Butterflies & Wildflowers tour start date:
March 20, 2011 tour end date: March 20, 2011
tour registration closes:
March 06, 2011 wine region: Central Coast length of stay:
Single-Day Tour hiking level: Easy total group size: 11 price per person: $115.00 tour deposit: $115.00
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One-Day Hike & Wine-Tasting Tour: 4 easy miles, 300’ elevation gain When you visit the bustling hive that is San Francisco, you may not expect to see vast assortments of wildflowers. On this tour, however, that’s exactly what you’ll see, including some of the best early Spring wildflowers in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Plus, if you observe carefully, you’ll get to see one or two species of rare, elusive, and endangered butterflies pollinating those lovely wildflowers. Mid-March to mid-April is the only time of year when these butterflies are on the wing, and there are only two tiny oases within the ranges of the California coast in which they live.
The hike Despite its appearance, which might be termed floating in the midst of a sea of urbanization, hiking in this 3600-acre wildlife refuge can be quite a treat. You’ll start your hike at 800’ and wind your way to the top of the trail, where you’ll be over 1300 feet above sea level along a ridge that extends for four miles. On the ascent, you may see one or more of the 10 species of rare plants growing here; you’ll also see incredible views of the San Francisco Bay below you. On your descent through chaparral and a wide riparian canyon, and as you feel the humidity rise, you may be suddenly surrounded by dozens of periwinkle-colored — and very rare — Mission Blue butterflies. If you are patient with your camera, you may just capture a timeless and ephemeral moment.
On this short and sweet hike, there are many fine moments. Indeed, it’s amazing to note such wildlife diversity in the midst of such a high concentration of the human population. Yet the keys to the area’s biological diversity are the variable topography and microclimates that separate the area’s native and introduced grassland vegetation from its coastal scrub and riparian woodland plant communities. That, and the good ol’ San Francisco fog.
The wine tasting After your hike, you’ll lunch at the picnic grounds near the trailhead, then board your tour vehicle to taste a few fine local wines at one of San Francisco’s landmark wine bars.
The fun The small size of your group will lend itself well to a well-rounded, quality experience perfect for learning, having fun, and making new friends. You can even learn about the wildlife and flora that you see on the trail, or broaden your wine knowledge. Take advantage of your guide’s many years of wine and trail experience! All you need is a desire to know more. And to have fun!
The details All of our single-day tours include trail snacks, bottled water, a gourmet picnic lunch, wine tasting (including tasting fees), and the services of a California Wine Hikes tour guide. Guests will meet their tour guide at Picchetti Winery. A full itinerary will be provided to all guests who book this tour.
Invite your friends Your friends would enjoy this adventure, too. Ask them to join you on this tour, and savor the shared memories! Simply click here to invite your friends, and your invitation to them will include a link to this tour. Or, just click the book now button to reserve your spot today.
California Wine Hikes accepts these payment options:
YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OF AGE TO BOOK THIS TOUR.
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“A wonderful experience. Very well planned and organized, with a really fun group of people. Russ’ considerable expertise in both explaining the flora and fauna we hiked through and the essentials of wine appreciation made the experience not just fun but educational, too.” — Andy U., Oakland, California
