Escape to the Outdoors!

Transcription

1 California Whitewater River Rafting Escape to the Outdoors! Satisfaction Gold Seal Service G u a rantee d Family Rafting Vacations Adventure Experts South Fork Campground Cabin-Tents with Cots & River View Non-Profit & Youth Groups Quick Get-A-Ways Corporate Group Specialists Wine Tasting & Rafting Weekends Family Trips with Goldpanners Over 29 Years Experience 165,000 Happy Guests

2 Welcome to Whitewater Rafting with Mariah Wilderness Expeditions Mariah has been offering high quality, safe and exciting rafting trips for over 29 years. I started rafting as a hobby in 1975 with a group of my friends, and, in 1982, I changed my hobby into a business. We have seven great California rivers to choose from. They provide enough variety for rafters of all ages and experience, and each river is beautiful and scenic. The American River is classic California rafting, and its three forks are all different. The South Fork is great for families and first time rafters as well as for the more experienced paddler. The Middle Fork is more challenging with its famous Tunnel Chute Rapid. The North Fork is snowfed and is a popular early-season river for the more adventurous rafter. The Kings River is an ideal family get-away. The Merced flows strong and fast out of Yosemite with steep canyon walls and spectacular wild flower displays. The lower Tuolumne is a great step up from the North Fork and Merced. Cherry Creek is an awesome Class V stretch of the upper Tuolumne River. This river offers some extreme rafting, and rafters must participate in a rafting seminar and pass a Class V paddler s test in order to go down the river. Our guides are trained professionals, and many of them have been with us for over 27 years. We want you to have a good time on the river and your safety is our first concern. Whether you have rafted with us many times before or if this is your first time choosing Mariah Wilderness Expeditions, we thank you for giving us your trust and confidence. Have a great time. See you on one of our rivers, Hot Shot Images, top and right SWIMMING HOLE 1 CAMP AREA SHADY LANE CAMP AREA DENSE JUNGLE Current Divider Rapid Class II - Mile RESTROOMS PUT-IN for Gorge Section TAKE-OUT for Chili Bar Section Mariah Wilderness Expeditions RIVER OVERLOOK SWIMMING HOLE 2 CAMP CAMP AREA AREA JUNGLE Upper Middle Lower PATH TO: - CABIN-TENTS - RIVER ROCK - OAK TREE CAMP AREAS Your Mariah Guides, Office Staff, Shuttle Bus Drivers and Friends Chat with our office staff and book a trip. On the river, raft with one of our great guides from exciting places: Costa Rica, New Zealand, Philippines, and, of course, the United States. Our shuttle drivers are super important, too. And many of our older guides still show up from time to time to say hello, to guide a trip, or just because they really miss us. We are all looking forward to meeting you and sharing our love of the outdoors! C I R C L E I V E D R E N D O F M A R I A H P R O P E R T Y Cabin-Tent Rentals 2

3 Which River Is Right for You? International Scale of River Difficulty Class I Easy-Beginner: Moving water with small waves and no obstacles. Class I rapids are found on every river. Ideal for children ages four and up. Trip: The Raft Express. Class II Easy-Beginner: Moderately moving water with gentle waves. Obstacles such as rocks are easy to maneuver through and around, mild gradient. Ideal for children ages four to seven and up. Class II rapids are found on every river. Trip: The Raft Express. Class III Beginner-Intermediate: Moderate whitewater, exciting but not difficult. Obstacles such as rocks and changes in river gradients are easy to maneuver through and around. Ideal for the first-time adult rafter and youth ages seven and up. Trips: South Fork American and the Kings. Class IV Intermediate-Advanced: High volume whitewater that requires technical maneuvering; helmets are often required. Ideal for experienced rafters and youth ages twelve to fourteen and up depending on the water level. Trips: Merced, Middle Fork American, North Fork American, Tuolumne. Class V Advanced-Expert: Maximum intensity whitewater. The river bed is extremely obstructed and expert navigating is required. A training seminar and a Class V paddler s test are required. Trip: Cherry Creek. Class VI Unrunnable (except in the movies). Ratings are based on a normal flow and can change due to water level. Please call so we can help you select the most appropriate river. Map: David Moore Driving Times River From Bay Area From Los Angeles American Merced Kings Tuolumne Boat Types Paddle Guests and guide paddle. Kayak Guest(s), solo or double, paddle. Why Choose Us? Oar Guests relax, guide oars. California rivers are our specialty with over 165,000 happy customers since Seven rivers to choose from South, Middle & North Fork American, Merced, Kings, Tuolumne & Cherry Creek. High quality professional river guides that stay with us season to season. State-of-the-art equipment includes self-bailing boats w/foot cups & Coast Guard-approved flotation devices. We have our own wetsuit & booties available for rent at very reasonable prices. They are cleaned after each use. Friendly reservation staff to help you choose the right trip for you. Delicious and hearty food, including vegetarian. Oar Combo Guests paddle, guide oars. Mini-vacations are mini-priced, varied, exciting, safe. Riverfront Camping on the South Fork in cabin-tents with cots, pads, and deck chairs. California River Map River Difficulty Scale 314

4 South Fork American Fun for Everyone Class II-III April through September Chili Bar Dam to Lake Folsom LThe River ocated in the Gold Country of Northern California, the American River is steeped in history and is located a convenient distance from the Bay Area, Sacramento, Reno and Tahoe. The California Gold Rush started a few miles from here when John Marshall discovered gold at Sutter s Mill. The South Fork American is a California classic and a must-raft river. Twentyone miles of sparkling water, the South Fork is fed by a dam and depends on releases from this dam to keep the river flowing. Usually water is released like clockwork and everyone goes with the flow. A great introduction to whitewater rafting, the South Fork of the American River has 50 Class II-III rapids contained in 21 miles of river; raft part or the entire river. Plan a half day, a whole day or even two days to discover the delights of this historic river ideal for families, individuals, and groups. Practice your paddling techniques on rapids such as Troublemaker and Satan s Cesspool. On hot days, jump in and float down one of the swimmer s rapids. Look for deer along the shore and see modern-day gold miners dredging for gold. Stay at our beautiful riverside campground, sleep on cots in elevated cabin-tents. Excellent reservation experience...you kept us up-todate about conditions and what to expect...we were met by friendly faces when we first checked in, and even though they were getting the camp ready, they took time to explain everything to us. Our guide, Kevin, was fantastic!...very personable, easy to talk to, and VERY careful. I appreciated how fast he got me out of Satan s Cesspool when I went for a swim! B.A., South Fork Family Goldpanning Raft Trip, 7/2011 4

5 Lots of Fun to Choose From! 2-day Trip Class III 21 miles, 1 night camping, 4 meals Experience the beauty of the river, enjoy the camaraderie of your family and friends, camp comfortably in the outdoors, and have a truly relaxing time. Raft half the river each day usually the Gorge on the first day and Chili Bar on the second. Arrive at camp by 9:00 am where you will be greeted by your guides. After a 30-minute trip orientation, you will head to the river for about four hours of rafting. At the end of the day, enjoy a delicious dinner, watch a slide show that shows the Mariah rafters navigating Satan s Cesspool or Hospital Bar rapids, and camp under the stars. After breakfast the second day, we drive for 30 minutes to just below the Chili Bar Dam and enjoy three hours on the river. End the trip back at our campground for a wonderful Bar-B-Q lunch. Sometimes we enjoy a deli lunch on the river prior to ending the trip back at camp. Meals included on the first day: lunch, dinner. Meals included on the second day: breakfast, lunch. Every Saturday during hors d oeuvres, there is a presentation of local wines during wine-tasting. A small amount of local wine is served during hors d oeuvres on mid-week trips. Fruit juice and water are also served. Please feel free to bring your own beverages to enjoy, such as beer, soda, favorite wines, etc. 1-day trip Class III, miles, Includes lunch Gorge Run. A popular option is the Gorge Run, an 11- mile stretch of river from the Mariah Campground to Lake Folsom. We start with 3 miles of Class II rapids, giving you plenty of time to warm up and learn the art of paddling. After lunch the hills close in, the river narrows, and you are challenged by exciting rapids such as Satan s Cesspool, Hospital Bar and Surprise until we reach Folsom Lake. Help load boats onto the trailers for the 20-minute scenic trip back to camp. Chili Bar. This morning trip is very popular for those who appreciate a full 3 hours of rafting, a nice lunch and then time to depart for their next destination early in the afternoon. If you start at Chili Bar just below the dam, the action starts right away. Ten miles of river with 5.5 miles of exciting Class III rapids culminates at mile eight with Trouble Maker, one of the largest rapids on the river. You continue rafting to our spacious campground located about two miles further on for a hearty Bar-B-Q lunch. 1/2-day trip Class III, miles Are you watching your budget and your time? Choose one of our no-frills, no-lunch, half-day trips. The Gorge Run (Mariah Campground to Lake Folsom) is 11 miles, 12:30 pm until about 4 pm. The Chili Bar Run (from the top of the river at Chili Bar down to the Mariah Campground) is 10 miles, 8:30 am until about noon. Unique Family Rafting and Goldpanning Trips JMariah was the first company to offer family rafting and goldpanning trips and we still do it best. Join other families with kids for a unique outdoor adventure that is sure to bring fun and excitement to your time together. Our well-known Goldpanner, Rodney, arrives every Thursday evening in full gold rush costume. Each one of you gets the opportunity to pan for gold and take home your own small vial of gold flakes; and we ve noticed that the adults enjoy the panning almost as well as the kids. Our professional river guides will take especially good care of your family both on and off the river, so you can relax and enjoy yourself. This unique, two-day rafting and goldpanning trip is offered every Thursday and Friday from the end of June through the end of August. Check our calendar on page 15 for prices. 2 days rafting, 1 night camping (night during), four meals, goldpanning and stories galore Every Thursday-Friday trips offered from the end of June through early September Special 50% Youth Discount for kids ages 7-16 when accompanied by adults Wine Tasting Trips Every Saturday evening during a two-day, Saturday-Sunday trip, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, we showcase locally grown and produced wines an enchanting way to relax after an exciting day on the river! South Fork American Class II-III Special Trips 514

6 The reservation experience was excellent. Melinda was awesome and helped me check off all my list for this awesome Family Reunion! The pre-trip materials were excellent. We had everything we needed to get there and know what to expect. Our guide, John Markey, ROCKS!! Thanks, John!...Eric was a fan favorite with my brother inlaws and our 3 sons 25, 27 and 30. Everyone at Mariah makes you welcome...like it s home away from home! Our Trip Experience was excellent. Trouble Maker rocked us this year! We did both days and loved doing the whole South Fork. S.T., South Fork American, 2-Day Rafting Trip, 7/2011 A. See below Mariah s South Fork Campground E njoy camping at Mariah s 20-acre riverside campground located on Highway 49. Our spacious campground offers comfort and privacy and is ideal for individuals, families and groups. It is one of the largest and most beautiful camps on the river with permanently set-up tent rentals for families (see website tour). Food Hearty meals are cooked by your guides and are served under our covered dining area. We also have vegetarian meals. (Let us know if you have special dietary needs.) Every Saturday, during hors d oeuvres, there is a nice presentation of local wines for wine-tasting. Fruit juice and water are served for non-wine drinkers. Water is available throughout your trip. Please feel free to bring your own beverages for your enjoyment, i.e. beer, sodas, your favorites. Enjoy outdoor camaraderie while sipping your refreshing beverage in our Wine and Beverage Garden. Enjoy our Coffee Corner in the morning. Fun While in camp, try your hand at ping-pong, horseshoes or volleyball. Read a book or throw a Frisbee. Bring your fishing pole and fish from the shore. Do some bird watching or walk on our nature trail. Facts We have a handy walk-in camp store offering t-shirts, shorts, river shoes, sun screen, hats, lip balm, waterproof cameras and more. Relax after dinner by viewing our evening slide show featuring you and your friends running the rapids. Enjoy our restrooms with hot showers, flush toilets and mirrors, easily accessible to the RV parking lot. There is NO electricity at our campground! Guest Info Kiosk Want to know about local attractions? Our Information Kiosk is filled with brochures, maps and flyers on all the great things to see and do in the area. Additional Camping & Meals Add a night of camping prior to and/or after your day of rafting. Add additional meals to your trip as well. Call for availability and prices. If you camp with us the evening prior to your trip we invite you to arrive anytime after 5:00 pm. There will be a Camp Host(ess) on duty from 5:00 9:00 pm to welcome you B. See below D. See below E. See below C. See below and show you where you can set up your tent; or if you have rented a tent they will direct you to it. If you arrive after 9:00 pm have your flashlight handy and check the Welcome Board across from the kitchen. Look for your name and you will find info about your trip and where to set up your camp, or where your rented tent is. Note: Please do not bring pets, fireworks, or firearms. Tent, Cabin-Tent, Sleep Kit, Sleep Pad A. 2-person dome tent; 2 sleep pads. B. 4-person cabin-tent on raised platform; 4 sleep pads (Poppy, Mulberry, Acorn, Berry). C. Front: 2-person cabin-tent on raised platform; 2 cots, 2 sleep pads (Hummingbird, Sparrow, Kingfisher). D. 5-person cabin-tent on raised platform; 5 cots, 5 sleep pads, 5 deck chairs, and veranda (Eagle s Nest, Falcon s Nest). E. 4-person cabin-tent on raised platform; 4 cots, 4 sleep pads, 4 deck chairs, and veranda (Hawk s Nest). Sleeping kits (sleeping bag and sheet liner) and 4 sleep pads are also available to rent. Reserve camping equipment in advance so it can be set up for your arrival. Wetsuits with booties are available to rent for only $10/person/trip. They are thoroughly cleaned after each trip. Is a Non-Rafter Part of Your Group? Is your child too young to raft and therefore a non-rafting adult needs to stay at camp while your friends or family raft? A small price for your nonrafter includes camping and meals. Children six and younger stay free. 6

7 Special Trips! Musical Weekends on the south fork Our music weekends have become quite popular so we are adding more concerts. Our wonderful, local musicians entertain during the hors d'oeuvres and wine-tasting presentation, and often they can be found strumming their instruments at the campfire after the slideshow. Enjoy bluegrass, soft guitar, jazz and oldies. Call for weekend dates. Early-Bird Whole River Special South Fork American Early in the season when the water flow is high, you can raft the whole 21 miles of the South Fork of the American River in one day. In normal conditions we raft one half of the river on our one-day trip. This is exciting stuff and way cool. Begins early April through mid-late May, or even into June, depending on snow melt-off. Attention Youth Group Leaders For the past 29 years we have encouraged youth to experience the beauty of being outdoors in a natural environment and to develop self confidence while enjoying the thrills of whitewater. We are proud of our efforts and continue to offer substantial discounts to youth groups. The South Fork is the perfect river for scouts to use to earn their Whitewater Merit Badge. Typically, Day 1 is a guided raft trip down the Gorge. On Day 2 each youth learns how to read whitewater and how to maneuver their own inflatable kayak down Class I and Class II rapids from the State Park to the Mariah Campground. It is a day of great fun, laughs and splashes, and the development of more self-confidence. Call the Mariah office to discuss your group with us. The Reservation Experience was excellent. Very easy process and they accommodated a last minute addition. We received very complete pre-trip instructions. Guides were all great. Everyone had a terrific time and the guides made it more fun. Special recognition to Morgan for getting our big raft over all the rocks during the very low water at the start. The main comment when we got off the river was Can we do this again next year? One person enjoyed it so much she wanted to take another trip the following weekend. T.Z., Youth Groups-South Fork American, 1-Day Gorge, 9/ to 3-Hour Raft Express Daily, Ages 4 and Up, Minimum 4 people For Dates and Price refer to Trip Calendar & Price List on page 15 O ur Raft Express has become very popular with families and groups who have young kids who are eager to discover the charms of the river, yet are still not quite old enough to tackle the challenges of the bigger whitewater. This is a mellow way to discover rafting and to bring young children and grandparents into the action. The Raft Express is a short two- to threehour cruise downriver in an oar boat paddled by one of our friendly guides who will show you points of interest along the shore. Or, if you want, you can also enjoy paddling in one of our paddle boats. This trip is ideal for the very young and anyone with just a few hours to spend on the river. Raft from the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park to the Mariah Campground. Whitewater Rafting Guide School 6 days, 6 nights, textbook, camping and most meals are included For Date and Price refer to Trip Calendar & Price List on page 15 Since 1982 Our intensive six-day workshop is designed for those wishing to work as commercial river guides as well as people wanting to gain knowledge of safe rafting techniques for their own use. The emphasis is on learning to read whitewater, Class III-IV safety techniques, boat handling, camp cooking, river conservation, and the methods of providing a safe and fun river trip. Basic instruction will be given on the South Fork American River. If water levels permit, we may also raft the North and Middle Forks of the American River. South Fork Campground Special Trips 714

8 Middle Fork American River Chute the Rapids Class II-IV May through Mid-September Oxbow Bend to Greenwood Bridge The River P erfect for adventurous and fit first-timers or intermediate rafters, the Middle Fork is a step up from the South Fork, both literally and figuratively. Located near Auburn, the river flows through a stunning and remote wilderness canyon, 2,000 feet deep with tall, sheer-faced rock walls and lush pine forests. The Middle Fork is well-known for the famous Tunnel Chute rapid 100+ yards of foam and froth known as the Chute, followed immediately by the 30-yard tunnel our boats float through. This rapid was created when gold miners blasted through rock to change the flow of the river. We position our boats at the top of the Chute and paddle a few forward strokes, giving us the momentum we need to enter the current. Then current and gradient take us on a thrilling ride! We will experience plenty of thrills during this full day. Lettuce Hole, Kanaka, Chunder and Ruck-a-Chucky rapids will all test us. Lucky for us there are some calm spots on the river for relaxing and enjoying the awesome scenery. We also take time for a lovely walk up to a small waterfall. Wet and wild, the Middle Fork is ideal for adventuresome first-timers and experienced rafters ready for a new challenge. 1-Day Trip 17 Miles, Includes Lunch We rendezvous early in the morning in the town of Auburn for the one-hour shuttle taking us to the put-in at Oxbow Reservoir. We return you to your car at the end of the day. At the put-in you will meet your guides and receive safety and paddling instruction. You will have the opportunity to practice your paddle skills in a few rapids. Within 45 minutes you have rafted to the Tunnel Chute Rapid. We take a few minutes to get out of the boats and walk to the top of the rocks where we have a fantastic view of the rapid! As a team we decide how best to make our approach to the rapid s entrance, and then we board our boats and head out into the current. At the end of the rapid, after having successfully paddled through the tunnel, we take a short break before heading down-river for more thrills. We enjoy a hearty lunch around noon and, if we have time, Hot Shot Images enjoy a short walk up a narrow canyon to a small and refreshing waterfall. At the end of the day, we help take out the rafts and then, with a bottle of cold water in our hands, we shuttle back to Auburn. We ll have spent a total of 4 to 6 hours on the river including a 45-minute lunch break and a possible short hike. Drive home the same day or stay overnight in Auburn and enjoy the beauty and gold rush history of the area. The office was awesome, making it easy for me to organize the people on my end. We knew everything we needed to know, and felt fully prepared for a 2-day wilderness adventure. [Our guides] Jason, John and Eric FAR exceed Excellent. Their leadership gave us confidence, their humor kept us entertained, and their hard work and superb service made this the best trip...that anyone of us had ever been on. The 2-day wilderness adventure trip was perfect for the bachelor party...rafting, exploring, with lots of time to just chill and spend quality time with the guys. J.A., Middle Fork American - 2-Day Wilderness Trip, 8/ our second trip with Kevin...an excellent guide who puts safety first and encourages everyone to listen at critical times. He was great in explaining what to expect before we ran each rapid. Eric was a riot...he made the safety instructional training entertaining without being flippant or casual. The Middle Fork rapids were some of the best, most exciting runs I have ever experienced, and I have been whitewater rafting for 25 years on more than 8 rivers, including the Grand Canyon. Next year we hope we can do the North and Middle Forks again. This time we ll bring friends to share the boat. B.B., Middle Fork American, 1-Day Rafting Trip, 9/2011 8

9 2-Day Trip: South/Middle Fork Combo double fun! 28 Miles, 1 Night Camping, 4 Meals (Trip can be run in reverse depending on water, weather and availability.) When one day is just not enough, go for this combo trip. It is perfect for fit and adventurous beginners and intermediate rafters. Warm up (or cool down) on the South Fork American and get even more thrills on the Middle Fork. On the South Fork we will raft either the Chili Bar section or the Gorge section, depending on weather, water, and availability. You will have two days of rafting, one night camping at Mariah s South Fork Campground, and four healthy and hearty meals. Hors d oeuvres and dinner the end of the first day of rafting will be served at our South Fork Campground. Every Saturday, during hors d oeuvres, there is a nice presentation of local wines for wine-tasting. Fruit juice and water is served for non-wine drinkers. Please feel free to bring your own beverage. Middle Fork American Class II-IV 2-Day Trip: Middle Fork Wilderness Camping 17 Miles, 1 Night Camping, 4 Meals, 2-Person Tent, Sleep Pad The Middle Fork American River is a very popular river for fit and adventurous beginners and intermediate rafters. Located near Sacramento, San Francisco and Auburn, an overnight trip on the Middle Fork makes for a fun, exciting, wilderness experience without the need to drive far. The river flows through a deep, densely forested canyon surrounded by 1,000 cliffs. There are side streams, pools, waterfalls, sandy beaches, remnants of the Gold Rush, and pristine wilderness that we will be able to explore and enjoy. During a long, calm stretch of river, you can take a turn at paddling an inflatable kayak. Minimum 12 rafters, so gather your friends together! 914

10 I just want to thank Nikki from the bottom of my heart. You really looked after us well, feeding us and keeping us safe on the river you are brilliant! You kept our nerves up just enough before each rapid to scare us into doing everything you shouted to us to do, then steered us through expertly, then praised us for doing so well! I loved every part of the trip...it was so quiet at night, I fell asleep listening to crickets and the river heaven! We also had a full moon! The whole trip exceeded our expectation! I will be telling everyone who steps foot anywhere near California to look you up and go for it! Love, Jenny and the gang of Gingers! South-Middle American Combo, 8/2010 Class IV North Fork American River Chill Out and Thrill Out! April and May (June depending on water level) Iowa Hill Bridge to Ponderosa Way Bridge SThe River tep up to the major challenge of the North Fork American River, a Class IV technical extravaganza perfect for the ultimate springtime adventure. The North Fork is the most challenging fork of the American River. Previous rafting experience and good physical condition highly recommended. The North Fork s spring flow is created by the melting snow pack of the Desolation Wilderness Area of the Sierras providing an early springtime outdoor adventure a great transition from winter ski slopes to summer rafting fun. A major feature of this river is its absolute beauty. In April and May the river is resplendent with huge splashes of spring flowers California poppy and bright blue lupine! 1-day trip North fork 10 Miles, Includes lunch We rendezvous the first morning of your trip in the town of Auburn for the 30-minute shuttle to the put-in. The first five miles are continuous Class IV-IV+ rapids. The final three miles offer a relaxing intermission to gaze in awe at 1,000 feet high sculptured granite cliffs. We spend about five hours on the river taking time to scout several of the rapids. Wet suits are required to keep you warm and safe on this exciting river. You may rent a wetsuit with booties from Mariah for $10/person/trip. 2-day Trip South/North Fork Combo Double the excitement! 31 Miles, 1 Night Camping, 4 Meals (Trip can be run in reverse depending on water, weather and availability.) When one day is just not enough, go for this combo trip. Pick a date early in the Spring, since the North Fork is snow-melt fed and is usually unrunnable after May. We will camp at the end of the day of rafting at our South Fork Campground where hors d'oeuvres and dinner will be served. Every Saturday, during hors d oeuvres, there is a nice presentation of local wines for wine-tasting. Fruit juice and water is served for non-wine drinkers. Please feel free to bring your own favorite beverages such as beer, soda, favorite wine, etc. 10

11 Merced River Catch the Wave Train! Class III-IV for 1-day trips Red Bud Picnic Area to Railroad Flat Class II-III for 1/2-day trips Bricebury to Railroad Flat Late April through July, Depending on water level The River O ne of the last free-flowing rivers in California, the Merced rushes out of the Yosemite Valley into a gorgeous deep canyon. Intermediate rafters will love the exhilarating whitewater and great views. The Merced has the best set of raftable roller-coaster waves in California. Springtime brings a breathtaking profusion of wildflowers. The combination of thrilling wave trains, tight turns, and gradual gradient drops of 34 feet per mile interspersed with time to relax and drift with the current make the Merced a thoroughly enjoyable whitewater river trip. The Merced is a solid Class III-IV intermediate river, perfect for rafters with previous experience and adventurous firsttimers in good physical condition. Water levels can vary each day as the snow melts in the High Sierra during the spring and summer so changes to the itinerary may occur. 1/2-Day Trip Near Yosemite Valley 11 Miles, Snacks Morning Trips: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Afternoon Trips: 2:00-6:00 pm This trip is Class II-III. If you are looking for a high water Merced class 3-4 trip, this is not it! But if your fancy is fun family rafting with warm temps and scenic floating, this trip is excellent, especially if you are visiting Yosemite Valley. We stop for snacks (which we provide) at a calm area for swimming, and kids love jumping off Jump Rock. Because of the slower pace (although still providing for some fun, technical rapids...you still wear your helmet!) and fun water play activities associated with this trip, we have had clients say that this trip offered more family fun than our higher water trips. Minimum age is 7-9 during low flows (mid-summer), and age 12 during higher flows, and also depending on the swimming ability of your kids. 1-day Trip 18 Miles, Includes Picnic Lunch A one-day trip on the Merced is a perfect match to your visit to Yosemite National Park. We meet you near the town of Mariposa and shuttle you to the put-in spot, a 45-minute drive away. The trip starts out with many Class III and IV rapids and some big drops. After a delicious picnic lunch on the river bank, we meet Class III rapids like Son of Ned, Sar Salad, White Rock and Bikini rapids, until we reach Split Rock and Corner Pocket, two exciting Class IV rapids that end the day with a thrill. Take out is at Railroad Flat and, after helping unload and stack the rafts, we shuttle back. North Fork American Class IV Merced Class III-IV Merced River trips are operated in cooperation with Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions. 11

12 Kings River Spring Power Summer Fun! Class III-III+ April Through August Spring (Minimum Age 12) Summer (Minimum Age 7) Garnet Dyke to Zephyr Camp, 1/2 mile from Kirch Flat Campground BThe River ig rollicking waves during the spring runoff and mellow family outings in the summer make this remote and beautiful southern California river an excellent choice. Located east of Fresno in the scenic Kings Canyon, this is one of the last free-flowing rivers in California. A big-water river without the technical difficulty of the Merced or Tuolumne, the Kings River is perfect for the adventurous first-timer during spring runoff, and great for kids from 7 to 80 during the summer. The wide river bed creates a wilderness roller coaster ride of big proportions. Camp at our riverside campsite the night before the trip. During spring runoff, waves can reach heights of ten feet or more with very fast current. We recommend that people who book during this period be in good physical condition. Wetsuits are usually needed into early June and in high water years into late June. Wetsuits and paddle jackets are provided by us at no extra charge. 2-Day Trip 20 miles, 2 nights camping, 5 meals Join us the night prior to the trip for camping. During the first day raft all exciting ten miles and end in camp for a great evening. The next morning repeat your exciting trip. Included are all beer, wine, snacks, juices and other beverages. Enjoy a great evening slide presentation showing photos of YOU rafting. Laugh while you and your friends relive the day s events while sipping a refreshing glass of wine. 1-Day Trip 10 miles, 1 night Camping, 2 meals Camp with us on the evening before your trip. Sleep on a sandy beach next to the river (or stay elsewhere and meet us for breakfast the morning of your trip). Raft ten miles and be back in camp about 4:30 pm with plenty of time for the drive home. One of the Last Free-flowing Rivers Melinda, in the office, was cheerful, helpful, communicative and patient. A keeper! And, the pre-trip materials were excellent.online directions and what-to-bring, etc. was more detailed than any other adventure of this sort. From the van driver (who pointed out interesting places along the way), to our river guide, I was impressed with the knowledge and concern that we have a safe and enjoyable time. Melissa was our river guide...capable, responsible and fun. Could we take her home with us? She was just darling. Our trip experience was just excellent! There was no way to anticipate the fun we had. Great day on the river and great lunch, too. Rapids provided excitement beyond our expectations. T.C., Middle Fork American, 1-Day Rafting Trip, 8/ Kings River trips are operated in cooperation with Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions. Photos this and facing page Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions

13 Our guide, Melissa, rocks. She was great at explaining everything ahead of time so there were no surprises, she made...the us feel rapids very safe, were and wonderful we were very and confident the her abilities. camping (Did you fun...the see the meals way she were maneuvered unbelievable. the boat on her own Thanks through again Ruck-a-Chucky for a...memorable Falls?) Best time of and all, she was very outgoing we hope and to return. fun! Our trip experience was excellent. W.R., August, 2002 I ve told my friends that if they ever want to go river rafting, to go with Mariah. This was our final summer adventure before our kids left for college, so we went with our son, his girlfriend, our daughter, her boyfriend, and my husband and myself. Thanks Mariah and Melissa. We had a blast! V.S., Middle Fork American, 1-Day Rafting Trip, 8/2011 Cherry Creek Extreme Action! Class V, Advanced only very physically fit paddlers need apply April through September 1-Day Trip (9 Miles), Morning Snack & Lunch Cherry Creek below Bridge to Meral s Pool The TRiver he ultimate in California rivers, Cherry Creek on the upper Tuolumne is the ride of your life. With a gradient averaging a steep 110 feet per mile, this is the most challenging run in the U.S. and the standard by which all Class V rivers are measured. The Creek offers chutes, holes, ledges and falls, all amidst gigantic boulders. Test your skills at Jawbone, Mushroom, Miracle Mile, Lewis s Leap and Flat Rock Falls. Due to the demanding nature of Cherry Creek, combination oar/paddle boats are used on this run. A training seminar and Class V paddler s test are required for this wild ride. Tuolumne River Challenging Fun! Class IV-IV+ (depending on flow) April through Mid-September Meral s Pool to Ward s Ferry The River The Mercedes Benz of all the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range rivers, the Tuolumne offers incomparable rapids and incredible scenery. For intermediate to advanced paddlers, the river is intense with 18 miles of almost continuous Class III-IV+ rapids. Beyond the put-in, there is no road access. All the gear is loaded in the boats for the best in wilderness camping. Clavey Falls is rated as one of the Big Ten drops in the United States. The river flows by a former Miwok Indian camp and remnants of some of the gold diggings of the 1849 Gold Rush. Designated by Congress in 1984 as a National Wild and Scenic River, warm sandy beaches line the river as it roars out of Hetch Hetchy Dam in Yosemite National Park. 3-day Trip 18 Miles, 2 Nights Camping, 7 Meals Arrive on day one near the town of Groveland. After loading gear, drive one hour to our put-in. Raft an exciting ten miles to campsite. Day two is a layover day for hiking and relaxing. On day three raft more rapids you will be one with the river after this trip! 2-Day Trip 18 Miles, 1 Night Camping, 4 Meals Meet in Groveland in the morning. Raft 10 miles the first day and relax and camp along the river in the evening. You ll have time to hike up one of the mountain creeks. The next day raft more exciting rapids. 1-Day Trip 18 Miles, Includes Lunch Raft the entire river in one day. This trip is offered only in early spring and fall. During the reservation process the office helped us every step of the way and the pre-trip materials were excellent...we knew exactly what to expect and what to bring.all the staff was courteous and helpful. Our guide, Nicki, was FANTAS- TIC!!! The trip experience was excellent. Everyone in our group had a great time from the adventurous to the cautious. L.S., South Fork American, 2-Day Rafting Trip, 8/2011 Kings Class III Tuolumne Class IV Cherry Creek Class V Tuolumne trips are operated in cooperation with Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions and Sierra Mac. Cherry Creek trips are offered in cooperation with Sierra Mac. 13

14 2012 Group Discounts South Fork American River Every 7th adult and every 7th youth comes for half-price (except for some South Fork trips where special youth discounts already apply). The following group discounts apply on most trips on the South Fork of the American River: 7-13 guests: 7th person comes for 1/2 price guests: 14th person comes for free guests: 14th person comes for free and 21st person comes for 1/2 price guests: 14th and 28th persons come for free 35+ guests: 14th, 28th, and 35th persons come for free In addition, groups of 35 and more receive an additional per person $5 off a 1/2-day trip, $10 off a 1-day trip, and $20 off a 2-day trip. Middle & North Forks American River Every 6th person comes for half-price Every 12th person comes for free Youth Discounts On most trips we offer 10% discount for youth 16 years and younger. Our special Family Rafting w/goldpanning trips offer a 50% special discount for youth ages No additional youth group discounts are available on these special Family Rafting w/goldpanning trips. Youth, non-profit and religious groups such as scouts, schools and religious organizations may, on certain dates, receive special discounts. Please call our office for more info. Only one discount per person applies. All of our price discounts are on the river price and do not include discounts on the 8% River Access Fees. Call our office for a Group Organizer s Packet! Check out Mariah Online View our 1-minute videos of the following: South, North and Middle Forks of the American River, the Merced River, and the South Fork Campground. View Online our South Fork Campground, Tents & Cabin-Tents! Enjoy glimpses of our camp entrance, guest information kiosk, wine and beverage garden, nature trail, volleyball and horseshoe courts, tent options, and more. (Left: Falcon s Nest) Order Gift Certificates Online! View Our Online Store. Women s rafting vacations! Mariah Wilderness Expeditions has offered a unique and exciting program of rafting and adventure travel vacations just for women since the company was founded by Donna Hunter in Call us today and request more info about these special trips or view them on our website Website Deposits, payments, cancellations for the women s trips may have their own schedules. RESERVATIONS Deposits Cancellations How to Reserve Your Space, Deposits and Balance Due: Please call our Rafting Reservation Office at to ask questions, check on availability of the trip, dates that interest you, and to make reservations. Many of our trips fill up months in advance while others may have last-minute space availability. We will send you an invoice with trip and payment information. Most ½-day and 1-day trips require full payment at time of reservation (payment dates can be negotiated with the office). Most 2-day trips require a deposit within 5-10 days of making the reservation, and a balance due days prior to your trip (payment dates can be negotiated with the office). Reservations made within the trip-balance date require full payment. Payment Methods: We accept Mastercard, Visa, and Discovery credit cards for deposits. Due to the high credit card processing fees we PREFER checks for final payments. Non-Performance: Mariah Wilderness Expeditions reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather, water conditions, or other good cause beyond our control. Should this become necessary, your unused monies will be fully credited toward another trip. If we determine on the day of your trip that conditions exist on a particular river to make it unsafe or unrunnable, then we reserve the right to change rivers, if possible, rather than reschedule your trip. If we must cancel your trip due to insufficient reservations, your money will be credited to another trip. All credits shall be limited to the amounts actually paid to Mariah Wilderness Expeditions and will not include any other expenses incurred by participants. Transfer Fee: If you find that you must change the original date of your trip, a small transfer fee ($10 per person) may be charged. If the trip you are transferred from is full and we have been turning others away, your transfer will be treated as a cancellation and will fall under our general cancellation policy. Responsibility: While most of our trips are not strenuous, they can be a dramatic change in routine and do involve some risk. Participants are responsible for selecting a trip appropriate to their abilities and be of sufficient good health to undertake the trip. Each participant, or the parent or legal guardian of a participating minor, must sign a Waiver and Assumption of Risk form before beginning a trip. Equipment: We use high-quality professional river equipment, Coast-Guard approved life jackets, and full safety and emergency gear. On most of our trips we use PADDLE BOATS with six to eight rafters plus your guide. We have a 100% excellent safety record, and use oar and paddle combination rafts on the North Fork, Merced, and Tuolumne when the water is high. The Raft Express on the South Fork uses OAR BOATS and PADDLE BOATS. The INFLATABLE KAYAKS that are used on the South Fork are high quality and durable. Cancellations & Refunds for most American River Trips (The Kings, Merced, Tuolumne, and Cherry Creek Rivers have their own cancellation and refund policies. Call the office for more information about these rivers.) Due to our limited trip sizes, we turn away others once your reservation has been submitted. If you must cancel your trip please notify us as soon as possible. If you cancel prior to 31 days or more prior to your launch date, you will receive a full refund less your deposit. If you are canceling from a one-day trip which required full payment at the time of the reservation, then there will be a processing fee of at least $30 per person assessed. If you cancel 30 days or less prior to your trip, no refund will be given. Deposits from partial group cancellations may not be applied to remaining participants. Credit Card Cancellations will be refunded less a 3% fee that is charged to us when we initially ran your card. We highly recommend trip cancellation insurance. Call Travel Insurance Select at , P.O. Box 1160, Lotus, CA Phone rafting@mariahrafting.com website: Mariah Wilderness Expeditions. Photo Credits: White Water Photos, Julie Stanley and P.S. Photos. Wildflower and butterfly photos Norma Novy, Acorn Graphics. Campground tent photos Toni Cannizzarro.

15 Adult Youth De- Min Trip Trip # Days Start Days Price Price posit Age Size Comments SOUTH FORK 1/2 day Sat, Gorge $ 95 $ 85 full amt No meals or camping are included on AMERICAN** Sat, Chili Bar $ 85 $ 75 1/2-day trips; local restaurants nearby. All trips on the South Sun, Gorge $ 85 $ 75 Extra nights of Camping, Meals & Fork American meet at Sun, Chili Bar $ 75 $ 65 Rentals are available at additional Mariah s private South Mon-Fri, Gorge $ 75 $ 65 cost. Please contact the office. Fork Campground, Mon-Fri, Chili Bar $ 65 $ 55 the largest on the river! 1 day Sat, Gorge $125 $115 full amt All 1-day trips include either a Enjoy hot showers, flush Sat, Chili Bar $110 $100 Deli lunch or BBQ lunch. Extra camping toilets, walk-in store, Sun, Gorge $115 $105 Sun-Thurs nights $10 (Fri-Sat nights $15) volleyball, nature trail, Sun, Chili Bar $100 $ 90 breakfast $10, dinner $20. information kiosk, free Mon-Fri, Gorge $105 $ 95 parking for cars and RVs. Mon-Fri, Chili Bar $ 90 $ 80 Trips: April Mid. Sept 1 day Daily, Entire River $149 $139 full amt 21 miles, runs April-June, high water. 2 days Sat $280 $243 $100 All 2-day trips include 1 night of Tues or Thurs $230 $207 camping and 4 meals. MUSIC WEEKENDS 2 days Sat $280 $243 $100 7 Includes 1 night of camping and 4 meals. Special music during hors d oeuvres most Sat 2012 Trip Calendar & Price List Music can be bluegrass, jazz, soft guitar, or traditional music! Memorial Weekend through Labor Day. FAMILY RAFTING 2 days Most Thurs-Fri in $230 $ yr $ Includes 1 night camping and 4 meals. w/goldpanning June, July, August Goldpanning in late afternoon during hors d'oeuvres; can last through dinner. RAFT EXPRESS 2-3 hours Daily $ 65 $ 65 $ 65 4 Minimum 6 people. MIDDLE FORK** 1 day Sat $150 $135 full amt Includes 1 day rafting, lunch, round- Trips: May Mid. Sept Sun $145 $130 trip shuttle from Auburn to the river. Mon-Fri $125 $125 $115 Wetsuits required spring/early summer depending on weather. Rent wetsuit and 2-day trips require 2 days Daily $295 $275 $ booties from us for $10/trip. min. 12 persons. Bring your Includes 1 night camping, 4 meals, tent, group for fabulous adventure. sleep pad. Rent sleeping bag for add l fee. NORTH FORK 1 day Sat or Sun $125 $113 full amt Includes lunch, round trip shuttle from Trips: April May* Mon-Fri $110 $ 99 Auburn to river. Wetsuits required spring depending on snow level /early summer depending on weather. SOUTH/MIDDLE** 2 days Sat $305 $275 $ Includes 1 night camping, 4 meals Trips: May Mid. Sept Mon-Thurs $285 $245 at our South Fork Campground. Trip can be run in reverse. SOUTH**/NORTH 2 days Sat $280 $252 $ Includes 1 night camping Trips: April June* depending on snow melt 4 meals at our South Fork Campground. Trip can be run in reverse. Mon or Thurs $250 $225 MERCED 1/2 day Mon-Fri $105 $ 95 full amt Snacks only/no camping 1/2-day trips. Trips: Late April July* Sat or Sun $115 $105 full amt Morning 1/2-day trips: 8:30am-12:30pm. Afternoon 1/2-day trips: 2-6pm. 1 day Sat or Sun $170 $145 full amt All 1-day trips include lunch, wetsuit Mon-Fri $150 $125 and spray jacket, if needed. KINGS 1/2 day Daily $105 $ 95 full amt No meals or camping on 1/2-day trips. Trips: April August* 1 day Sat or Sun $175 $155 full amt in Spring All 1-day trips include camping Mon-Fri $155 $140 high water (night prior), breakfast and lunch. 2 days Sat $295 $265 $ day trips include 2 nights camping Sun-Fri $299 $269 in Summer (night prior/night during), 5 meals. TUOLUMNE** 1 day Sat or Sun $245 $225 full amt All 1-day trips include lunch. Trips: April Sept Mon-Fri $235 $215 in Spring All 2-day trips include 1 night 2 days Daily $440 $400 $100 high water camping, 4 meals. 3 days Daily $585 $530 $ All 3-day trips include 2 nights camping in Summer (night prior/night during), 7 meals. CHERRY CREEK** 1 day Daily $310 $310 $ All 1-day trips include lunch. Trips: July Sept WHITEWATER RAFTING April Includes 6 days instruction, 6 nights camp- GUIDE SCHOOL 6 days Orientation April 14, 5pm $650 $650 $ ing, most meals, textbook. Tent with pad, sleeping bag and wetsuit available to rent for an additional fee. Trip Calendar & price List Group Discounts * The length of the rafting season on the North Fork American, Merced and Kings Rivers depends on the amount of winter snowfall. ** Water flow on the South Fork, Middle Fork, Tuolumne and Cherry Creek Rivers depends on dam-released water. All rates are subject to federal, state and local river access fees of 8%. These fees will be added to your invoice. Prices are subject to change. 15

16 California Whitewater River Rafting Escape to the Outdoors! P.O. BOX 1160, LOTUS, CALIFORNIA MARIAH Thumbs Up! Google TOYOTA CITIBANK TEXACO-CHEVRON BAIN & COMPANY HOME DEPOT INTEL MGM STUDIOS CLIF BAR CITY OF SACRAMENTO H&R CONSTRUCTION COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF EAST BAY COUNTY OF SAN MATEO Table FOR Six VARIOUS SCOUT TROOPS Satisfaction Gold Seal Service G u a rantee d Melinda helped me with making the initial reservation and followed up a few days before to confirm the trip. It was great and friendly service!! Everything that was sent to me explained the trip well and what items were neccessary to bring along. The trip was AWESOME!! The campsite and cabin tents were clean and private and the meals were great!! The rapids were incredible and we felt in good hands throughout the entire trip. The gear was in great condition and the guides were excellent...i would definately choose Mariah in the future and recommend you to all!! C.P., South/Middle Combo, 9/2010 Private Riverside Campground Group Adventure Specialists Team Building Family Trips with Goldpanning Rafting & Wine Tasting Weekends