Familia Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 (edited) I want to send the (adult) men in our family on a trip somewhere in US this summer. They like mild outdoor adventures (hiking, fishing, camping) but do not have any equipment, A city would not be DH's choice, but, since he appreciates history too, a city with natural features close by is also an option. Big science fans, not really into sports. DH wants planned activities or tours because it stresses him to wing it during travel. Are there all inclusive 'roughing it' trips? They do not have to rough it totally, though, just can go less comfy without the girls. I once looked into guest ranches in CO, but they were not only really pricey, they were a little too fancy for the guys. Already have done TN valley, New England, and CO. TIA! Edited to add: ...the sequoia's in CA? I need to research and see what else is around there. It is okay if the trip includes non-outdoorsy stuff as long as the destination is really appealing. This is such a broad request, I know. They enjoyed visiting battleships in NE, for example, and were also able to swing through Boston. That trip was a bit too urban. Edited January 23, 2018 by secretgarden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 A National Park? I’m sure any park has guide businesses around. I think I remember seeing Yosemite tours in triple A. They can stay in cabins and day hike. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 How about a multi-day rafting trip? It would involve rafting (obviously) and camping, but the outfitters would provide the equipment. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 Try googling concierge camping. They couldvrough it but not need their own equipment. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Familia Posted January 23, 2018 Author Share Posted January 23, 2018 I hadn't thought of checking AAA, and I have never heard of concierge camping - thank you! Individual experiences or destination ideas welcomed - I'm overwhelmed when we began to think, "a destination in the US..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 (edited) http://www.kennedymeadows.com/pack_school/pack_camp http://www.kennedymeadows.com/horseback/pack_trips Edited January 23, 2018 by Carol in Cal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Familia Posted January 23, 2018 Author Share Posted January 23, 2018 (edited) http://www.kennedymeadows.com/pack_school/pack_camp http://www.kennedymeadows.com/horseback/pack_trips Thanks for those. That may be just what gets our daughter to want to travel next year as she is the equine lover but usually doesn't want to go on vacation. Edited January 23, 2018 by secretgarden 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Familia Posted January 23, 2018 Author Share Posted January 23, 2018 (edited) Deleted to add info to op. Edited January 23, 2018 by secretgarden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 Thanks for those. That may be just what gets our daughter to want to travel next year as she is the equine lover but usually doesn't want to go on vacation. The scenery up there is absolutely gorgeous. Lake after lake after lake, beautiful rivers with cataracts and flatter, forested areas. One caveat--Kennedy Meadows is at altitude, and most of their horse tours go up in elevation from there. So you're starting from around 6300 feet and heading up from there. It's important to know how you do at higher elevations before taking on a commitment like one of those trips. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 So something historical and naturey? What about California gold country plus Yosemite 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twolittleboys Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 Maybe check some more on dude ranches? I went many years ago and it was a lot of fun. I think there are ones at different levels of fancy - and price, though I think they are generally not the cheapest. Otherwise, I would go for a national park in the west. Maybe Yosemite - I think there are planned tours too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 Sailing school? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Familia Posted January 23, 2018 Author Share Posted January 23, 2018 "So something historical and naturey? What about California gold country plus Yosemite?" Considering one ds's interest in gold-that sounds awesome. "Maybe check some more on dude ranches?... Otherwise, I would go for a national park in the west. Maybe Yosemite - I think there are planned tours too" I'll look into Yosemite tours. "Sailing school?" Now, that would be unique! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 "So something historical and naturey? What about California gold country plus Yosemite?" Considering one ds's interest in gold-that sounds awesome. Oh, well, if it's GOLD you want... Columbia State Historic Park in California is a restored gold rush town. No cars allowed inside, but there is plenty of parking at the edges, so park for a few days and enjoy! There is an historic hotel to stay in, gold panning lessons, tours, historic buildings from around 1860, a ride in a Wells Fargo wagon through the countryside (with a hold up--don't tell!). If you go during Columbia Diggins days which are on their website but usually 4 days during the late spring, the docents and other volunteers populate a tent cabin 'mining encampment' dated around 1850--it's great. Then drive to Carson City, the capital of Nevada, (I'm thinking this would be about a 4 hour drive up the Gold Rush Highway (CA State route 49, cute!) and then up over the mountains on 88), and visit the underground mines beneath the state historic museum there in town. The museum also has a wall sized mural of the rock cycle, and the best mineral collection I have ever seen in one place. After a day or two there (eat at Adele's, best restaurant I know of anywhere these days), do a day trip to Virginia City, clinging to a steep hill side of stripped out gold and silver mines, lots of touristy mining and gold rush/Mark Twain/historic train/American Indian/mineral stuff there. Then back down to Sutter's Fort, the Gold Rush Discovery Site near Sacramento. These are the best gold sites I know of. Of course, you have skipped the gorgeous Sierras, pretty much, and Lake Tahoe, too, both of which are around all these places. But you've been FOCUSSED, by gosh. And you know all about gold now, and quite a bit about the life and times of the gold rush. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 My kids did Zion National park last summer and are still talking about it. There are guided hikes etc. https://utah.com/zion-national-park 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Familia Posted January 23, 2018 Author Share Posted January 23, 2018 Oh, well, if it's GOLD you want... Columbia State Historic Park in California is a restored gold rush town. No cars allowed inside, but there is plenty of parking at the edges, so park for a few days and enjoy! There is an historic hotel to stay in, gold panning lessons, tours, historic buildings from around 1860, a ride in a Wells Fargo wagon through the countryside (with a hold up--don't tell!). If you go during Columbia Diggins days which are on their website but usually 4 days during the late spring, the docents and other volunteers populate a tent cabin 'mining encampment' dated around 1850--it's great. Then drive to Carson City, the capital of Nevada, (I'm thinking this would be about a 4 hour drive up the Gold Rush Highway (CA State route 49, cute!) and then up over the mountains on 88), and visit the underground mines beneath the state historic museum there in town. The museum also has a wall sized mural of the rock cycle, and the best mineral collection I have ever seen in one place. After a day or two there (eat at Adele's, best restaurant I know of anywhere these days), do a day trip to Virginia City, clinging to a steep hill side of stripped out gold and silver mines, lots of touristy mining and gold rush/Mark Twain/historic train/American Indian/mineral stuff there. Then back down to Sutter's Fort, the Gold Rush Discovery Site near Sacramento. These are the best gold sites I know of. Of course, you have skipped the gorgeous Sierras, pretty much, and Lake Tahoe, too, both of which are around all these places. But you've been FOCUSSED, by gosh. And you know all about gold now, and quite a bit about the life and times of the gold rush. Thanks. Wow, love the itinerary and, yes, the focus =) Sounds like fun - especially the Columbia State Park! Perhaps combined with mountain stops... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 Thanks. Wow, love the itinerary and, yes, the focus =) Sounds like fun - especially the Columbia State Park! Perhaps combined with mountain stops... Well, my wedding reception WAS in the Gold Ballroom of the oldest classic hotel in San Francisco. :) I grew up going to Columbia every single year on the way to the annual vacation in the Sierras. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Familia Posted January 23, 2018 Author Share Posted January 23, 2018 (edited) Well, my wedding reception WAS in the Gold Ballroom of the oldest classic hotel in San Francisco. :) I grew up going to Columbia every single year on the way to the annual vacation in the Sierras. That is so interesting...and deserves its own topic! Edited January 23, 2018 by secretgarden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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