Sierra Trails: Hiking with Spirit

3-day weekend

There are no dates currently scheduled.

"Oh, these vast, calm measureless mountain days... Days in whose light everything seems equally divine, opening a thousand windows to show us God."  - John Muir

This weekend you will be immersed in the majestic Sierra mountains, the "Range of Light" as John Muir called it, whose beauty so fully reflects God's presence. Hiking, nature awareness activities, and stories will inspire to you receive more fully the peace and joy that these mountains so freely offer.

You will enjoy two full days of hiking, guided by Ananda residents who have been hiking and exploring for years, and love to share the Sierra with other lovers of God's creation.

Arrive at The Expanding Light Thursday night to meet your guides.

Friday you'll visit a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, south from Donner Summit, an area laden with both cultural and natural history. We will top two separate peaks offering exquisite views of Donner Lake and the Northern Sierra. Beautiful views east into the Great Basin and west toward the Pacific Ocean emerge all along this ridge-top trail. Interesting geology, alpine flora, accessible peaks, cheerful sun, and crystalline air make this a delightful area to explore. The elevation is approximately 8,000 feet, with 1,200-foot elevation during the hike of 5 miles roundtrip. It's considered a moderate skill level.

Your leader on Friday, Sundara (Greg Traymar), is the U.S.A. director of Sharing Nature Worldwide. He will lead you in the inspirational nature activities of Joseph Cornell, used by outdoor educators and naturalists around the world.

Saturday’s hike will take you to the Lakes Basin area of Plumas National Forest, one of the most beautiful and lightly used areas in the Northern Sierra.  Myriad sparkling, jewel-like lakes (with swimming for the hardy), flowering meadows, waterfalls, towering Red and White Fir trees, and meandering trails offering new discoveries at every turn, are a few of the area's attractions. The towering Sierra Buttes will witness our efforts. The hike will be about 7 miles round trip with about a 900-foot elevation gain. It’s considered a moderate/strenuous hike. There will also be an opportunity for an added invigorating climb to the top of Mt. Elwell, with views of the whole basin and beyond.

Your leader on Saturday, Sudarshan Simpson, long-time Ananda member and minister, is well known and loved for his attunement to the natural world and his ability to draw others into deeply meaningful and life-transforming experiences of communing with nature.
   
Sunday you can enjoy your final day at The Expanding Light for Ananda’s community Sunday Service.

(Since this entire program is about hiking over hilly and rocky trails, participants need to be in good physical condition. If you are uncertain about your fitness for the hike, please phone Sundara at 800-346-5350. If you sign up and we don’t feel confident about your safety, you may not be able to go with us on the outings.)

Come and experience the beauty of the Sierra and fill your soul with God’s beauty.

(Register early so we can send you a list of what to bring for your day hikes.)