American Safari - Black Rock Desert

Duration:

Price: $

Dates:

Duration: 3 Days
Price: $1200
Dates: 4.27.201, 6.22.2012

Safari in the US in the unreal landscapes of the Black Rock Desert.

We take care of Everything: Bay Area Expeditions will take care of transportation to the trail head from the Bay Area, meals in the field and at camp, and high end camp and outdoors equipment (such as the teepee's we will stay in). Highly modified 4WD vehicles & trained off-road drivers will be provided for back country touring. Most importantly - we have expert guides on staff. All you have to bring is clothing.

On any given trip you may camp at an oasis or soak in natural hot springs. This region of the USA has natural wetlands, vast dry lake beds, abandoned ghost towns and a surprising abundance of flora and fauna. We commonly see pronghorn antelope, wild horses, chukars, birds of prey, cottontails, jackrabbits, coyote, bighorn sheep, and a vast variety of lizards while on these trips. Participants will tour vast expanses of uninhabited, undeveloped desert back-country. Day time activities will include touring the back country, seeing sites, optional survival classes, and time relaxing at the hot springs. There are trails all over the interior of the desert which have been long established by horses, wagons, and 4WD vehicles. Hikes take place early and late in the day in the warmer months -- like animals, its better to be diurnal and work when its cooler.

Education: Learn About the History of the Landscape: The Great Basin Desert also has a rich natural and human history. We'll teach the history of the region as we travel on segments of the Historic Pony Express and Immigrant Trails, and alongside stretches of the Pacific Railway. The names of everything in the western Nevada desert are a link to history - Fireball Ridge, Massacre Ranch, Soldier Meadows, and Nightingale mountains. We will tell you the stories of the people behind the names Truckee, Reno, Winnemucca, Washoe County, and recount the legendary history of the Paiute, settlers, California and Oregon Immigrant trail travelers, sliver miners, rail workers, Pony Express riders and even Basque sheep herders. From a natural history perspective this region of the world is fascinating.

Training: you will also receive basic desert expeditionary training, emphasizing logistics & planning, basic introduction to desert survival, as well as skills for dealing comfortably with the desert.

Details: Time of Departure: 8:00AM Departure Location: 525 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA American Safari Packing List Climate: Lows can be below 20* in early spring and Late Fall, and as high as the 90*s in summer. Clothing: Remember the phrase "cotton kills"! Cotton clothing is very heavy, micro abrasive on the skin, stays wet for long periods of time, and is cold when wet. Synthetic socks and underwear will help keep you from experiencing chafing and blisters on the trail. Synthetic, wool, and silk garments are very lightweight, pack down much smaller, dry fast, and are less abrasive than cotton garments. Remember, this trip is an overnight, so pack light. Including what you're wearing, we recommend bringing: - 2 pairs of pants (preferably long synthetic - like cargo hiking pants) - 3 shirts - 3-4 pairs of socks (wool is best) - 3-4 pairs of underwear - synthetic, silk, or wool long underwear - a light-weight fleece or soft shell jacket for layering - an insulated warmer down jacket for cold nights - a rain poncho - light hiking shoes to keep alkaline dust away from your feet - sun hats, knit caps, sunglasses, and gloves Supplemental Equipment If you already own it feel free to bring a camera, GPS, pocket knife or Leatherman tool, sunglasses, FRS radio, or compass. Medications Remember to bring any and all prescription or other medications you may need. If you have crucial medications bring a few extra days supply. Please note: We will supply Kifaru Teepee's to camp in for the group. Each will shelter 5-8 people. If you would like to rent a smaller private tipi for 1-2 people we have them available to rent, or feel free to bring your own 2-3 person tent.

Cancellation Information

Bay Area Expeditions reserves the right to cancel trips on short notice due to adverse weather conditions.

As we are a small business we must enforce a strict cancellation and no-show policy.

For cancellations occurring 14 days or more there is no cancellation fee, and you will be able to reschedule your trip or receive a refund.

Cancellations made within 14 days of scheduled arrival are subject to no refund.