Sports Activities

BRING YOUR OWN GEAR. (If you need to rent gear I can help you; call before.) ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ARE FREE IF YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE GOING ON YOUR OWN. I'LL GIVE YOU DETAILED MAPS AND DIRECTIONS.

Cross-country ski lesson/guide -- In 26 miles we go from 1,000 ft. to 7,000 feet winding up the Tule River canyon, traveling through the foothill ecosystem into the pines, until finally we glimpse the high county. We ski for an hour or so to lunch at Dome Rock over looking the Kern River Basin with views of Mt Whitney, Olancha and Mineral King. Then we ski back to the lodge for hot chocolate or a drink before returning home. 5-6 hours $150.00 (2-4 people $200 total)

Back country guide -- If you know how to down hill ski and or cross country ski and want to try climbing some mountains I can either send you off with a map or take you out into the wilderness to practice telemark turns. 4-8 hours $150.00 (2-4 people $200 total)

Here we are at the top of Dome Rock, a little more than an hour's ski from the lodge. In the summer we can drive here, hike to the bottom and climb back up. In the distance you can see the Needles -- a 3 mile hike forboth beautiful views and some really challenging climbs!In addition to being able to see the Needles and Olancha (above), from the top of Dome Rock you can see much of the Kern River Canyon.

Introduction to rock climbing -- If you would like to see what real climbing is like we can take a ten minute walk behind the house to a 20 ft boulder which we have set up with a rope. You will learn to trust the gear, trust your leader, trust your shoes, and trust your body. For many this quick experience is enough to provide metaphors for the next few months. About 1 hour $35. If you really like climbing we can go up the road (see cross-country ski description) for a 4 pitch climb of about 400 ft. If you made it up the boulder, your body can do this; your mind will appreciate the workout. 3 1/2 -- 6 hours $150.

Country road cycling -- Springville is the best. Again, with or without support there are several great rides. There is a rolling 12 mile loop, a 16 mile ride up hill to a pond (up/down) with a view of the High Sierra; you can ride up the Tule River canyon as long as you like viewing countless waterfalls, yuccas, and huge granite boulders; and there is a 60 mile loop through the foothills to the valley (we can give you a cell phone; in case you lose interest we can come get you). If you just want an easy time we can shuttle you up the road and you can have an exhilarating ride down hill. $25 and up Hiking -- depending on the time of the year we/you can hike from the house (straight up) to several different view points; 1 -- 5 hours. $25 and up. There is a maintained 2 mile path along the Tule River (in the Sequoia National Monument), about a 10 minute drive from the house. $25 and up. The Land of a Thousand Giants (giant sequoias) is about an hour up the road. If you haven't seen these huge trees you should make time. This site is much better than in Sequoia Park because there are rarely any people. 3 hours. $75.

Horseback riding -- I don't have horses anymore, but you can do arena riding or trail rides at my friend's ranch up the road.

River Rafting -- available in Kernville (2 hours away) -- something you might plan to do before or after your stay; there are many rafting outfitters.

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