What Is Elderhostel?

Elderhostel is America’s first and the world’s largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and over. It is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing extraordinary learning adventures for nearly 250,000 older adults each year at exceptional values. Elderhostel believes learning is a lifelong pursuit that opens minds and enriches lives. They believe sharing new ideas, challenges, and experiences is rewarding in every season of life. The participants come from every walk of life to learn together, to exchange ideas, and to explore the world. Lost Valley Pack Station's High Sierra Elderhostel is just one of the many programs Elderhostel has to offer. Elderhostel offers over 10,000 programs a year in more than 100 countries. To decide for yourself whether our Elderhostel program is right for you, read Lost Valley Pack Station's program description or take a look at the Elderhostel Slide Show.

All Inclusive Program

Unlike tourist, travel, or commercial tours, Elderhostel programs are all inclusive. There are no hidden expenses. In addition to accommodations, we include all meals, lectures, field trips, cultural excursions, gratuities, and medical or insurance coverage. We provide high quality experiences with a high level of service at an extraordinary value.

A Rewarding Experience

Our expert instructors, experienced group leaders, guest speakers, and helpful staff create extraordinary experiences by sharing stimulating information, leading fascinating field trips, and by taking care of all the details. As a result, this program both excites your mind and enriches your life while we take care of all the details. There are no worries. There are no grades or tests. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning, discovery, and interaction with new and exciting people are lifelong activities.

Lost Valley Pack Station - High Sierra Elderhostel
Elderhostel ID: " A High Sierra Wilderness Adventure"
Program: #4808RJ
Register Online Here!

2008 Program Description:

(7/12/2009 - 7/17/2009 or 7/26/2009 - 7/31/2009)
Stand on top of the world and smell the wildflowers at 7,800 feet halfway between Yosemite and Mt. Whitney, 90 miles NE of Fresno in central California. This wilderness program base camp is in Blayney Meadows on the south fork of the San Joaquin River, surrounded by lodge-pole and Jeffrey pines. Lost Valley Pack Station, run by the Ross Family since 1932, arranges the packing in of all equipment and gear, including yours. Drive in 14 miles on a narrow mountain road, take Florence Lake Ferry (provided), then hike in 4 miles over some rough mountain terrain with a guide to reach the camp. Group activities vary year to year but some examples would be: natural history, botany, geology, "yoga", arts and crafts, lumber milling, guided hikes and fishing trips, etc. Although most hostelers choose to participate in guided hikes and organized activities, many appreciate the opportunity to simply relax and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the High Sierra wilderness. Every effort is made by our staff to accommodate the varied interests of our hostelers, such as fishing, visiting our local hot springs and lakes, star hikes and early morning yoga. Staff members are on call 24 hours for guidance and advice.

Program Provisions:

• Spacious tents and foam mattresses.
• Clean outhouses and a rustic bathhouse with wood fueled hot showers (great after hiking).
• Delicious home cooked meals and snacks prepared daily.
  

Important Elderhostel Resources:

• High Sierra/Lost Valley Elderhostel Registration
• Elderhostel Discussion Forums
• Elderhostel Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews:

"I encourage anyone who enjoys the Sierra Mountains to sign up for the Lost Valley Elderhostel. Not only were the Ross family and staff welcoming, but they also fed us well (wonderful breakfasts, thoughtful toward vegetarians). This is luxury backcountry camping (hot shower and foam pads to sleep on). Even problems encountered were delt with effectively and with good humor (the zippers). Classes were fascinating; Company was elavating; Campfires were entertaining. Several participants with more Elderhostel experience than I mentioned that this was one of the best Elderhostels they had attended." Meg Stockwell - Berkeley, CA "We're anxiously awaiting the summer EH catalog to see if the Ross's are offering their High Sierra program in 2003. If so, we'll hope to sign up. We so enjoyed the program in 2001, finding the site typically High Sierra and the Ross's and their gang so friendly and helpul." Kent and Lois Gill - Camp Sherman, OR