Naturalists At Large

Sites by Region

Sierra Nevada - click HERE to see our special programs in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

The Southern Sierra Nevada — Convenient to many Southern California schools and offering a long season of mild weather.

Whitsett — is located near in an open mountain setting and offers swimming in Lake Ida (in season). The site features a challenging ropes course with low and high elements. Integrate it with our popular rock-climbing program. There are excellent backpacking options. Select either cabins or tent camping. Whitewater rafting on the Kern River is an option during the spring. More information on Whitsett is available here.

Montecito Sequoia Lodge is the perfect all-season outdoor education and retreat site. Montecito is 7200 ft above sea level, situated next to a beautiful mountain lake, adjacent to the Redwood Mountain section of Kings Canyon National Park, and in the new Giant Sequoia National Monument. Convenient to schools in both northern and southern California, you have the choice between rooms with private baths or rustic cabins with central baths. See the site description! Programs at this site include:

WINTER — Learn to travel over the snow on Nordic skis or snowshoes, and discover the mysteries of the "snow forest." This is the best winter program in California. Naturalists at Large provides all students with Nordic skis and snowshoes. The best months to visit are late January through March.

SPRING — The Sierra forest is shedding its snowy mantle and is bursting with new life. Spring programs begin in April and continue through early June.

AUTUMN — Experience the enchantment of the Sierra in the fall. Get your academic year off to a great start with a Naturalists at Large Sequoia program. Discover the forest and nearby Giant Sequoia groves. Fall programs run from early September to early November.

Click here for Sequoia N.P. Webcam

Yosemite National Park is America's favorite National Park. Not only is this an incredibly beautiful place, Yosemite is rich in history and boasts some of the most easily accessible outdoor learning opportunities available.

River and forest habitats exist in a mosaic with meadows, streams and grassland.

Whether you desire an academic program, something heavily invested in arts and humanities or a school retreat, Yosemite is the perfect place.

Students with the NAL program in Yosemite Valley sleep in tents in campsites near the Merced River. See the site description!

Click here and here for Yosemite Webcams

Calaveras Big Trees State Park - In 1852, a hunter made a startling discovery. While tracking a grizzly bear he had wounded, he found himself staring up at a monstrous tree, larger than anything he had ever seen. Of course, nobody believed him and when they finally did, all they could think of was cutting the largest or the large trees down. We know these trees today as the Giant Sequoia. During our programs we visit the grove where this mighty tree once stood. It’s still possible to stand on the stump which was planed and used for a dance floor, bar and bowling alley. Calaveras Big Trees has been a popular tourist destination ever since - and a state park since 1931. Join us at this unique place and experience a unparalleled corner of old California. See the site description!

Other sites in the southern, eastern and other areas of the Sierra Nevada include Cedar Grove, Kings Canyon National Park [See the site description!] and Sequoia National Park.