Tahoe.

Recommend: Long pants, closed toe shoes, water bottle