Walking Ancient Pathways
Check local COVID-19 restrictions before booking
Experience hosted by Richard
2.5 hours
Includes food, drinks
Up to 10 people
Hosted in English
What you'll do
Join us as we explore ancient Native American trails, camps, and villages, and search for new, previously undiscovered sites.
We will be hiking a mostly-level 3-5 mile trip, navigating the low altitude grasslands of the Sierra Nevada foothills near Cool, California. The trip leader will discuss the history and natural world of this area, sharing his knowledge of the local Native Americans, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of the area.
Our trip will also explore new areas, if desired, in search for previously unknown, undocumented cultural resources. Any new sites will be passed along to the North Central Information Center for historical preservation. This is your chance to find history!
After the hike, participants will receive a detailed map and photos, if desired, from the trip. This is a kid-friendly, dog-friendly walk, so plan on taking your time!
Other things to note
This is a hike in the mountains, so plan accordingly. We will be hiking off the trail, so be sure you're comfortable doing so. To stay on the trail is to limit yourself.
We will be hiking a mostly-level 3-5 mile trip, navigating the low altitude grasslands of the Sierra Nevada foothills near Cool, California. The trip leader will discuss the history and natural world of this area, sharing his knowledge of the local Native Americans, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of the area.
Our trip will also explore new areas, if desired, in search for previously unknown, undocumented cultural resources. Any new sites will be passed along to the North Central Information Center for historical preservation. This is your chance to find history!
After the hike, participants will receive a detailed map and photos, if desired, from the trip. This is a kid-friendly, dog-friendly walk, so plan on taking your time!
Other things to note
This is a hike in the mountains, so plan accordingly. We will be hiking off the trail, so be sure you're comfortable doing so. To stay on the trail is to limit yourself.
Join us as we explore ancient Native American trails, camps, and villages, and search for new, previously undiscovered sites.
We will be hiking a mostly-level 3-5 mile trip, navigating the low altitude grasslands of the Sierra Nevada foothills near Cool, California. The trip leader will discuss the history and natural world of this area, sharing his knowledge of the local Native Americans, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of t…
We will be hiking a mostly-level 3-5 mile trip, navigating the low altitude grasslands of the Sierra Nevada foothills near Cool, California. The trip leader will discuss the history and natural world of this area, sharing his knowledge of the local Native Americans, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of t…
Richard's commitment to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines—including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
What's included
- FoodGuide will identify edible bulbs, mushrooms, and berries, when found.
- Drinkswater
From $30
/ person
- 33 Reviews
- Identity verified
Your guide, Rich Cross, has obsessively explored the northern Sierra Nevadas and deserts of Western Nevada for over 30 years, getting out on the trails several times a week. He is Field Trip Director with the Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society and a volunteer with Tahoe National Forest, assisting their archaeological team in finding new sites. He is a master of the backcountry, capable of navigating in pretty much any conditions, completely comfortable both off trail and on, rain or shine, night or day. Mr. Cross has also had extra training in wilderness-specific first aid.
Your guide, Rich Cross, has obsessively explored the northern Sierra Nevadas and deserts of Western Nevada for over 30 years, getting out on the trails several times a week. He is Field Trip Director with the Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society and a volunteer with Tahoe National Forest, assisting their archaeological team in finding new sites. He is a master of the backcountry, capable of navigating in pretty much any conditions, completely comfortable both off trail and on, rain or shine, n…
Where you'll be
Where we go depends upon YOU!
At the beginning of the trip, we will assess our abilities and what you wish to see, and guide the hike accordingly. A typical hike will be 2-5 miles and last 2-3 hours, as we hike from site to site, crossing open meadows and fording the occasional stream. The Native sites are not typically located right on the trail, so we will be leaving the trails as necessary.
At the beginning of the trip, we will assess our abilities and what you wish to see, and guide the hike accordingly. A typical hike will be 2-5 miles and last 2-3 hours, as we hike from site to site, crossing open meadows and fording the occasional stream. The Native sites are not typically located right on the trail, so we will be leaving the trails as necessary.
Rated 4.91 out of 5 from 33 reviews.
Richard narrated a magical walk through historic and lovely Sierra Nevada foothills. He was so sweet with the twin boys of the family who was also on this walk with my friend and I. We all learned about the history of the native Americans, and how to identify crystal in the rocks. This was a perfect afternoon appropriate for active seniors and young families.
Richard narrated a magical walk through historic and lovely Sierra Nevada foothills. He was so sweet with the twin boys of the family who was also on this walk with my friend an…
Richard is great. He is very knowledgeable and does a great job at showing us details on the indigenous lifestyle, native flora and fauna. We learned so much while hiking in a beautiful location. It was a great experience and we hope to do it again in the future.
Richard is great. He is very knowledgeable and does a great job at showing us details on the indigenous lifestyle, native flora and fauna. We learned so much while hiking in a beau…
An excellent adventure! We had walked nearby paths before, but did not know anything about the sites just off the trail: grinding pits, abandoned wells, village locations and even some interesting old garbage dumps! Richard is extremely knowledgeable, pleasant and easy to communicate with. If you enjoy walking through history, take a hike!
An excellent adventure! We had walked nearby paths before, but did not know anything about the sites just off the trail: grinding pits, abandoned wells, village locations and even…
Rich was a great leader on our amazing hike through the Auburn State Recreation Area. He is extremely knowledgeable on the history of the area and knows the back country trails and surrounding areas quite well. The hike was memorable and educational, and it was definitely worth the cost of admission! Thanks Rich, and I'm sure our paths will cross again. -David and Parker
Rich was a great leader on our amazing hike through the Auburn State Recreation Area. He is extremely knowledgeable on the history of the area and knows the back country trails an…
If you are interested in history, plants and their uses, or just going on a casual hike through beautiful country, then this experience is not to be missed. Richard is incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the area and local plant life, and we learned so much from him! Richard is friendly, funny and overall a great person. This was my first Airbnb experience and I loved it! I’ve been telling my family and friends how enriching it was and I really believe we all should be engaging in more experiences like this! We had opportunities for lots of fun discoveries on our trip and chances for Hands-on learning. If we are ever in the area again we would most definitely contact Richard for another hike, knowing we learn all kinds of new things!! I strongly recommend this experience!!
If you are interested in history, plants and their uses, or just going on a casual hike through beautiful country, then this experience is not to be missed. Richard is incredibly k…
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Activity advisory
Expert industry partners
Every adventure follows industry guidelines. We partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association, expert leaders in adventure travel, to define best practices and standards for safety.
Know your comfort level
Please note outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 10 guests of all ages can attend.
What to bring
sturdy hiking shoes or boots
water (extra on hot days)
water (extra on hot days)