Wilderness Inquiry Front 2018-2019 TRAVELCover GUIDE 2 Wilderness Inquiry strives to create trips that build CONTENTS meaningful connections 40 Years of Adventure . 4-5 between travelers and the natural world. As Domestic Destinations . 6-19 a nonprofit, we provide International Destinations . 20-25 opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to experience Custom Group Trips . 26-27 the great outdoors. For every trip you Family Trips . 29 take, you are creating opportunities for Women’s Trips . 29 others to share the adventure. Join us to help make this possible! Dates, Fees, Itinerary Details . 28-31 PHOTO: BRIAN BURKE 3 PHOTO: JULIE CORTY, NEW YORK TIMES what happened on our first trip when we paddled the Boundary Waters with people 40 Years of Adventure who could not walk or talk. Bringing people together in We were young and overconfident, but the wilderness soon put us in our place. After the wilderness since 1978 a pouring rain, blasting headwinds, and a couple of wet sleeping bags, we realized omething unexpected happened that our differences didn’t matter—our on our first trip. It was subtle, and commitment to each other did. Swonderful, and to this day I’ve Deaf? Use a wheelchair? Who cares! struggled to explain it. Are you a good sport? Will you do your One of our early participants came closest part? That’s what matters. The wilderness to describing it when he said, “We came helped us see that, because certainly it together as human beings.” That’s exactly did not care. No wild critter I’ve ever seen 4 seemed to care about our race, religion, or learned a lot since 1978, so it’s unlikely you’ll socio-economic status. experience a wet sleeping bag. But, like we did 40 years ago, I am pretty sure you are What we discovered is that a wilderness going to discover many wonderful things indifferent to human need is the perfect about yourself and others! backdrop for discovering our humanity. From that moment on we’ve built our See you on the trail! organization around the truth that we need each other, that diversity is a strength, and that there is no better context for discovering this than exploring the natural world together. If you have been on a trip with WI you Greg Lais know what I mean. If not yet, we are excited Founder and to have you join us. Don’t worry, we’ve Executive Director 5 APOSTLE ISLANDS Located on Lake Superior’s South Shore, the Apostle Islands are a sea kayaker’s paradise. Paddle to red sandstone cliffs and sea caves, scenic islands, historic lighthouses, and sunken shipwrecks. Stay at our Little Sand Bay Base Camp, which is designed to be universally accessible, or join us for an island camping adventure. Choose from six great itineraries! BASE CAMP AND KAYAK TOUR | 4 DAYS | $495 FAMILY PADDLE AND HIKE | 4 DAYS | $450 (YOUTH $225) A TASTE OF THE APOSTLES WITH BETH DOOLEY | 4 DAYS | $895 PADDLE, PINOT, AND PORTER | 4 DAYS | $595 KAYAK ISLAND CAMPING | 5 DAYS | $595 FALL HARVEST AND HIKE | 4 DAYS | $395 See page 28 for dates and details. 6 PHOTO: ANGIE BANKS 7 BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA We have paddled the pristine lakes and rivers of northern Minnesota’s million- acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for 40 years. Join us to hear loons call and wolves howl as you travel through an untouched ecosystem of clear waters and old-growth forests. We have created four great itineraries for you—come and see what northern Minnesota really has to offer! CANOE ADVENTURE | 5 DAYS | $795 FAMILY CANOE AND HIKE | 5 DAYS | $595 (YOUTH $295) LODGE-BASED CANOE AND HIKE | 4 DAYS | $845 LODGE-BASED WINTER ADVENTURE | 4 DAYS | $595 See page 29 for dates and details. 8 PHOTO: DAN MELOY 9 ST. CROIX RIVER Discover this beautiful and protected National Wild and Scenic River. Great sightseeing, exciting daily activities, and the area’s remarkable natural history are only a few of the things you’ll experience on this paddle down the St. Croix River. CANOE ADVENTURE | 3 DAYS | $295 FAMILY CANOE ADVENTURE | 3 DAYS | $265 (YOUTH $135) See page 30 for dates and details. 10 PHOTO: JULIA SCHWEITZER SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL Explore lush forests with rocky cliffs, serene inland lakes, and waterfalls which empty into Lake Superior as you hike one of the most scenic trails Minnesota has to offer. Take in breathtaking views of peak fall colors by day and unwind in a cozy lodge at night. From novice to expert hikers, the Superior Hiking Trail is guaranteed to inspire awe in all who witness it. LODGE-BASED HIKE AND EXPLORE | 3 DAYS | $495 See page 30 for dates and details. 11 PHOTO: MEGAN SANBORN 11 VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK Enjoy the beauty and splendor of multi-day canoe trips without all of the portaging. Relive the early explorer experience while paddling on some of Minnesota’s largest lakes. A great destination for both beginner and experienced campers, Voyageurs National Park is sure to bring out the explorer in you! FAMILY CANOE ADVENTURE | 5 DAYS | $595 (YOUTH $295) See page 30 for dates and details. 12 PHOTO: ROBB ROSSI YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Discover the many natural wonders that make Yellowstone a world- renowned treasure. Visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Midway Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, and sites most visitors never get to see. As one of the few organizations allowed to bring canoes into the park, we offer a unique perspective of Yellowstone from the water. Eagles, bison, elk, and other wildlife abound. FAMILY ADVENTURE | 6 DAYS | $895 (YOUTH $445) LODGE-BASED ADVENTURE | 5 DAYS | $1,695 See page 30 for dates and details. PHOTO: NOAH LINCK 13 GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Explore pristine forests, rugged mountains, and thundering waterfalls off the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Learn about Glacier’s history, wildlife, and ecosystems from experienced park rangers and WI guides. Spend quiet evenings around the campfire and fall asleep under the stars. FAMILY ADVENTURE | 6 DAYS | $895 (YOUTH $445) See page 29 for dates and details. 14 PHOTO: ANNIE PAOLETTI OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK Explore varied ecosystems—from mountains to sea— and enjoy the cozy comfort and hospitality of a cabin resort in the heart of the park. Internationally recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, the park contains the longest stretch of coastal wilderness in the lower 48 states. LODGE-BASED HIKE AND EXPLORE | 5 DAYS | $1,645 See page 29 for dates and details. PHOTO: MARK HENNAGER 15 16 PHOTO: GREG LAIS UTAH’S SLEEPING RAINBOW Utah is a hiker’s dream with some of the most beautiful and remote landforms on the Colorado Plateau. Take several day hikes in the Waterpocket Fold—a geological feature known as the “Sleeping Rainbow”—in Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Visit historic settlements, sample local fruits right from the orchard, and view intricately painted pictographs and carved petroglyphs. Evenings are spent relaxing in comfortable lodges and savoring award-winning meals. LODGE-BASED HIKE AND EXPLORE | 6 DAYS | $1,895 See page 30 for dates and details. NORD, R. 1717 BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII Experience the Aloha spirit and beauty of the Big Island’s wild northern shore. Hawaii’s varied ecosystems provide options for everyone, whether it’s hiking to crater rims and cloud forests or soaking up the sun while watching sea turtles in the surf. End each day with a good night’s sleep in comfortable accommodations. LODGE-BASED HIKE AND EXPLORE | 7 DAYS | $2,195 See page 29 for dates and details. 18 PHOTO: EUGENE MOERMAN FLORIDA EVERGLADES 10,000 ISLANDS Canoe through Florida’s freshwater and brackish estuaries to the pristine white sand beaches of the Keys. Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and pelicans as you paddle through a maze of islands and mangrove forests. Spy white ibis, osprey, and possibly a roseate spoonbill in this paradise where air plants and exotic flowers flourish. Explore Florida’s wild Southwest and see what you can discover! CANOE EXPEDITION | 6 DAYS | $895 See page 29 for dates and details. PHOTO: RICHARD HAMILTON SMITH COLORADO HORSEPACK Join us for this rare and incredible opportunity to see the Colorado Rockies on horseback. Watch the sun rise over the Continental Divide while enjoying a cup of coffee and a hot meal. Explore new trails through wildflower meadows and mountain passes before falling asleep under shooting stars. RIDING ADVENTURE | 6 DAYS | $1,895 See page 29 for dates and details. PHOTO: MEGAN SANBORN 19 ICELAND See the best of Iceland while hiking the rugged coastline, exploring lava tubes, spotting puffins, riding famed Icelandic horses, and learning about the country’s history at Thingvellir National Park. The trip begins in historic Reykjavik before venturing to see all the natural wonders Iceland has to offer. Explore the island’s incredible water features including geysers, hot springs, glaciers, and waterfalls. Stay in comfortable hotels. LODGE-BASED HIKE AND EXPLORE | 11 DAYS | $4,950 See page 31 for dates and details. 20 PHOTO: MENNO SCHAEFER NEW ZEALAND Explore the South Island’s beautiful national parks, including Arthur’s Pass, Paparoa, and Te Wai Pounamu—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend your days hiking through old-growth rainforests, admiring glacial lakes, and traversing alpine highlands. Kayak in Okarito Lagoon, stroll along golden beaches, and bike the West Coast Track Trail. Spend your nights in comfortable lodges. LODGE-BASED HIKE AND EXPLORE | 10 DAYS | $3,950 See page 31 for dates and details. PHOTO: WENDY MIKKELSON 21 COSTA RICA Costa Rica is known for its laid-back culture and natural wonders.