Questions and Answers
what is trails & vistas?
Trails and Vistas art-hike seeks to fuse the beautiful landscape of the Sierra Nevada with truly unique artistic experiences and performances. Every year, dozens of artists come together to bring awareness to the environment and celebrate the importance of the arts and culture. Please join us for this unforgettable event. Trails and Vistas will have 8 to 12 art or performance sites along a two mile single track trail. Arthikes depart every 15 minutes guided by a Trail Leader. Each art-hike lasts approximately 2 hours and requires that hikers traverse over rocky terrain at high elevations.
when do tickets go on sale?
Tickets go on sale on July 1 of every year and are available for purchase online. Plan to purchase your tickets early as this event sells out every year.
where is trails & vistas located?
This September 11 & 12, Trails and Vistas will explore a hike through Shirley Canyon in Squaw Valley. This hike will feature cascading rock formations and towering pines. Each year, Trails and Vistas features different Sierra hikes.
how challenging is the hike?
All of our hikes start at a 6,500 feet of elevation or higher and consist of 1,000 foot climbs. The hike is approximately 3 hours long and consists of a 2.5 mile hike with groups of up to 30 hikers. Trails and Vistas is not recommended for any persons having problems with high elevations, or the physical activity of hiking. Hiking will be on a single-track trail over sand, loose gravel, slick granite, some steep terrain and possibly wet or snow-covered ground. We stress the importance of layered clothing and comfortable, appropriate footwear.
weather - what if it snows?
Sierra weather can be unpredictable. This event will not be canceled because of weather. We will forge ahead through rain, shine and snow. Should weather or fire conditions become UNSAFE, coordinators reserve the right to change the date or times of the event.
how should i prepare for the event?
Please prepare yourself as you would for any three-hour alpine hike at 6,300 feet elevation: by having appropriate footwear, clothing, sun protection, and water.
Due to the nature of this event, we ask that you leave your pets, cameras, cell phones, video cameras, open-toed shoes and baby strollers at home.
is talking permitted during the event?
Your trail guides will be speaking to your entire group about the art and the land. Please be considerate so that others can hear the information provided. Children are welcome when accompanied and supervised by an adult. We ask that you walk in tune with nature. We offer meditative hikes for adult participants wishing to experience Trails & Vistas in a quieter setting. Look for special times for meditative hikes by checking the tickets page after July 1, 2010.
specialty hikes - what if I wish to walk in silence for the hike, or need to go at a slower pace?
We offer a quieter "meditative" hike for participants who wish to listen to sounds of nature and the stories of the Trail Leader. As well, we offer a "Little Feet" hikes for families that require a less demanding hike pace and length, and "leisure hikes" for people that require a slower pace. Hike times not listed as one of these "specialty hikes" are open hikes, meaning everyone is welcome to attend, but please note that all persons, especially young children, are asked to be respectful and quiet during the performances. Please select the hike that best fits your needs. If you have your own group of 25 to 30 people we also offer special "sponsored" hikes for groups. To reserve your "sponsored group" hike contact us at info@trailsandvistas.org
is photography permitted?
We do not allow photography or video at Trails & Vistas except by our professional photographers. As a Trails and Vistas art-hiker, your group participates together as an audience. We want you to experience this unique art-hike in tune with nature and each other.
are donations to Trails & Vistas tax-deductible?
Yes! Every dollar helps us continue this unique experience from children to the young at heart. Please donate by clicking here or mail to Trails and Vistas, 10309 Cromley Square, Truckee, CA 96161
can my business/corporation become a sponsor of Trails & Vistas?
Yes! Trails and Vistas is sponsored by local, regional and bi-state contributions. Sponsored hikes for business groups are available for 2009.
how can I learn more about the three non-profits Trails & Vistas supports?
Learn more about the three Producers of Trails & Vistas by visiting our website trailsandvistas.org or by visiting our producers' websites innerrhythms.org, tdlandtrust.org, artsfortheschools.org,
how do I sign up to volunteer to help Trails & Vistas in the future?
We could use some more helpful hands! Please email us at info@trailsandvistas.org for more inormation about volunteering for this wonderful event.
Kira Yannetta delivers a moving poem at Trails & Vistas 2008.
Photo by Bill Stevenson
