

NATIONAL PARKS
AMERICA'S TREASURES
A 18-Day Immersive Adventure






National Parks

Program Details
Dates: | Paused for 2023 |
Duration: | 18 days |
Tuition: | $4,495 |
Arrive: | Las Vegas, NV |
Depart: | San Francisco, CA |
Grade: | 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th (Students Grouped According to Age) |
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Program Highlights
- Immerse Yourself in the National Park System While Learning From Environmental Professionals and Experts
- Hike the Legendary Narrows of Zion and Explore Ancient Towering Groves in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
- Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge and Laugh at Sea Lions Playing at San Francisco’s Famous Fisherman’s Wharf
- Whitewater Raft Through the Southern Sierra’s Exhilarating Rapids on the Kern River
- Challenge Yourself to Climb to New Heights While Learning to Rock Climb on Yosemite’s Famous Granite Cliffs
- Explore the Salt Flats of Death Valley and Meander in the Serene Meadows of Yosemite National Park
- Partner with Rangers to Protect Vital Ecosystems in Protected Areas
- Learn to Surf along the Scenic Coastline of California’s Stinson Beach
Spotlight Project
Discovering America’s Treasures
The National Park System was first established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, and has since been described as “America’s Best Idea.” These National heirlooms showcase the incredible diversity of our great nation and stand to protect natural landscapes that have inspired visitors for generations. From the deep red rock canyons of Zion to the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite, embark on the adventure of a lifetime to experience why these iconic places are such an important part of American heritage. Partnering with the National Park Service we work hand-in-hand with Rangers on cutting-edge projects designed to monitor park resources, educate visitors, and protect vital landscapes. While exploring five different and unique National Parks across the West, we learn from scholars and experts in the field who provide historical context, and help us ensure that these treasures can be experienced for years to come!
Program Overview
Pack your camera and sense of adventure as we embark on the road trip of a lifetime and explore five iconic National Parks scattered across the American West. Navigate the narrow corridors of Zion’s famed slot canyons and walk the famous “Narrows.” Discover fiery landscapes when visiting the Valley of Fire and the famous Lake Mead. Race across the salt flats of Death Valley’s Badwater Basin. Walk among giants in Sequoia’s legendary groves. Witness the might of Yosemite Valley during a sunset dinner at glacier point. Meet Park Rangers and experts dedicating their lives to bettering the park system. Volunteer on vital projects that protect sensitive habitats for future generations. Whitewater raft on the Kern River and surf the smooth-rolling breaks of Stinson Beach. Experience what makes San Francisco one of the most iconic cities in the world by navigating the steep picturesque streets and walking across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Photo Gallery
Program Details
Exploring the National Park System
Our 18-day focus program takes us across some of the most serene National Parks of the west. Along the way, we meet up with rangers and park employees who help explain the important role our National Park System plays in preserving some of America’s most iconic landscapes. Over the course of our journey together we immerse ourselves in five distinct locations: Zion, Death Valley, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Park. In each location, we discover what links these places together while also identifying what makes them different and unique. Our travel takes us on hikes past towering waterfalls, through clear cool rivers, and underneath giant trees to remind us how small we are in these natural wonderlands. Through our ongoing exploration, we make memories with the Rangers, conservation experts, and each other to build a deeper appreciation for our national heirlooms.
Raft, Climb, and Surf Epic Landscapes
Throughout our journey, we challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zone as we experience some of the best adventure activities throughout the West! We race down the rapids of the famous Kern River on a whitewater raft; splashing and laughing our way through playful waves and taking leisurely dips while soaking in the beauty of this region. In Yosemite, we follow the footsteps of outdoor legends like Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell by trying our hand at rock climbing with the Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides. With careful instruction from our guides, we learn how to tie important climbing knots and scale rock faces like a pro. In the Bay Area, we take to the ocean as we learn to ride the gentle rolling waves of Stinson Beach. Our surf instructors help us catch multiple sets as we encourage our peers to hang ten and share a laugh as they tumble into the break!
A Road Trip of Epic Porptions
Imagine packing everything you need into a van and setting off on an adventure with a group of your closest friends! Our expedition will take us from the red rock canyons of Zion to the bustling beauty of San Francisco, allowing us to sample some of the best destinations the West Coast has to offer. In addition to the incredible adventures we have planned throughout California, Nevada, and Utah, your van will become a traveling home, enabling you to take full advantage of your experience. Side trips to crystal clear lakes, unique sand dunes, incredible mountain vistas, picturesque swimming holes, and local eateries are guaranteed to add excitement to our adventure as we navigate our way to the Pacific’s stunning coast. Becoming a member of our traveling family, you will help chart the course from destination to destination sharing in both the planning and excitement as you truly help make this trip your own!
Giving Back to Our Most Treasured Landscapes
Our National Parks open their doors to millions of visitors each year, many of these visitors flocking to the same few locations within the park, often missing many of the true gems during their visit. Over the years, we have found the best way to gain insider access to our National Parks is through community service. Every year Rangers and Park Officials design impactful projects that engage volunteers to help protect and refurbish different aspects of the park giving us exclusive access. Whether we are monitoring giant sequoias, repairing trails, removing graffiti, or restoring sensitive meadows, our work here is incredibly valuable for future visitors. While engaged in these fascinating places we also have the chance to participate in a Q&A session with Park Rangers and conservation experts to learn more about their daily life, and sometimes wild experiences caring for the Parks.
Common Questions
Where do we sleep?
You will sleep in tents in National Parks, State Parks and beautiful private campsites. All campgrounds are “front-country,” meaning you will be close to the group van at every site. All campgrounds have restroom facilities and running water for cooking, washing hands, etc. Many campgrounds have showers on-site as well. You will sleep in groups of 3-4 in tents supplied by ARCC.
How will we travel?
Each group will travel together, with their two leaders, in a 15-passenger van. If you would like to bring music for these rides, feel free to bring a music player or CDs. If you bring an iPod or MP3 player, make sure to bring a radio adapter, as most of our vans do not have a MP3 jack. In San Francisco and Las Vegas, we use public transportation and our own feet to see the sights.
What is the food like?
The group will work together to create each menu and prepare the meals throughout the duration of this trip, with occasional meals out on travel days and for our Final Feast!
Vegetarians and medical dietary requirements (i.e. allergies) are catered for. It does help if we are informed of this prior to the departure date.
What are the service projects like?
ARCC has been operating programs in the U.S. for nearly four decades, and we have built relationships with a variety of individuals, small communities and organizations who enjoy hosting ARCC student groups. On this program, we will partner with National Park Rangers and local non-profits to help conserve the natural habitat across three different parks.
Do I need some sort of ID to travel?
If you are traveling from somewhere in the United States and are under the age of 18, airlines do not require photo identification. It is a good idea to travel with a picture I.D. if possible, but it is not necessary to bring a passport. A school identification card with your photo on it is best, but a library card or credit card with your name on it is also helpful. If you are traveling to the U.S. from somewhere outside of the United States, you will need to bring your valid passport.
How much spending money should I bring?
We suggest bringing spending money of roughly $75/week. Most cash should come home, but you will want some personal money to pay for airline baggage fees at the airport, souvenirs/gifts, laundry, extra snacks and emergencies (lost items, clinic visit, etc.). A small amount of cash and ATM cards usually work best.
Do I really need to bring a backpack, or can I bring a rolling suitcase on this program?
Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this trip, it is important that you bring a backpack or duffel as your main piece of luggage. During the trip the group will be navigating through airports, getting on and off buses, going up and down stairways and escalators and taking short walks. The group will be able to move much more efficiently if everyone is able to carry their luggage.
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19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, OR 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC
Contact Us
19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, Oregon 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC