In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams
Experience California’s Owens Valley and the Sierras with the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art

Friday, February 27 - Saturday, February 28
Limited availability; only 20 spots available.
 
Manzanar

Walk in the footsteps of Ansel Adams in the "arid (but magnificent) environment" of California's Owens Valley and the Sierra Nevada. The landscape and geology of this region are unique, marked by volcanic rock formations and the highest peak in the continental United States. Over this two-day trip, travelers with the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art will visit several significant locales in the region that tell the stories of Japanese American and Native cultures, their cultural identities in relation to the land, and their displacement. 

Ansel Adams made several trips to Manzanar to photograph the Japanese Americans incarcerated there and the community they formed within the desolate landscape. We will follow in Adams' footsteps, touring the Manzanar National Historic Site under the guidance of Dr. Paul Mori, an alumni of Westmont and descendant of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II. '“This is a personal story for me,” Paul says. “Both of my parents grew up in California. My father, Joe, was born in Santa Barbara and lived his entire life there, except when he was detained at the camp in Gila River, Arizona. My mother, Kikkie, who came from Imperial Valley, was taken to the facility in Poston, Arizona."' Read more about Paul Mori's story: The Silent Generation, Westmont Magazine Spring 2024.

We will also visit the Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center, which holds the history and culture of the Nuumu (Paiute) and Newe (Shoshone) People. After exploring the cultural displays, artifacts, and conservation area, we will travel to the nearby sites of ancient petroglyphs before returning to Santa Barbara.

Open to the Art Council and friends of the Museum. RSVP by February 9 to Ella Jennings: 805-565-6162 or museum@westmont.edu

Details and Itinerary

When: Friday, February 27 - Saturday, February 28
Two-day trip with an overnight in Lone Pine

Cost: $345 per person or $233 per person if double occupancy
Includes lodging, transportation, and some meals and snacks. Participants are responsible for their own additional meals.

50% of cost is due upon RSVP to secure your spot. Credit card payments accepted via phone.
RSVPs due by February 9. Limited availability, only 20 spots available. 

Additional Details: 
Be prepared for light walking on various terrains around sites. Weather in the area at this time is expected to be in the mid to upper-50s as a high and below freezing at night. Recommended packing includes sun protection, layered clothing, and comfortable walking shoes.


Schedule

**Times and events subject to change.


Friday, February 27, 2026

  • 8am - Meet at Westmont College Dining Commons and depart for Manzanar.
         **Snacks and drinks provided.
  • 12pm - Lunch stop at Fossil Falls volcanic field
         **Boxed lunch included.
  • 1:30-4:30pm - Tour Manzanar museum and grounds
  • 6pm - Arrive in Lone Pine
    Check into historic Dow Villa Motel
  • 7pm on - Free time and dinner (individual) in downtown Lone Pine

Saturday, February 28, 2026

  • Breakfast
          **Light breakfast provided.
  • 9am - Drive to Bishop
  • 10am - Tour Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center
  • 11:30am - Lunch (individual)
  • 1-3pm - View petroglyph sites
  • 3pm - Depart Bishop
         **Snacks and drinks provided for drive.
  • Dinner on the road
  • 8pm - Arrive in Santa Barbara

Questions?
We hope you'll join us for a memorable and educational trip!
Call Ella Jennings at (805) 565-6162 or email at museum@westmont.edu