2016 Mountain Travel Sobek - Alaska and North America Brochure by Mountain Travel Sobek

The Original Adventure Travel Company Since 1969

Alaska & North America Scheduled Small Group Adventures, Private Itineraries & Custom Journeys

Mountain Travel Sobek 2016

NEW Another MTS Milestone! Be part of the first ever US-led trip to Chad. See page 27.

Explore North America with MTS Mammoth in scale, rich in living history, and home to some of the Earth’s greatest wildlife, North America stands as one of the world’s most compelling travel experiences. From Denali’s icy peak to the weathered hoodoos of the Southwest, North America hosts many of the planet’s most iconic and natural treasures. MTS has been exploring the United States and Canada since co-founder Allen Steck led groups to Yosemite in the 1960s. Nearly 50 years later, we continue to offer epic adventures in our own back yard—including the John Muir Trail, a new trip through Utah’s Canyon Country, and the ever-popular Alaska Wildlife Explorer! So join MTS as you rediscover the magic of North America.

Adventure

Traveling with Mountain Travel Sobek made me feel like a kid again. All you have to do is pack your clothes and get in the car and your “parents” take care of everything!

MTS

Week

Seeking adventure but short on time? We’re excited to announce our new series of shorter trips that can be done in 7 days or less! More than just the highlights, these carefully crafted escapes combine classic sites with cultural and off-the-beaten-path adventure, giving you a real MTS experience. We have nine incredible Adventure Week trips in North America, including Alaska’s Glacier Bay, the Middle Fork of the Salmon

~ Mary Janeway

River, National Parks of the Southwest, Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, and much more. As we like to say, you can fit your dream into your life!

The North America Experts Over the past 45 years, we’ve earned our rank as “Top 5 Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” from National Geographic Adventure by striving to create unique active adventures, and our North American trips have been featured in many publications, from Outside magazine to Men’s Journal. We’ve solidified long-term

Photos on this spread ©Chad Case/MTS, Kevin Corcoran, MTS Photo File

relationships with the best local guides in the business and, in 2000, we acquired Alaska Discovery—the oldest and largest wilderness company in Alaska. Our history in Alaska and our commitment to tread lightly enables us to obtain special permits for remote wildlife hotspots, such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Your Source for Adventure Alaska Wildlife Explorer..................4 Alaska By Water, Land & Air.......... 5 Glacier Bay Historic Ship Adventure.....................................6 Glacier Bay Kayaking & Wildlife Adventure....................... 7 Denali: The Great One.................... 8 Alaska Your Way: Custom Trips....9 Rafting & Hiking the Alsek River.................................. 10 Rafting the Tatshenshini River......11 Rivers of Alaska’s Far North....12–13 Middle F0rk of the Salmon River Adventure....................14–15 Heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies....................................... 16 John Muir Trail Northbound to Yosemite National Park........17 John Muir Trail Southbound to Mount Whitney......................17 America’s National Parks....... 18–19 Utah’s Canyon Country................20 National Parks of the Southwest...................................21 Arizona’s Sonoran Desert.............21

and Glacier Bay.

What You Need to Know........ 22–23 North America Program Director, Danilo Bonilla, was born and raised in Costa Rica and began guiding for MTS in 1995. He loves exploring Alaska and the National Parks of America’s southwest and, as former captain of the Costa Rica National Rafting Team,

MTS is a Preferred Travel Outfitter For

has barreled down over 20 of the world’s most famous whitewater rafting rivers—including The Colorado in the Grand Canyon, the Zambezi in Africa, Chile’s Futaleufú, and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho! Join Danilo on a special rafting adventure on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in 2016. Call 1-888-MTSOBEK for details.

EU A L RAOS PKEA & NORTH AMERICA

ALASKA & NORTH AMERICA

Glacier Bay National Park

CANADA JUNEAU

Gustavus

Gustavus Chichagof Island

JUNEAU Hoonah

ALASK A ALASK A Wrangell Land/Sea Travel Air Travel

Land/Sea Travel Air Travel

Activities Hiking, wildlife viewing, boat tour

Activities Wildlife viewing, hiking, glacier hiking, kayaking

Trip Level Easy

Trip Level Moderate

Lodging Lodges

Lodging Lodges, comfortable camping

7-Day Trip Departs Jul, Aug Land Cost From $4,295

Adventure

MTS

ALASKA | ADVENTURE WEEK

Alaska Wildlife Explorer • Experience the most untamed region of Alaska, the wild Southeast, by chartered plane and boat • Enjoy up-close wildlife sightings including black and brown bears, rare seabirds, and 40-ton humpback whales • Explore remote areas only accessible by foot while taking in the landscapes of forests, glaciers, and mountains Southeast Alaska offers some of the world’s largest protected wildlife habitats in the world. Visit Glacier Bay National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to majestic humpback whales and abundant marine wildlife, and Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate forest in the United States and home to the country’s largest population of coastal brown bears! Taking it all in by foot, boat, and charter planes, you’ll experience the Southeast’s whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, unusual sea birds, and bears amid a spectacular backdrop of glaciers, icebergs, and thick carpets of wildflowers. Perfect for amateur photographers and families, our Southeast wildlife adventure will leave you in awe! FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code INN in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

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Adventure

MTS

Week ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Day 1: Arrive in the frontier town of Juneau, the capital of Alaska. You’ll meet your guide at our hotel in the center of Juneau’s historic district for an orientation and welcome dinner. Juneau’s small town charm and frontier spirit offers a great introduction to southeast Alaska! Day 2: Set out to hike the trails of the Tongass, our country’s largest national forest, experiencing the power and beauty of this incredible rainforest. This afternoon we’ll take a small charter plane to the charming bush town of Gustavus. Day 3: After breakfast we’ll head to Glacier Bay National Park, where we’ll board a high-speed catamaran. The park ranger on board will educate us about the geological wonders around us. This afternoon we’ll return to Gustavus for a relaxing evening. Day 4: We’ll spend today in search of humpback whales at Point Adolphus, the best place in North America to observe these majestic, endangered

Photo ©Rowena Pelayo

creatures. Protected Chichagof Island is a paradise for marine mammals and bald eagles…as well as photographers! Day 5: We’re off to explore Alaska’s Anan Bear Observatory, one of the best places on Earth to watch bears. The salmon draws the bears from miles to feed, making this an unusual convergence of coastal brown bears and black bears, both of whom are typically solitary creatures. Day 6: This morning we’ll fly back to Juneau, board a tram, and ride into the mountains. Our hike begins at treeline and quickly ascends into high alpine meadows strewn with colorful wildflowers and offering magnificent views of the fjords below. Our farewell dinner is in Juneau tonight. Day 7: Today you are free to depart from Juneau at any time. If you’re not in a rush, we recommend exploring town for an extra day or stopping in Sitka for a few nights on your way home.

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7-Day Trip Departs Jun–Aug

Week

ALASKA | ADVENTURE WEEK

Alaska by Water, Land & Air • Take in the best sites of Southeast Alaska by catamaran, kayak, tram, helicopter, foot, and plane! • Enjoy two nights camping on the shores of Chichagof Island, home to incredible wildlife • Take a thrilling helicopter ride, land on a glacier, strap on your crampons, and hike on its icy surface We set our anchor in Southeast Alaska in 1972, and we haven’t left since. Set amid glaciers, mountains, and fjords, Alaska offers the finest wildlife viewing in North America, bar none. Our newest itinerary in the Southeast features Glacier Bay National Park, where you’ll learn about the area’s complex geology, visit a traditional Tlingit community, and observe incredible marine wildlife including resident humpback whales. Best of all, relish diverse ways of seeing this special place: Cruise aboard a high-speed catamaran, kayak the shores of Chichagof Island, enjoy a scenic plane ride above the park, ride a tram to the top of a mountain, and take a thrilling helicopter ride to hike on top of a glacier. Talk about a getaway! FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code WLA in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

Land Cost From $4,295

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Day 1: Take a scenic flight to the sleepy bush town of Gustavus, Alaska, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. You’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers at one of our favorite lodges for orientation and a welcome dinner. Day 2: Today we’ll enjoy a full-day catamaran cruise into the farthest reaches of Glacier Bay National Park, the densest convergence of tidewater glaciers in the world! Our park ranger will explain the complex geology of this fantastic landscape. Day 3: A visit to Hoonah awaits! Hoonah is the home of the indigenous Tlingit community. Here we’ll learn about Tlingit life and customs, and see how they have adapted to the modern world. Tonight we’ll boat to our private camp on Chichagof Island. Day 4: Today we’ll board sea kayaks and get up close to some of the incredible marine life that lives off the shores of Chichagof Island. Be prepared to see humpback

Photo ©Yasushi Tanikado

whales, sea lions, otters, seals, and beautiful birds! Tonight we’ll camp again in style. Day 5: We’ll kayak along the shore this morning to meet our charter boat back to Gustavus for lunch. Later we’ll take a scenic flight over the mountains and fjords. We’ll then head back to Juneau, arriving in time for a tram ride and alpine hike. Day 6: This morning we’ll spend some time learning the proper use of mountaineering gear before boarding helicopters that land us right on a glacier! We’ll hike on the glacier for a few hours while getting to know the environment. Have your camera handy! Our farewell dinner is back in Juneau. Day 7: Today you are free to depart Juneau at any time. If you’re not in a rush, we recommend exploring the town for an extra day or stopping in Sitka for a few nights on your way home.

FOR DETAILS, ITINERARIES, AND MORE VISIT WWW.MTSOBEK.COM

ALASKA & NORTH AMERICA

ALASKA & NORTH AMERICA Glacier Bay National Park

Reid Glacier

CANADA

Muir Inlet Gustavus

Glacier Bay National Park

Fingers Bay

Gustavus JUNEAU

Point Adolphus

JUNEAU

ALASK A

Land/Sea Travel Air Travel

Land/Sea Travel

Activities Kayaking, wildlife viewing, beach walking

Activities Kayaking, hiking, beach walking, wildlife viewing

Trip Level Easy

Trip Level Moderate

Lodging Expedition yacht

Lodging Backcountry camping, lodges

6-Day Trip Departs May–Aug Land Cost From $4,200

Adventure

MTS

ALASKA | ADVENTURE WEEK

Glacier Bay Historic Ship Adventure • Enjoy a unique, intimate, and completely personalized view of Glacier Bay • Cruise past glaciers, uninhabited coves, and fjords aboard our fully refurbished and customized historic WWII ship • Kayak and hike through remote wilderness only accessible by boat, looking for bears, moose, and whales Channel the spirit of the first explorers on this intimate, one-of-akind Glacier Bay adventure. Sailing aboard a small, beautifully refurbished historic ship, you’ll cruise through peaceful coves and chiseled fjords of awe-inspiring grandeur. As you kayak along the cliffs and hike alongside sparkling glaciers, you’ll enjoy some of the world’s best wildlife viewing, from black bears and humpback whales, to a huge variety of birdlife. MTS pioneered kayaking in these waters in the 1970s, and our seasoned guides and captain provide a superior experience because they know where wildlife is most active. Come aboard for your very own Alaska expedition (you may even be tempted to charter all six of the ship’s staterooms!). FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code AKB in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

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8-Day Trip Departs Jul, Aug

Week

Land Cost From $3,895

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Day 1: Board the ship at Bartlett Cove and enter Glacier Bay National Park. Cruise up to Geikie Inlet for your first kayak paddle. Watch for black bears and wolverines as you explore this waterfall-laden fjord. Continue on to your evening anchorage at Reid Glacier. Day 2: This morning we hike down the beach to the face of Reid Glacier, where you’ll learn about glaciers and geology as you hunt for otherworldly ice worms. On your walk back, watch for arctic terns, ptarmigan, and other shore- and seabirds. Next, it’s on to Tarr Inlet, where the Grand Pacific and Marjorie Glaciers cascade into the water. Paddle along the sheer cliff, home to nesting kittiwakes and puffins, and watch from a safe distance as Marjorie Glacier calves. Day 3: Spend the morning wildlife watching along the cliffs of Composite Island and hike up Gloomy Knob for amazing views of Glacier Bay. After lunch, we enjoy a

Photo ©Laura M. Parent

ALASKA paddle in Sebree Cove to a beach where bears are often seen. Day 4: This morning you’ll visit Muir Inlet, the spectacular east arm of Glacier Bay. Hike near McBride Glacier and paddle up to Riggs Glacier, keeping eyes open for bears, wolves, and moose. Day 5: Begin with a morning kayak at wildlife-rich North Sandy Cove. Paddle to Puffin Island to observe the vertical intertidal zone, home to sponges, sea urchins, and countless other species. Later, head to South Marble Island to view a large haul out of Steller sea lions. Then cruise to Fingers Bay for one last kayak paddle while keeping a lookout for sea otters and their young. Day 6: Enjoy a morning of watching humpback whales at Icy Strait. This afternoon we dock at Bartlett Cove, where a taxi will take you to the airport for your flight to Juneau.

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Glacier Bay Kayaking & Wildlife Adventure • Take a one-of-a-kind journey through Glacier Bay National Park with Alaska’s wildlife experts • Observe whales and porpoises at Point Adolphus, a worldrenowned humpback feeding ground • Paddle among icebergs and marvel at the size of whales and glaciers up close with the first company to have permits to kayak Glacier Bay Southeast Alaska’s beauty is the stuff of legends: massive glaciers, towering peaks, shimmering icebergs, and incredible, world-class wildlife viewing. This one-of-a-kind adventure allows you to take in Alaska’s splendor by kayak on a pair of two-night camping expeditions based out of the bush town of Gustavus—gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. Our seasoned guides will tell you all there is to know about the whales, sea otters, and rare birds of Point Adolphus before bringing you to the remote upper-west arm of Glacier Bay, where the sheer scale of the landscape quickly puts size into perspective. Our rare permits in the park allow you an up-close and personal experience with nature as you’ve never had before! FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code UEX in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Day 1: Arrive in the charming town of Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, via a beautiful and scenic bush plane flight. We’ll check in to our cozy lodge, where we’ll have a pre-trip meeting and welcome dinner. Take advantage of the extended daylight to explore the beach and meadows after dinner. Days 2–3: Today we’ll take a charter boat across Icy Strait to the whalefeeding grounds off Point Adolphus on Chichagof Island. We’ll set up camp for two nights and begin our leisurely paddling exploration along the shore. Kayaking the waters along Chichagof Island is one of the best ways to experience Alaska’s Inside Passage. We’ll keep our eyes out for whales, sea lions, otters, seals, bald eagles, loons, and other wildlife, stopping on shore to go beachcombing or hike the island’s rich forests. Enjoy hearty camp dinners cooked by your guides. Day 4: After breakfast we’ll break down camp and kayak along the shore to meet our charter boat

Photo ©Keith Gunnar

for our trip back to Gustavus. This afternoon we’ll freshen up and explore town before dining at a favorite local restaurant. Days 5–6: In the morning we’ll take a spectacular scenic cruise into Glacier Bay, a journey through geologic time. Then, switching to sea kayaks, we’ll set off for our twoday kayaking expedition, paddling at a leisurely pace. We’ll have plenty of time to take photographs and feast our eyes on tremendous glaciers, electric blue icebergs, magnificent mountains, countless wildflowers, seals, and Alaska’s great birds. Day 7: Today we’ll return by boat to Gustavus and check back into our lodge. You can go for a stroll, take a bike ride, or just sit back and relax before our farewell dinner. Day 8: We’ll have time for an easy morning hike around Gustavus for one last chance to marvel at the majestic beauty. At noon we’ll board an air taxi to Juneau to connect with homeward-bound flights.

FOR DETAILS, ITINERARIES, AND MORE VISIT WWW.MTSOBEK.COM

EU A L RAOS PKEA & NORTH AMERICA

ALASKA & NORTH AMERICA

Fairbanks Mount McKinley

Denali National Park

ALASK A Anchorage

Alaska Your Way

Land/Sea Travel

Activities Hiking, wildlife viewing, natural history Trip Level Easy to Moderate Lodging Lodges 6-Day Trip Departs Jun–Aug Land Cost From $2,895

Adventure

MTS

ALASKA | ADVENTURE WEEK

NEW Denali: The Great One • Ride the famous Alaska Railroad, from the history-rich gold-rush city of Fairbanks into the rugged mountains of Denali’s Alaska Range, on this tailor-made 6-day adventure • View the grand slam of Alaskan wildlife—grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and dall sheep—within a 6-million-acre wilderness • Enjoy charmingly rustic lodging inside Denali National Park, where fewer than 5% of all visitors stay Six million acres of untamed wilderness, 39 documented species of mammals, 169 species of birds, 14 species of fish, more than 650 flowering plant species and North America’s tallest mountain, Mount McKinley. This is Denali National Park, where bears, wolves, moose, and hundreds of other wild animal species roam freely, where the taiga forest gives way to high alpine tundra, and where your next adventure awaits. From riding the legendary Alaska Railroad to getting up close and personal with Denali’s natural offerings to enjoying the peace and tranquility from your lodge nestled deep within the park, MTS offers an insider look at Alaska on this great escape that ticks all the boxes. FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code QDN in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

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It’s Easy to Customize Your Perfect Adventure

Week ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Note: This is a self-guided itinerary. Day 1: Arrive in Fairbanks, “The Golden Heart City,” and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic downtown river walk, visiting the highly acclaimed Museum of the North, or taking a river cruise to learn about the original highways of Alaska—an amazing 4,000 miles of river systems that connected native and mining communities. Day 2: All aboard the Alaska Railroad bound for the roof of the continent! Take in the epic scenery as you ride the rails before connecting with the Denali tour bus. You’ll journey down the only road that enters this breathtaking wilderness and hear from an expert naturalist, who will explain the unique features of Denali National Park along the way. Frequent stops along this scenic drive allow you to view wildlife, including moose, caribou, dall sheep, and grizzly bears!

Photo ©Hugh Rose/DanitaDelimont.com

Park, an assortment of activities will be available to you each day, such as guided hikes, wildlife and nature photography, sightseeing, and flightseeing (aerial tours). Your days will be full of adventure, and delicious meals will fuel you throughout your stay. Day 5: You’ll spend the morning on the Denali Road looking for wildlife and taking in the scenery as you make your return to the Denali Depot. Take in the beautiful Alaskan landscape from the upper-level dome or outdoor viewing deck as the train snakes its way over the Continental Divide and follows enormous rivers down to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Enjoy lunch and dinner aboard the train.

Bigger than many realize, it’s hard to know where to start and how

• Watch for iconic wildlife in Denali National Park

to see all the best that Alaska has to offer. And with 50% of all our national park land and 80% of our nation’s wildlife refuges, there is

• Fly over Alaska’s majestic mountains for a bird’s eye view of ancient ice fields

no shortage of adventure to be had in Alaska! Seeing this one, vast

• Paddle next to endangered humpback whales

state is like visiting a whole country in and of itself. With its own

• Charter a small ship for a private voyage in Glacier Bay

flora and fauna, native culture, and pristine environment, Alaska has become one of the world’s “must see” places. Roads are few here,

• Raft down remote rivers in the vast wilderness of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

and chartering small planes and ships to get you to Alaska’s remote

• Find the best spots to watch bears fishing for salmon

wonders has become our expertise. Our guides have field tested our itineraries to find the best places to kayak with humpback whales,

• Enjoy a day excursion in Kenai Fjords and experience Alaska’s rich marine life

view grizzly bears in the wild, and watch enormous glaciers calve

• Learn to fish for world-class salmon and halibut

into the ocean. And the best part is, we can custom craft an ideal

• Take over a wilderness lodge for a truly unforgettable family reunion

journey tailored to your exact specifications!

• Hike with crampons on an otherworldly blue ice glacier • Discover the living wealth of Alaska’s native cultures

Contact Our Expert John Baston ~ Special Operations for Alaska A naturalist, former National Park ranger, and veteran MTS

Day 6: Before departing for home, take some time to explore the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, or the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, or begin an exploration of the Kenai Peninsula.

Alaska and American Southwest guide, John brings an incredible hands-on perspective to designing custom Alaska & North America adventures. The wilderness is where John feels most at home, having worked for the National Park Service in Glacier Bay, Yosemite, Mount Rainier, Kenai Fjords, Point Reyes, and Golden Gate National Parks. John’s deftly crafted trips will inspire you to experience Alaska and the rest of North

Days 3–4: Just outside your tranquil lodge deep within Denali National

Call about Private Departures & Custom Trips!

Need Ideas?

America with renewed wonder. Contact John at jbaston@mtsobek.com. Photos, top to bottom ©Keith Thompson, John Baston

FOR DETAILS, ITINERARIES, AND MORE VISIT WWW.MTSOBEK.COM

EU A L RAOS PKEA & NORTH AMERICA

ALASKA & NORTH AMERICA

Haines Junction Alsek River

CANADA

Dalton Post

CANADA

Tatshenshini River Yakutat Yakutat

Dry Bay

ALASK A

Land/Sea Travel Air Travel

Activities Rafting (Class II/III and one Class IV rapid), hiking, wildlife viewing

Activities Rafting (Class II/III rapids), hiking, wildlife viewing

Trip Level Moderate to Strenuous

Lodging Camping

Trip Level Moderate

Lodging Camping

10-Day Trip Departs Jun–Aug

13-Day Trip Departs Jun–Aug

Land Cost From $3,995

Land Cost From $ 4,395

ALASKA, CANADA

Rafting & Hiking the Alsek River • An exciting expedition praised by both National Geographic Adventure and Men’s Journal • Raft on the Alsek River through one of the largest protected wilderness areas in the world • Take an exciting helicopter ride above Turnback Canyon and enjoy optional day hikes in search of wildlife There is nothing like rafting down the Alsek River to get the adrenaline pumping! Starting in Canada’s Yukon Territory, you’ll ride Class II to Class IV rapids through one of the largest areas of protected wilderness in the world, rolling past large bedrock islands, deep canyon gorges, calving glaciers, and icebergs of mammoth proportions. Along the way you’ll stop for day hikes, enjoy the respite of slower waters, and keep your eyes out for riparian wildlife. During your helicopter transfer over the thunderous Turnback Canyon you’ll have a chance to see all that you have accomplished. Come experience for yourself why our expedition down the Alsek is continually lauded as one of the most epic river trips in the world. FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code ALK in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

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ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Day 1: Arrive in Haines, Alaska with time to freshen up before our pre-trip meeting at the charming Victorianera Hotel Halsingland. Day 2: This morning we’ll drive up the Chilkat River Valley, crossing into British Columbia in Canada’s Yukon Territory. After lunch we’ll put our rafts in on the Dezadeash River, heading towards the confluence with the Alsek River. Days 3–5: For the next few days we’ll raft through Class II rapids, passing large bedrock islands. We’ll camp near Lowell Glacier to see awesome icebergs, mountain goats, and wildflower-filled meadows. Day 6: The snout of the Lowell Glacier is surreal as large icebergs calve off and float down the river. The Alsek picks up speed dramatically here, passing through narrow canyons. By afternoon we’ll encounter thrilling whitewater! Days 7–9: Over the next few days we’ll pass through small rapids, stop for several day hikes, and

Photo ©Laura M. Parent

ALASKA , CANADA enjoy a thrilling helicopter lift to the confluence of the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers. Day 10: We’ll continue down the river through deep forested canyons toward the coast. The climate becomes more maritime as we get closer to the Gulf of Alaska and the glaciers more numerous. We may possibly hike at Walker Glacier. Days 11–12: We’ll continue to float towards Alsek Bay, spotting many different species of birds. We’ll watch and listen as giant chunks of ice calve into the water from the seven-mile face of the Alsek glacier. Day 13: After floating into the flat, forested plains beyond Alsek Bay, we arrive at the Dry Bay Fishing Company outpost where a small aircraft will meet us for our charter flight to Yakutat and our scheduled flights to Juneau.

Rafting the Tatshenshini River • Raft Class II and III rapids over 132 miles down the river pioneered by MTS co-founder Richard Bangs in 1976 • Enjoy delicious, hearty meals and listen to river legends around the campfire—told by our world-class river guides • Spot grizzly bears, bald eagles, wolves, mountain goats, and moose, while riding past fields of wildflowers, sweeping glaciers, and a flotilla of icebergs Ready for one of the greatest river journeys on earth? Born among the chiseled snow-clad mountains of the Yukon Territory, the Tatshenshini River flows with a casual grace past fields of wildflowers and sweeping glaciers on its relentless path to the sea. This is a remote natural highway through the habitat of grizzly and black bear, mountain goat and moose—and its awesome Ice Age scenery will take your breath away. You’ll join a world-class, expert team as they navigate Class II and III rapids on this classic rafting journey, and enjoy day hikes in one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. For many, this icy wonderland both sharpens the senses and gratifies the human soul. FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code TAI in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Day 1: Arrive in Haines, Alaska, with time to check in before your pre-trip group meeting at the Halsingland Hotel. Day 2: Today we’ll take a scenic drive up the Chilkat River Valley, across the border into Canada, and on to Dalton Post in the Yukon Territory. After rigging our gear into the rafts, we’ll push off on the river and soon plunge into the exhilarating Class III rapids of the Tatshenshini Gorge. Upon emerging into calmer waters, we’ll make camp by the river. Days 3-5: The river slowly builds momentum over the next three days as we wind our way toward the beautiful Alsek and Noisey Mountain Ranges. Take a short hike in search of moose, bear, and wolf tracks!

Photo ©Keith Gunnar

Day 7: A short but dramatic day brings us to the Walker Glacier, where we’ll hike and explore the spectacular icefall from the upper glacier. We’ll then continue floating downstream to our campsite. Days 8-9: Enjoy a ride through Ice Age country as dozens of large and small glaciers eclipse our tiny rafts. We’ll leave the immense Noatak Glacier and float toward Alsek Bay, where giant chunks of ice calve into the water from the seven-mile face of the Alsek Glacier. Day 10: Float into the flat, forested plains beyond Alsek Bay, and arrive at Dry Bay. Board a small aircraft for the spectacular charter flight to Yakutat, where we’ll connect with flights home.

Day 6: The mountains and wildlife become more spectacular as the swift-flowing river brings us ever closer to Alsek Bay. We’ll camp near the majestic confluence with the Alsek River, a place known as the “the center of the universe.”

FOR DETAILS, ITINERARIES, AND MORE VISIT WWW.MTSOBEK.COM

ALASKA & NORTH AMERICA

A LAALSAKSAK & A & N ONROTRHT H A MAEMREI C RA ICA

Wild Rivers of Alaska’s Far North Raft America’s last truly wild rivers as they carve through the vast Arctic National Wildlife Refuge ecosystem Tucked away in Alaska’s far northeast, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the northernmost—and largest—refuge within the United States. At 19.2 million acres, it is the crown jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and is the world’s most complete, pristine, and undisturbed ecosystem. We’re committed to the preservation of this last great American frontier, as we have been since 1972, when

Rafting & Hiking the Kongakut River Take a 300-mile bush flight to the headwaters of the Kongakut in the Brooks Range, and navigate the river and Class II rapids toward the Arctic coastal plain through some of the wildest country on earth.

our pioneering Alaska program began, and we continue to be at the leading edge of adventure travel

Marsh Fork of the Canning River

in Arctic Alaska.

Fly to the upper reaches of the Marsh Fork, nestled in the Philip Smith and Franklin

We believe that the best way to explore the refuge’s treasures is by floating its unspoiled rivers and hiking in its vast wilderness valleys—and we have four MTS trips that get you there! Top highlights of our river adventures in Alaska’s far north include: • Expert guides Our expert river guides are the best in the business and running rivers is their passion. From the safety briefing to the final day, they connect the group to the land and the river. • Scenic rivers Enjoy Class II and Class III rapids while floating through tundra and scenic mountain landscapes, including the Brooks Range and Franklin Mountains. • Unbeatable hikes Experience some of the best hiking country anywhere in Alaska—open tundra, high alpine ridges covered with wildflowers, enchanting forest groves, and breathtaking views. Photos on this spread: © Tom Bol/MTS, Keith & Antje Gunnar, Joe Ordonez, MTS Photo File

Each year we choose the best rivers to run, and our favorite trips include:

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• Amazing wildlife Spot grizzlies, dall sheep, wolves, musk ox, and an incredible variety of bird

Mountains, and navigate the river’s Class II and Class III rapids to the confluence with the mighty Canning River.

Rafting & Hiking the Hulahula River Follow the Hulahula River as it flows through rolling tundra and raft Class III rapids while watching the surrounding abundant wildlife.

Floating the Nigu River Float the Nigu–Etivluk Rivers through the Gates of the Arctic National Park and explore ancient Nunamiut Eskimo settlements. If the call of the Arctic rings loudly in your ears, call our Alaska experts at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or visit us online at www.mtsobek.com to see all the possibilities.

life, from Arctic loons to golden eagles, all within a quiet and remote wilderness setting. FOR DETAILS, ITINERARIES, AND MORE VISIT WWW.MTSOBEK.COM

EU A L RAOS PKEA & NORTH AMERICA

Salmon

Middle Fork Salmon River

ALASKA & NORTH AMERICA

Adventure

MTS

Week

Stanley

IDAHO BOISE Land/Sea Travel

Activities Rafting, hiking, fishing Trip Level Easy Lodging Deluxe camping 6-Day Trip Departs Jun–Aug Land Cost From $2,195

Program Director’s Trip Join Danilo Bonilla, Director of Alaska & North America Programs, on a special departure of our Middle Fork of the Salmon River trip. Call 1-888-MTSOBEK for details. Photos, clockwise from top left: ©Chad Case/MTS (4), Orval Nelson

IDAHO | ADVENTURE WEEK

Middle Fork of the Salmon River Whitewater Adventure • Experience one of the world’s greatest rivers, with more than 100 rapids over 100 miles. This adventure is big fun for all! • Enjoy a different boating activity each day along with fishing, hiking, and swimming • “Glamp” in style: large tents with comfy cots, delicious meals, and hot showers all set up for you! Rated by the National Geographic book Journeys of a Lifetime as one of the “Top Three Whitewater Rafting Trips in the World,” our rafting adventure down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River offers countless thrills packaged in a deluxe camping experience—ideal for amateurs and pros alike! The Middle Fork is the heartbeat of Idaho’s River of No Return Wilderness and home to more than 100 unforgettable rapids in 100 miles. Depending on the day, you can choose between an oar boat, a paddle boat, or an inflatable kayak as you coast past abandoned Shoshone pit dwellings and old Gold Rush prospector homesteads, stopping to enjoy relaxing natural hot springs along the way. No need to be an expert. Our seasoned guides not only know the river like the back of their hands, but they make camping a breeze. FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code MFS in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

WWW.MTSOBEK.COM | 1-888-687-6235

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Day 1: Meet in the wonderfully picturesque town of Stanley, Idaho, then transfer to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Meet your river guides for a safety briefing and orientation, and then start your adventure on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Today you’ll ride your first rapids of the trip and arrive at a comfortable campsite by late afternoon. Day 2: After a delicious breakfast at camp you’ll get on the river for an exciting start of your day with Class III rapids. Stop for a picnic lunch at the Indian Creek Guard Station to learn about the history of the area’s native inhabitants, the Shoshone tribe. Then it’s back to rafting toward camp, arriving just in time for happy hour. Day 3: The water calms down today, making this a good opportunity for fly-fishing off one of the oar boats, or you can choose to take a refreshing swim. You may also stop at the hot springs at Sunflower or Loon Creek. At your leisure, take a hike up the cliff to see Sheepeater pictographs. Day 4: Some of the Middle Fork’s most thrilling rapids await on the river today. As you continue down river, keep a lookout for wildlife including bighorn sheep

grazing along the shore and river otters. You might even catch glimpses of eagles and black bears. This afternoon you’ll pass by Kaufman’s Cave, the former home of a gold prospector. Day 5: Impassable Canyon draws you in with its dramatic granite cliffs. While you’re soaking in your surroundings you will also experience serious whitewater. This afternoon you can hike up to Veil Falls, a beautiful icy-cold waterfall, to cool off before riding back down the river. Once at camp, you’ll be rewarded with a special farewell dinner and maybe even some champagne to enjoy by the campfire. Day 6: Last but not least! Although you will only ride the river for half of this day, you’ll experience the biggest rapids of the trip yet. After a thrilling morning you’ll reach the confluence of the Middle Fork and the main Salmon River, leave your boats, and bid goodbye to the river.

Call about Private Departures &

Custom Trips!

FOR DETAILS, ITINERARIES, AND MORE VISIT WWW.MTSOBEK.COM

ALASKA & NORTH AMERICA

ALBERTA

Copperstain Mountain

Banff National Park

Mount Sir Donald

Yoho National Park

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Land/Sea Travel Hiking

USA

Activities Hiking Trip Level Moderate Lodging Lodges, hotels 8-Day Trip Departs Jul, Aug

Photos. left to right: ©MTS Photo File, Patitucci Photo

Land Cost From $4,895

CANADA

Heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies • Hike alpine ridges and valleys accessible only by helicopter each day and relax in snug alpine lodges by night • Explore scenic Banff and Yoho National Parks, complete with a tour of Grizzly Bear Refuge • Enjoy an exclusive visit to the Burgess Shale—one of the world’s best-preserved fossil beds—guided by certified experts There’s nothing like heli-hiking in the high Canadian Rockies to give you a taste for adventure and the relaxation of a mountain getaway! We designed this exclusive itinerary to take in the far-flung splendors of Banff and Yoho National Parks, far from the crowds. Each day you’ll wake up in a charming mountain lodge, fuel up with a hearty breakfast, and enjoy 360 degrees of gorgeous views. You’ll trek through spectacular alpine forests, on the shores of turquoise lakes, through flower-studded meadows, and alongside hanging glaciers. When you’re done, a helicopter will whisk you off to another valley. After eight days you probably won’t want to hike any other way! FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code CAN in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

WWW.MTSOBEK.COM | 1-888-687-6235

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Day 1: Meet your guides and settle into your scenic mountain lodge, situated on the slopes of Tunnel Mountain just outside beautiful Banff, Alberta. Sip a cocktail with your fellow adventurers and discuss trip details before gathering again for a welcome dinner. Day 2: Take a short morning transfer to Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. Surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this stunning location hosts some of the world’s best hiking. At the end of the day, gaze at glaciers from your lodge’s rooftop hot tub. Day 3: Stroll to picturesque Lake Louise, surrounded by rocky peaks and cascading glaciers, and hike above the tree line for a close look at the six glaciers that feed into the lake. Enjoy lunch at a charming historic teahouse before hiking near the Alberta—British Columbia border. Days 4–5: We’ll spend the next two days fueling up with hearty breakfasts, filling our packs with delicious lunches, and taking off by

Photo ©Ken Bélanger

helicopter to hike along alpine ridges, through meadows, and along mighty glaciers. Wherever we land, we’ll surely be the only people around. At the end of the day an outdoor hot tub and cocktail hour await at the lodge. Day 6: We’ll board a gondola for a 4,133-foot vertical ride to Dogtooth Ridge, with its astounding 360° views, and take a chair lift to Grizzly Bear Refuge for a guided tour. This afternoon we transfer to Yoho National Park, a paradise of waterfalls, glaciers, and hiking trails. Day 7: Our hike today leads us over Yoho Pass and into the Emerald Valley, where we will visit the Burgess Shale, one of the best preserved fossil beds in the world. Tonight’s farewell dinner offers unforgettable views of the surrounding peaks. Day 8: The morning is yours for a leisurely breakfast or one last short hike. After breakfast we return to Banff, where you can extend your stay or take a shuttle to Calgary International Airport.

CALIFORNIA

John Muir Trail Northbound to Yosemite National Park

John Muir Trail Southbound to Mount Whitney

• Hike one of National Geographic Adventure’s picks for “top 10 trails on the planet” • Enjoy expert guiding, fresh-cooked meals, and full mule support (only from MTS!) • Cross the pristine Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas to Yosemite National Park

• Hike the challenging southbound trail with full mule support—an exclusive MTS adventure! • Summit Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States at 14,505 feet • Experience the journey Outside magazine named the “North America Trip of the Year”

Follow in the footsteps of the renowned naturalist on this memorable

Tracing the spine of the Sierra Nevada, the John Muir Trail is nearly

trek into the wild Sierra. Less strenuous than our southbound trek,

as iconic as the celebrated naturalist himself. Our exclusive expedition

this challenging, remote, and stunningly beautiful expedition takes

on the southbound portion of the trail is truly epic—perhaps the most

you on a 103-mile journey through one of the most scenic mountain

challenging trek we offer and undoubtedly one of the most spectacular.

ranges in the world. With mules carrying the bulk of your belongings,

Though the terrain is rugged, the camping is not. You’ll enjoy full

you’ll cross the protected Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness

mule support, and our professional guides will do all the cooking for

Areas, ending in breathtaking Yosemite National Park. Our highly

you (far beyond your average camp fare!). Carrying only a daypack,

experienced mountaineer guides will regale you along the way with

you’ll tackle one lofty pass after another, ending by summiting famous

stories and facts about the flora and fauna, as well as cook delicious

Mount Whitney. As you pass through verdant meadows and along

meals for you each night. You may enjoy it so much that you’ll be

countless glacier-fed lakes, you’ll see why Travel+Leisure called

inspired to try our southbound adventure next!

this journey one of the “50 Great American Adventures.”

FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code JMN in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code JMT in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

Activities Hiking

Trip Level Strenuous

Lodging Camping, hotels

13-Day Trip Departs Jul

Land Cost From $4,995

Call about Private Departures & Custom Trips!

Trip Level Ultimate Challenge

Lodging Camping, hotels

17-Day Trip Departs Aug

Land Cost From $6,395

FOR DETAILS, ITINERARIES, AND MORE VISIT WWW.MTSOBEK.COM

EU A L RAOS PKEA & NORTH AMERICA

Bryce Canyon National Park

ALASKA & NORTH AMERICA

Zion National Park

America’s National Parks America’s Greatest Treasures

National Park Quick Escapes

At MTS, we’ve always felt that one of the best ways to preserve and

These weekend escapes are the perfect way to re-energize and experi-

protect the world’s many wild and beautiful places is by increasing

ence America’s backyard through 6 different national parks: Zion, Grand

awareness of just what makes these places so special. Although our

Canyon, Bryce, Death Valley, Rocky Mountain, and Yosemite. Named a

interests fan out across the globe, there are plenty of such places right

top getaway by Sunset magazine, MTS’s national park escapes combine

here in our own backyard. The preservation of America’s national

classic sites and exciting hikes—led by our incredibly knowledgeable

parks are among our country’s greatest accomplishments, and are a

guides who take you off the beaten path, away from the crowds, and

living link between ourselves and North America’s natural and human

show you often-overlooked national treasures. Call for details.

Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park Quick Escape

NEW California: Yosemite National Park Quick Escape

Explore the highlights of Grand Canyon National Park, where 1.7 billion

Deep in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains sits the wildly scenic,

years of geologic history have been exposed in colorful layers by the

glacially sculpted Yosemite Valley. Here you’ll discover the sheer granite

swirling Colorado River. Take your first steps to the rim for an unforgettable

cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan, all three of North America’s tallest

look over the edge, and see free-standing buttes, sculpted alcoves, and

waterfalls, groves of giant sequoias, and the “Wild and Scenic” Merced

massive cliffs spread out in a panorama of light and shadow. Our spectacular

River. Join expert guides as you follow in the footsteps of John Muir and

South Rim lodging puts us in the middle of the action.

camp amid breathtaking beauty in legendary Yosemite.

4 days • Land Cost from $1,999

California: Death Valley National Park Quick Escape

Colorado: Rocky Mountain Nati0nal Park Quick Escape

Experience the land of great extremes that is Death Valley, where some of

Spend a weekend exploring scenic wonders and amazing wildlife at one

the Lower 48’s tallest peaks surround its lowest depths. Though summer is

of America’s most magnificent national parks. Wildlife commonly spotted

hot (with the highest recorded temperature in America), spring and autumn

includes elk, moose, bighorn sheep, numerous varieties of songbirds, along

grace the valley with a mild climate for our hiking adventure. Our guides

with smaller mammals like fox, coyote, marmot, and badger. After each

lead us through unexpectedly diverse landscapes and curious forms of life.

day of hiking, relax at the spa or watch the sun set behind the peaks of the

A weekend in this extraordinary land will widen your perspectives.

Rocky Mountains before enjoying a fine dinner.

4 days • Land Cost from $1,999

history. They’re also home to some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth and comprise some the continent’s most remarkable natural

Utah: Bryce Canyon National Park Quick Escape

wonders, from immense canyons and thundering waterfalls to sere

Bryce’s mysterious landscape draws us along its winding trails into the

desert valleys and extraordinary rock formations—all on an epic scale.

heart of Utah’s “Grand Staircase.” From the rustic elegance of our lodge, we emerge into pine forests atop a sweeping amphitheater defined by rows

Celebrating the National Park Service Centennial On August 25th, 2016, the National Park Service turns 100 years old! To celebrate

of surreal rock pinnacles painted in swaths of fiery orange, crimson, and rose. Every turn in the trail brings new insight, as our expert guides share their knowledge of the park’s natural wonders and intriguing history. 4 days • Land Cost from $1,999

its centennial anniversary—and following

Utah: Zion National Park Quick Escape

the NPS’s mission to preserve, educate, and

Towering red walls, enormous sandstone monoliths, and serene riverbanks

inspire—Mountain Travel Sobek invites you

will inspire you. Our expert guides will lead you to the tranquil Emerald

to explore America’s most incredible national

Pools, through the lofty walls of the Narrows, and to the soaring heights

parks in the company of expert guides, whose

of Angels Landing, whose spectacular vistas were thought by early settlers

knowledge and enthusiasm will bring your

to be reserved for angels alone. At each day’s end, relax on your porch

national park adventures to life!

beneath the crimson cliffs before enjoying your lodge’s delicious cuisine. 4 days • Land Cost from $1,999

WWW.MTSOBEK.COM | 1-888-687-6235

Call about Private Departures & Custom Trips!

FOR DETAILS, ITINERARIES, AND MORE VISIT WWW.MTSOBEK.COM

EU A L RAOS PKEA & NORTH AMERICA

ALASKA & NORTH AMERICA

SALT LAKE CITY

UTAH Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument

Arches National Park

Zion National Park

UTAH

Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim)

Las Vegas

Teasdale Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

ARIZONA

Land/Sea Travel Air Travel

Land/Sea Travel

Activities Hiking, flightseeing

Activities Hiking

Trip Level Moderate

Lodging Lodges

6-Day Trip Departs Apr, May, Sep, Oct

6-Day Trip Departs May, Jun, Sep, Oct

Land Cost From $3,295

Adventure

MTS

UTAH | ADVENTURE WEEK

NEW Utah’s Canyon Country • Escape to three remote Utah national parks in one unforgettable week, and explore the otherworldly landscape of the famed Goblin Valley State Park • Hike amid the greatest concentration of natural arches on Earth in Arches National Park • Get a bird’s-eye view of iconic features, such as the Island in the Sky and the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, on an amazing air safari! Experience a scenic and culturally rich adventure through some of the most awe-inspiring country in the world. With beautiful drives, fantastic day hikes, and a thrilling air safari, you’ll see classic canyon country on foot and from above—gaining insider knowledge from top-notch experts who provide interpretation of geology, flora and fauna, and history of the more recent settlers. Along the way explore Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, and Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, and capture the perfect picture as you view towering cliffs, mesas, buttes, alpine peaks rising from the desert, and unique western towns. With MTS taking care of all the logistics, you can relax and enjoy a vacation to remember. FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code ACC in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

WWW.MTSOBEK.COM | 1-888-687-6235

Adventure

MTS

Week ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Day 1: Arrive in Salt Lake City and transfer to the grand Lodge at Red River Ranch for a slice of Old West heritage and majesty. We’ll end the day with a welcome dinner in Torrey. Day 2: Visit Capitol Reef National Park and take the epic Scenic Drive through the tilted layers of rock forming the Waterpocket Fold. Hike to Cassidy Arch, stroll among the orchards, and hike to the Fremont River Gorge to learn about the history of this less-visited national park. Day 3: Head east to the Little Wild Horse slot canyon, a popular loop hike with intricately sculpted sandstone walls that tower overhead. Next we head to Goblin Valley State Park to explore the otherworldly hoodoo rock landscape and mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles. We’ll end the day in Moab, a town rich in southwestern history and one of America’s adventure capitals. Day 4: After breakfast we’ll depart for Canyonlands National Park’s Needles District. We’ll stop at Newspaper Rock, a monument

ARIZONA, UTAH | ADVENTURE WEEK featuring a rock panel carved with one of the largest known collections of petroglyphs. Next we’ll hike Slickrock Trail, have a picnic at Elephant Hill Overlook, and examine an ancient granary. Day 5: Get your cameras ready and hike among some of the most stunning geological formations in the world in Arches National Park. Depending upon the time of the year, watch the sunset from one of the great viewpoints in the park. Day 6: Before heading to Salt Lake City to embark on your journey home, enjoy a scenic air tour over Canyonlands National Park. Observe the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, the Island in the Sky, and other iconic features that can only be appreciated from the air.

Land Cost From $3,295

Week

National Parks of the Southwest • In this comprehensive and diverse tour, you’ll hike and explore the Southwest’s three crown jewels—Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks— led by MTS’s expert naturalists • Discover 200 million years of history at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument • Relax after each day’s adventure in a comfortable lodge set in a stunning location When it comes to jaw-dropping nature experiences, America’s national parks are hard to beat. MTS has a long history in the parks, and this itinerary might just be our grand slam! Our six-day, action-packed adventure begins at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, a quiet oasis of green forests and flower-filled meadows— a stark contrast to the red abyss of the canyon below. We then enter Bryce Canyon’s fairy-tale amphitheater of spires, columns, and pink hoodoos before our grand finale in Zion National Park, known as “Yosemite dressed in red!” Along the way you can consult the expertise of our professional naturalist guides and relax in our wellappointed inns and hotels. And the bonus? It’s not that far away! FOR FULL ITINERARY: Enter Trip Code ZIO in the Search Box on www.mtsobek.com

Call about Private Departures & Custom Trips!

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas and meet your MTS guide. We’ll enjoy a scenic ride through breathtaking deserts and high meadows before reaching the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. After lunch we’ll set off for a short hike along the Transept Trail to the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, our home for the next two nights. Day 2: After breakfast we’ll dip below the rim on the North Kaibab Trail. Trip members of all abilities will enjoy this trail by choosing one of three turn-around points, each perfect for different levels of fitness. We’ll then return to the lodge for a well deserved drink on the patio before dining with a view of the setting sun. Day 3: After breakfast we’ll drive to Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park and hike along the Rim Trail to Sunset Point, slowly descending into a surreal maze of pink hoodoos, spires, and rock windows. Day 4: Head to Kodachrome Basin to see its multicolored “sand pipe” formations, then continue to

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument for an optional shady hike into a slot canyon. Later we’ll visit Grosvenor Arch, a huge double arch that sits high on a cliff face. Day 5: Enjoy an optional sunrise hike on the Peekaboo Loop, our favorite hike within Bryce—ideal for photos! After breakfast at the inn we’ll head to Zion National Park. The afternoon is free to hike, shop in Springdale, or visit the local museum. Day 6: After an early breakfast we’ll enter Zion National Park for a challenging ascent to Angels Landing, a classic five-mile hike that leads to one of the most breathtaking views in the entire Southwest. After a picnic lunch in town we’ll depart for the airport in Las Vegas.

More In The Southwest Arizona’s Sonoran Desert Explore the Southwest’s lushest desert ecosystem—a terrific hiking trip for February and March. Call for details.

FOR DETAILS, ITINERARIES, AND MORE VISIT WWW.MTSOBEK.COM

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IT’S EASY TO SIGN UP! Call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) and reserve your spot. You can also book online at www.mtsobek.com. If you have a favorite travel agent, we are happy to work with them, but he or she must make the booking directly with Mountain Travel Sobek. Bookings made by a client cannot be picked up retroactively for travel agent commission. Note: Terms and conditions are subject to change.

Payment Schedule

Based on Land/Cruise Cost*, per person Regular Trip Departures (1), (2), (3), (4) At time of reservation................................$400 65 days prior to trip departure............ Balance (1) Gorilla trips require a non-refundable deposit to cover the cost of each gorilla permit ($750 per permit). (2) The Machu Picchu Inn to Inn Express trip requires a $500 non-refundable deposit at time of booking. (3) All Botswana, Congo, South Africa and Zimbabwe trips incur a 100% cancellation fee at 60 days or less prior to departure. (4) The Brazil: Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon trip requires a $400 nonrefundable deposit at time of booking.

Galápagos, Greece, Turkey, John Muir Trail, Patagonia Explorer, Cuba, Panama: Journey Beyond the Seas and Glacier Bay Historic Ship Adventure Trip Departures At time of reservation..........................................................$400 120 days prior to trip departure.......................................$1,200 90 days prior to trip departure...................................... Balance Scheduled Departures Involving Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya At time of reservation..........................................................$400 105 days prior to trip departure.................................... Balance Custom Departures Involving Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya At time of reservation...................... 25% of Land/Cruise Cost 105 days prior to trip departure.................................... Balance Antarctica and Arctic Cruise Departures

At time of reservation........................................ $1,500–$2,500

(varies based on ship and trip departure—see detailed itinerary)

120 days prior to trip departure..................................... Balance Private Adventures, Custom Adventures and Special Trip Departures At time of reservation ......$800 or 25% of Land/Cruise Cost, whichever is greater 120 days prior to trip departure...... 25% of Land/Cruise Cost 90 days prior to trip departure...................................... Balance Extensions & Extra Services (including extra hotel nights) At time of reservation...................................................... $100 (4) (non-refundable) The balance will be added to the cost of your trip, and payment will follow the applicable schedule above. Requests made 29 days or less prior to trip departure are subject to a $100 late booking fee. Once booked, each change is subject to a $50 change fee. (4) Some exceptions apply and deposits may be higher.

After we receive your deposit, we will provide you with detailed pre-trip information including a packing list, visa information (if required), statement of account, and travel insurance information. We will also send you a link to access and complete the required forms including a Release from Liability form, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration clause which is required for participation on any trip. Certain trips including those designated as “Ultimate Challenge” require participants to have their physician complete and sign a Physician Certificate. We will also provide you with rendezvous instructions and final trip details approximately three weeks prior to trip departure.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW What Your Trip Includes

The Land and/or Cruise Cost* for most trips includes: Expert leadership • Accommodations in hotels, inns, or lodges in cities and villages, or aboard boat or ship • Field arrangements, including camp and cook staffs, tents, kitchen and dining tents (on most trips), group camping and commissary equipment, necessary trip equipment (e.g. sea kayaks, rafts, personal flotation devices, etc.) • Meals as noted in the trip itinerary • Sightseeing as noted in the trip itinerary • Group airport transfers • Ground transportation and support vehicles • Additional guides and porters if needed • Entrance fees and permits • Basic medical and emergency medical evacuation insurance. *Note—“Land/Cruise Cost” includes the cost of the trip, internal airfare, park fees, permits, single supplements, and taxes may be included in the price, or broken out separately. Unless otherwise noted, payment and cancellation policies apply to the total Land/Cruise Cost, inclusive of internal airfare, park fees, permits, and taxes, even when broken out separately. Travel agent commission is calculated from base Land/Cruise Cost only and excludes tier charges. Each trip varies slightly, so please call and speak with one of our Regional Specialists or ask for a detailed trip itinerary for the specifics (you can also download itineraries at www.mtsobek.com). International airfare, optional gratuities, and personal items are not included.

Tier Pricing

Group adventure travel works best with a small group of people. In order to operate these small groups, our trips are priced according to the number of full-price travelers on the trip. Mountain Travel Sobek staff, trip doctors, and other discounted travelers are excluded from the count for this purpose. Not all trips have tier pricing, but for those trips that do your statements will reflect the highest tier price (the smallest group size we can operate) until final payment is due. If the price drops due to an increase in group size before your trip departs, you will be refunded the difference.

Solo Travelers

Accommodations (hotels, tents, and cruise cabins) are priced on a double occupancy basis. If you prefer single accommodations, you may, where available, arrange for them with payment of a single supplement fee, which is listed in the trip itinerary. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try our best to find you a roommate of the same gender. If there is no one with whom you can share, we charge a “forced” single supplement fee, which varies by trip and ranges from half to the same fee as the “requested” single supplement, and is listed in the trip itinerary. Shared accommodations are guaranteed on some trips. On a few trips, single accommodations are not available.

Cancellations & Refunds

Based on Land/Cruise Cost*, per person At the time we receive written notice that you must cancel your trip, the following fees will apply (all dates are from departure date): Regular Trip Departures (1), (2), (3), (4) From time of reservation until 90 days prior to trip departure.................................................................. $150 89 to 61 days prior to trip departure...................................$400 60 to 46 days prior to trip departure............50% of Land Cost 45 days or less prior to trip departure...........100% of Land Cost (1) Gorilla trips require a non-refundable deposit to cover the cost of each gorilla permit ($750 per permit). (2) The Machu Picchu Inn to Inn Express trip requires a $500 non-refundable deposit at time of booking. (3) All Botswana, Congo, South Africa, and Zimbabwe trips incur a 100% cancellation fee at 60 days or less prior to departure (4) The Brazil: Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon trip requires a $400 nonrefundable deposit at time of booking.

Galápagos, Greece, Turkey, John Muir Trail, Patagonia Explorer, Cuba, Panama: Journey Beyond the Seas and Glacier Bay Historic Ship Adventure Trip Departures From time of reservation until 120 days prior to trip departure.....................................................$400 119 to 90 days prior to trip departure............................. 25% of Land/Cruise Cost 89 to 60 days prior to trip departure..............................50% of Land/Cruise Cost 59 days or less prior to trip departure...............................100% of Land/Cruise Cost Scheduled Departures Involving Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya From time of reservation until 96 days prior to trip departure.................................... Loss of first deposit 95 days or less prior to trip departure.............................100% of Land/Cruise Cost Custom Departures Involving Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya From time of reservation until 96 days prior to trip departure.......................... 25% of Land/Cruise Cost 95 days or less prior to trip departure.............................100% of Land/Cruise Cost

With the exception of those trips operated in the United States and Cuba, we include the cost of this optional insurance coverage as an item on your statement. It is effective the day we receive your designated payment for the insurance or the day your final balance is paid. Please note that deposits are not applied toward your insurance premium. If you do not wish this optional insurance, you need only notify Mountain Travel Sobek in writing by time of final payment and we will remove the charge from the invoice. Participants traveling on trips in the United States or Cuba who wish to obtain the optional insurance—the details of which are available at www. tripmate.com/wpF485s—please contact your Adventure Coordinator for pricing. Note: A Basic Medical and Evacuation Insurance Plan is purchased on your behalf. However, we recommend you purchase the Optional Travel Insurance Plan outlined above to ensure protection from trip cancellation fees for covered reasons and to increase your medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Transfers

From time of reservation until 120 days prior to trip departure............................................ Loss of deposit 119 days or less prior to trip departure............................100% of Cruise Cost

With the exception of those trips noted otherwise within this section, you may transfer to another trip without a fee up to 90 days before trip departure on most trips. If you transfer from one trip to another within 89 days of trip departure, however, you are subject to the usual Cancellation Fees outlined above (appropriate to the date you notify us in writing of your wish to transfer). No transfers are allowed on: Galápagos, Turkey, Patagonia Explorer, Mountains to Sea: Denali & Kenai Fjords, Antarctica, and Arctic cruises; John Muir Trail, Private Adventures, Custom Adventures, or Special Departures.

Private Adventures, Custom Adventures and Special Trip Departures

For Machu Picchu Inn to Inn Express departures you are subject to the following transfer fees:

Antarctica & Arctic Cruise Trip Departures

From time of reservation until 90 days prior to trip departure...............$800 or 25% of Land/Cruise Cost, whichever is greater 89-60 day prior to trip departure....50% of Land/Cruise Cost 59 days or less.................................100% of Land/Cruise Cost Extensions & Extra Services (including extra hotel nights) At time of reservation until 60 days prior to trip departure................................................. $100 (5) 59 to 30 days......................................................................50% of Extension Cost 29 days or less.................................................................100% of Extension Cost (5) Some exceptions apply and cancellation fees may be higher.

No refunds will be given for unused hotel rooms, meals, sightseeing trips, or trek arrangements for any reason whatsoever. Land/Cruise Cost is quoted as a package and credits are not given for services not used. (Note—Extra hotel nights cancelled within 60 days of trip departure are subject to 100% of the hotel cost or $35, whichever is greater.) Internal airfare, once purchased, is non-refundable. Cancellation and refund policy applies to entire Land/Cruise cost of trip, including trip cost, internal airfare, park fees, permits, and taxes. We recommend you purchase the Optional Travel Insurance Plan to protect yourself in case of an unexpected medical emergency. Refunds in excess of $500 will be remitted by check.

Travel Insurance

For your protection, we offer an Optional Travel Insurance Plan. It combines trip cancellation and interruption coverage (for covered reasons only), baggage loss protection, and medical coverage along with additional emergency medical evacuation coverage. For complete terms and conditions go to www.mtsobek.com/faq#insurance. To review the Optional Travel Insurance Plan details go to www.tripmate.com/wpF485s.

60 or more days prior to departure...................................$250 59 to 30 days prior to departure..................................$25% of Land Cost 29 days or less prior to departure.................................50% of Land Cost

Cancelled Trips

Mountain Travel Sobek reserves the right to cancel any trip due to inadequate sign-up or other cause that makes the trip unfeasible for us to operate, but we will inform you at least 45 days prior to trip departure. In such a case, a full refund of Land/Cruise Cost is given, but Mountain Travel Sobek is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by members preparing for the trip (e.g. non-refundable “Advance Purchase” air tickets, visa fees if applicable, clothing, equipment, medical expenses). Do not purchase your air tickets before speaking with your Adventure Coordinator.

Baggage

Mountain Travel Sobek assumes no liability for loss or damage to baggage in transit to and from a Mountain Travel Sobek trip or while on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip. We recommend purchasing the supplemental travel insurance package.

Delays & Cost Increases

The cost of delays is not included if any trip is delayed due to bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, sickness or other contingency for which Mountain Travel Sobek or its third party operators cannot make provision. Land/Cruise Costs are subject to increase without prior notice, even after you have signed up on the trip. We often publish our prices more than a year in advance. Between that time and the time of the trip’s actual departure, we are occasionally faced with significant cost increases that we cannot absorb (i.e. international currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, or increases in cost of services). We regret this situation, and we do everything we

can to avoid raising prices, but sometimes it is unavoidable. We will do our best to limit such increases and will notify you at least two months before trip departure.

Airlines

The airlines are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyance. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and such purchasers of these tours and/or passenger. Such conveyance, etc. is subject to the laws of the countries involved. Airlines used vary in degree of safety and risk. Many air carriers have an unknown safety and maintenance record. Mountain Travel Sobek is not liable for incidents involving airline safety, cancellations, service, risk, delays, etc.; or incidents that result in injury, delay or death. Please read the conditions on the back of your airline tickets.

Medical & Health

It is vital that persons with medical problems make them known to us well before trip departure. The trip leader has the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the trip if he or she feels the trip member is physically or mentally incapable or if a trip member’s continued participation will jeopardize the individual involved or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances. Hospital facilities are often unavailable and evacuation can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Mountain Travel Sobek assumes no liability regarding provision of medical care. You will need to provide us with your medical history and any dietary restrictions, as requested in the required documentation. If you participate on certain designated trips including those with an activity level of “Ultimate Challenge,” the Physician Certificate must be completed and signed by your physician. Once you have been confirmed on a trip, normal cancellation fees apply if your doctor does not approve the Physician Certificate. We can send you this form prior to making your reservation so your doctor can pre-approve you. The State Department (www.travel.state.gov) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) periodically issue statements, advisories and warnings about risks to travelers. These statements are country-specific and contain important information. Mountain Travel Sobek urges all participants to review these sites.

Photography

Mountain Travel Sobek may take photographs and/or video of its trips, and trip participants grant Mountain Travel Sobek permission to do so and for it to use same for promotional or commercial use without payment of any compensation to participant.

Trip Alteration

Mountain Travel Sobek reserves the right to change hotels or other features of the trip if Mountain Travel Sobek believes it will enhance the safety, comfort, or enjoyment of the trip.

Responsibilities of Trip Members

Trip members have certain responsibilities to Mountain Travel Sobek and to other trip members. Trip members are responsible for understanding the conditions implied in the Trip Itinerary and selecting a trip in consultation with Mountain Travel Sobek that is appropriate to their interests and abilities, and for preparing for the trip by studying the Trip Itinerary and supplemental trip information sent by Mountain Travel Sobek. Screening for fitness (for trips rated “Strenuous” or “Ultimate Challenge”) is made by our Regional Specialists at the time of booking. At the trip leader’s discretion, a member may be removed from the trip, without the right of refund, if the leader feels that the person’s further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip members.

Limitations of Liability

Except for certain equipment in Alaska, Idaho, Portugal, and Patagonia, Mountain Travel, Mountain Travel Sobek, Alaska Discovery, Inc., their owners, directors, officers, employees, and affiliates (collectively “Mountain Travel Sobek”) does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van, or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional or included excursions or equipment used thereon (even if same utilize the Mountain Travel Sobek name), food service, or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Mountain Travel Sobek is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any third party. Without limitation, Mountain Travel Sobek is not responsible for any injury, loss or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, force majeur, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely, dangers associated with or bites from animals, pests or insects, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as scuba diving, zip lining, snorkeling, paddle boarding, surfing, swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Mountain Travel Sobek. In addition, participants release Mountain Travel Sobek from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof. On advancement of deposit to Mountain Travel Sobek, the depositor therefore agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions, and the binding arbitration clause below. These are partial conditions. Your participation is contingent on your signature on the full list of terms specified in the document entitled “Participant Information Form, Booking Verification, Medical History, and Release from Liability,” which you can find on our website at www.mtsobek.com/pdf/ participant_info.pdf (or call us at 1-888-687-6235 and request a copy). Additionally, some independent contractors may require participants to sign their liability release or indemnity form.

Binding Arbitration

Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to these Terms and Conditions, to any literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in San Francisco, California, according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) California law and without regard to the California Arbitration Act. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable.

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