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High Sierra Glamping

Glamping is often about choosing how much you want to “rough it” and how much you want things to be taken care of for you. Glampers headed for the Sequoia High Sierra Camp have two options for hiking into camp; a 3/4 or 12 mile trail hike to the camp. For those hiking the longer route it’s more challenging but the camp at the end eliminates the need to carry food and everything else. You can still enjoy the comforts of soft beds and hot showers.

Sequoia High Sierra Camp has 32 canvas tent cabins that provide comfort yet blend in naturally with the surrounding environment. Each tent is approximately 330 square feet and stands on a permanent platform. The best part is the artisan furniture, king size beds, and high-thread count sheets. Knowing this is what awaits you motivates you throughout the entire 12-mile hike.

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Now that sleeping arrangements are provided for, let’s talk food because being in the great outdoors definitely works up an appetite. Three robust meals are include at the camp. Breakfast is served buffet-style every morning with fresh fruit, vegetable frittatas, and the traditional bacon, eggs, and potatoes. For lunch, guests pack their own picnic of deli sandwiches. Gourmet California and Mediterranean-style dinner under a canvas-roofed pavilion is enhanced only by the stunning sunset views and good company of other travelers.

The camp’s main bathhouse has private shower stalls and flushing toilets. The soap, shampoo, and towels are all provided of course. Additionally there are bathrooms located throughout the camp and within close proximity to the tent cabins.

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As you would expect, the Sequoia High Sierra Camp has a deep committment to environmental preservation. The camp’s owner, Burr Hughes, is architect with a master’s degree in sustainable design. The camp is designed to blend in seemlessly with the environment. Most everything is made from renewable sources and the camp’s power comes from a low-emission generator.

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Sequoia High Sierra Camp’s natural surroundings provide innumerable options for adventure activities and restful leisure. Hiking trails nearby range from easy loops through meadows and more intense scenic mountainsides. Fisherman are encouraged to bring their own gear and enjoy the lakes and creeks that surround the camp. Bring along your nice camera because the majestic Sequoias and royal blue skies are waiting for you. At the end of the day don’t go to bed before star gazing. The night sky is dazzling in the absence of all the city lights. Horseback riding is also available through the Horse Corral Pack Station.

Learn more about the Sequoia High Sierra Camp.

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Spotlight: River Dance Lodge

Names of places are sometimes just names and don’t necessarily add to the image in my mind. However, for River Dance Lodge in Idaho, it’s different. It’s becomes obvious very quickly that this glamping destination is set in an exciting river setting. The name “River Dance” evokes an image in my mind of celebration for the river environment. There is so much to do here, it is like a carnival of a outdoor fun.

River Dance Lodge doesn’t disappoint when it comes to accommodations. River Dance is one of Idaho’s finest guest ranches and features hand-built log cabins. Rugged luxury is a contrast of ideas that seem natural here. A cozy cabin is an ideal refuge after a day of adventuring on horseback, rafting, hiking, and fishing; we’ll talk about activities more in-depth later on. Whether it’s your first time or has been too long since the last time you (insert activity name here) afterwards you’ll need a rest and probably want to soak in a hot tub. River Dance builders also thought that was a great idea. So, you can soak in a private hot tub and gaze upon the forested mountains – after a long day of adventuring, you deserve it!

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Now for the main event, let’s talk about River Dance’s glamping tents. River Dance has placed comfortable canvas tents right alongside a rushing creek. The glamping trend is unique in that it is a modern trend that uses retro equipment like canvas tents to achieve its goals. Not that I’m complaining, it’s just interesting. If nothing else glamping is reactionary to a hyper-connected world. People want to get back to nature but don’t want to sleep on the hard ground. River Dance has furnished its tents with king-sized beds and a wood-burning stove. River Dance took one more step in the name of comfort by adding an antique claw-foot tub with a propane burner to heat the water. Nights of roasting marshmallows under the stars have never been so comfortable.

Vacation planning is a daunting task, which is why all-inclusive packages were invented. Sometimes it’s okay to treat yourself on vacation and free yourself from the stress of planning a vacation. Remember, it’s supposed to be relaxing! It’s a benefit of all-inclusive packages to have an idea of what you’re getting and paying for up front rather than be surprised by your credit card bill after all the little things have been added up. The other good news is that River Dance is a small resort that can afford to give its guests extra attention and care.

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I have a lot of appreciation for resorts that operate lodging and activities and do it well. It’s a complicated task. Luckily, River Dance Lodge’s owners Betsy Bowen and Peter Grubb are seasoned veterans when it comes to adventure vacation. They also own and operate ROW Adventures who operates the activities for you at River Dance Lodge. With over 30 years experience you know you’re in good hands.

Every season brings something unique to River Dance. The resort responds by providing experiences that highlight the best of each season. The thought of visiting more than once may occur to you now, but it will definitely happen when you’re on the last day of your stay here. Horseback riding in the Bitterroot Mountains is fabulous. There are trails from the Idaho guest ranch to hot springs and it’s possible to ride up the Selway River and go fly fishing.

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Your tent/cabin can be just as much of an experience as any of the more active adventures. You may even want to spend the bulk of your time relaxing and enjoying the freedom of a clear agenda. River Dance has a defined atmosphere of warm hospitality that fits well with families ready for fun or for romantic getaways for couples.

To learn more or to start planning your trip visit River Dance’s website.

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Wild West Glamping, Storm Creek Outfitters

Drifting off to sleep in a cozy bed of quilts under a canvas roof is how each day ends at Storm Creek Outfitters – located on the Montana/Idaho border. Let’s explore what happens during the day to get a clear idea of what your vacation here will be like. The West is now just as comfortable as it used to be wild, thanks to glamping experts like Storm Creek Outfitters.

Storm Creek Outfitters brings you to the heart of the West to experience one of our nation’s largest wilderness complex’s in comfortable luxury with warm western hospitality and gourmet food. Guests access Storm Creek by way of Darby, Montana, a small western town that is the gateway to the Selway-Bitterroot Wildnerness. Darby also plays host to national events such as Logger Days,  the EBR sanctioned Bull-O-Rama Rodeo, and  “Cowboy Mounted Shooting” competition during the summer months. We’ll discuss more things to do later on.

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In the days of the Wild West when a cowboy rode into a ranch looking for work, the first question he asked was, “Who’s the Cook?” If the cook wasn’t known to be good the cowboy rode on to the next outfit. Storm Creek takes their Dutch Oven cooking seriously!  You can even join the cook for an afternoon of hands-on cooking and we aren’t talking beans-n-weenies. How about Tuscan Roasted Lamb with mint apple pesto or Beef Short Ribs en Daube with polenta? It’s safe to say that you will not go hungry during your visit.

Today, the landscape remains much the same as it was in the 1800s. You can still hike or ride horses down the same well worn trails enjoying the magnificent unspoiled scenery. On the Montana/Idaho State line lies the Southern Nez Perce Indian trail. This historic trail was once among the frequently used routes by the Nez Perce Indians traveling to and from their buffalo hunting grounds. Famous trappers like Kit Carson, miners packing their gold, traders and other early adventurers also used the trail.

The Frank Church River of No Return and the Selway –Bitterroot Wilderness combine to create the largest wilderness area in the continental US. These wilderness areas offer solitude and pristine beauty. Seldom will you cross paths with another person as you travel the trail past an old Indian grave and see the telltale marks left on trees by trappers baiting for small game. What lies before you is a mind boggling 4.2 million acres of wilderness.

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Storm Creek cabin tents are havens of comfort; set on raised platforms and thoughtfully decorated to create a charming coziness. Rugs cushion your soles and wood stoves keep you warm on colder nights. Bunk with family or friends in tents that are arranged with a queen bed or bunk beds. Privacy is paramount in these tents where rustic charm meets upscale amenities. Good-natured simplicity, our vault toilets, are meticulously kept clean and fresh. Chamber Pots are discretely placed in each tent for middle of the night necessities.

Adventures are easy to come by in the relaxing summers or peaceful winters. Hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding top the list of things to do experience the wilderness. Wintertime here is a surreal winter wonderland. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing are excellent choices to keep you busy. Storm Creek also provides learning experiences where you can learn orienteering without a GPS, learn Dutch oven cooking with the chef, or learn mountain horsemanship skills. It’s easy to connect with nature in a place where wildlife outnumbers people.

Imagine yourself here cozied up to the wood stove after a wonderful gourmet meal paired with just the right wine all the while surrounded by mountains and trees, and an unending clear sky. It’s difficult to think of a better use of those vacation days you worked so hard to earn.

Find out more about Storm Creek Outfitters.