Multisport Adventures

California Discovery

Living in tents with a handful of other people opened my eyes to how easy and fun it is to be solely dependent on yourself and your attitude. Moondance has taught me things that I never could have learned without these people. This experience has been breathtakingly eye-opening. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
- Shelby McMahon, Birmingham, AL (15)

Length:	Cost:	Highlights:
17 days	$ 3395	-Overnight Raft the South Fork of the American River -Explore the Big Basin Redwoods State Park -Learn to surf on the Pacific Coast -Kayak on Lake Tahoe and visit Horsetail Falls -Explore the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island -Rock Climb in Yosemite National Park
Current grade:	Begins/ends:
6th - 7th, ages 12 - 13	San Francisco, California
Dates:	Challenge level:
June 22 - July 8 July 12 - July 28	introductory

The vast diversity of California provides the ideal setting for exploration and adventure. From the sandy beaches in the west to the snow-capped mountains in the east and every stunning feature in between, California proves true to its reputation as a playground for those with an adventurous spirit. The California Discovery trip provides an opportunity to engage in exciting new activities in some of the most unique and spectacular places on Earth no matter how experienced the adventurer may be.

TRIP GEAR - EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
We have made it easy to help you find the right gear for your adventure. We have partnered with Half-Moon Outfitters on approved gear. Purchase gear at Half-Moon Outfitters for your trip .

SURFING AND REDWOODS NATIONAL PARK
You will begin your trip the only appropriate way to enter the culture of California- surfing the renowned waves of the Pacific Ocean. Professional surf instructors will explain the fundamentals of "hanging ten" beachside and then join you in the water to help perfect your skills as you tackle some real ocean waves. After drying off, your group will head to the nearby Big Basin Redwoods National Park and witness a dramatic change in scenery. This is the oldest state park in California and home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco. Standing amongst some of the tallest and most massive trees in the world allows for a new perspective on what an old-growth forest truly is.

ROCK CLIMBING – YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Yosemite National Park is considered one of the most ideal locations to climb in the United States, perhaps the world. With abundant sunshine and seemingly endless granite, your group will be mesmerized by the incredible scenery. While Yosemite was not the first national park in the US, it was a focal point in the development of the national park idea. With the help of professional guides, you will learn the fundamentals of rock climbing with a particular emphasis on safety procedures and communication. Yosemite offers a wide variety of climbs that cater to all levels of climbers, and your instructors will help you select routes with the appropriate degree of challenge as your skills improve. You will also have a day to find a glacial-melt lake for a much-earned swim.

SEA KAYAK AND EXPLORE – LAKE TAHOE
Your group will then make its way to Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. It is famous for the clarity of the water and the amazing panorama of the mountains that surround it on all sides. With so much to explore, you will hike to the magnificent Horsetail Falls and take a refreshing dip in Echo Lake. The following day your group will grab some paddles and take a sea kayaking tour of the Emerald Bay State Park, which in 1994 became one of the first underwater parks ever in order to protect the various wrecks and other items on the lake’s floor. This region of Tahoe is also home to the impressive Vikingsholm Castle and the corresponding "Tea House" on Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe.

WHITEWATER RAFT – THE SOUTH FORK of the AMERICAN RIVER
Now is the time for the group to prepare for some world class whitewater on California’s American River. Famous for its lush canyons, forested ridges and massive rock formations, your group will navigate class II and class III rapids under the direction of professional river guides. You will tackle some exciting rapids such as the Chili Bar Run and the Gorge Run as well as pass through the ghost-town where gold was discovered in 1848. You may even have a chance to find some gold of your own while camping on the river’s shore for a night before continuing downriver the next morning.

VISIT SAN FRANCISCO BAY
The trip will conclude with a chance to explore all that the San Francisco Bay has to offer. You will take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and tour the former prison that housed famous criminals such as Al "Scarface" Capone. Enjoy the view of the city as your ferry brings you back to Pier 39, but be careful not to trip over one of the many sea lions that hang out here and soak up the sun. Then wander through the world famous Fisherman’s Wharf district, where you can see the world’s largest collection of historic ships or visit the San Francisco Maritime National Park. This is also a great place to check out all the fresh catch as the fishermen return from their exploits.

Multisport Adventures

California Discovery

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