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An American Icon: Majestic Yosemite National Park

Program Number: 19237RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/9/2013 - 6/14/2013; 6/23/2013 - 6/28/2013; 7/28/2013 - 8/2/2013; 8/25/2013 - 8/30/2013; 9/22/2013 - 9/27/2013; 10/6/2013 - 10/11/2013; 10/20/2013 - 10/25/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: San Francisco, California
Price starting at: $1,399.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: National Parks
Meals: 12; 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

On an unforgettable adventure in Yosemite National Park, learn on-site about monumental natural wonders like Yosemite Falls, giant sequoias, Tuolumne Meadows and Glacier Point, led by expert naturalists who address the geologic saga of the park as well as its interwoven natural and human histories. As Half Dome and El Capitan loom overhead, explore the Native American history of the Ahwahneechee, and learn the intricacies of rock climbing, a popular park activity.




Highlights

• Experience the impressive granite formations of Half Dome and El Capitan, a favorite for rock climbers. See Glacier Point with its bird’s-eye view of the valley, and dine at the renowned Ahwahnee Hotel.
• “Meet” naturalist John Muir to discuss Teddy Roosevelt’s 1903 Yosemite visit.
• Lunch at the historic Wawona Hotel then explore Mariposa Grove.Explore spectacular Mariposa Grove and its 500 giant sequoias, earth’s largest living things — some 3,000 years old.



Activity Particulars

Walking up 1.5 miles; some uneven ground. Standing up to 45 minutes. Elevations of 4,000-7,000 feet.




Date Specific Information

6-23-2013, 10-6-2013

Lodging in El Portal, outside the park and 17 miles from Yosemite Valley Visitors Center.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival San Francisco, 1 night; Yosemite National Park, 4 nights; Return to San Francisco



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




San Francisco

A stunning city with a colorful past and vibrant present, San Francisco offers legendary landmarks — the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, cable cars and elegant Victorian homes — along with spectacular cityscapes and views of bay and bridges.



Yosemite

Set in California's Sierra Nevada range, Yosemite is referred to as the crown jewel of the National Park system. The park offers a changing spectacle of unique glacially-carved valleys, granite monoliths, lush meadows, thundering waterfalls, and deep alpine lakes at any time of year.



Accommodations
Accommodations in Yosemite National Park except dates noted below.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
David Lukas

David Lukas is a naturalist and writer based in the Sierra Nevada. He has been teaching natural history and bird programs for 16 years and is the author of "Wild Birds of California," and the co-author of "Sierra Nevada Natural History." He is currently at work on a field guide to birds of the Sierra Nevada. David has traveled the world extensively, spending a year in Borneo as a member of the Harvard Research Team and in the Peruvian Amazon under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Doubletree Hotel - San Francisco Airport
  Burlingame, CA 1 night
   Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
  Burlingame, CA 3 nights
 Doubletree Hotel - San Francisco Airport
Type: Hotel
  Contact info: 835 Airport Blvd.
Burlingame, CA 94010 USA
phone: 650-344-5500
web: www.doubletree.com
  Room amenities: Hairdryers, irons, ironing boards, coffee makers and two-line speaker phones with ISDN modem lines atop work desks.
  Facility amenities: Library, fitness room and bayside jogging path. Restaurant and 24-hour food service. Full-service business center.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Please check with the hotel Please contact DoubleTree Hotel Reservations directly at 650-344-5500 for additional reservations.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
Type: Hotel
  Description: As the closest property to Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is an idyllic spot for families, group retreats and visitors seeking the comforts of a hotel after an exciting day exploring the wilderness.
  Contact info: 9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr.
Yosemite Valley, CA 95389 USA
phone: 209-372-1001
web: www.yosemitepark.com
  Room amenities: Telephone and TV
  Facility amenities: Rooms are furnished with a desk, private bathroom, telephone and television with select programming.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights after:  This is an itinerary program. Participants will not remain in the park after 2 nights.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00 p.m. hotel check in time. 4:00-5:00 p.m. meet in hotel lobby for Road Scholar registration. You will be staying at Doubletree Hotel - San Francisco Airport that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after drop off at San Francisco airport approximately 3:00 p.m. followed by return to Doubletree Burlingame You will be staying at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Program travels by motor coach from Burlingame to Yosemite. Doubletree Hotel in Burlingame has ample free parking.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Burlingame, CA
  Nearest city or town:  San Francisco, California
  Nearest highway: US Hwy 101
  Nearest airport:  San Francisco International
  From End of Program
  Location: Burlingame, CA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Oakland

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Super Shuttle
phone: 800-258-3826
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Please call for rates
Prices are subject to change.

 

Travel Time:

 

Approx. 45 minutees 

 

Distance:

 

29 miles

   

Suggest calling ahead for Super Shuttle schedule and rates.

 
Driving Directions
  From the north Take US 101 south to Broadway/Burlingame exit east. Go east over the overpass, remain in the right lane. Turn right at the first light (Old Bayshore Rd.) and left at the next light onto Airport Blvd. follow the road around until you see the hotel on your right, approximately a quarter of a mile.
  From the south Take US 101 north to the Broadway/Burlingame exit east. Go east and remain in the right lane. Turn right at the first light and follow Airport Blvd. until you see the hotel on your right.
  Los Angeles Take Hwy. 101 north to Burlingame. Exit Anza Blvd. Hotel is on the left side.
  Oakland International Airport Take Hwy. 80 West to 101 South. Exit Broadway/Burlingame and go over the overpass. Right at the light (Old Bayshore). Left at the light (Airport Blvd.) and the DoubleTree Hotel is on the right side.
Elevation Note: Yosemite National Park has elevations ranging from 4000 to 7000 feet

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrive at hotel, register for program, wine social, dinner, orientation, get-acquainted, introduction to Yosemite National Park
(Sunday, July 28)
   
 Arrive To: Check into the hotel after 4 p.m.
 Dinner: Gather in the meeting room for a wine social before being served a plated dinner.
 Evening: Our evening meeting gives us a chance to meet one another and go over the program schedule. We have an introduction to Yosemite in preparation for our stay in the park.
   
Accommodations: Doubletree Hotel - San Francisco Airport
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Instructor-led field trip to Tuolomne Meadows, Olmstead Point and Tenaya Lake, Yosemite Valley Visitor's Center, Indian Village, Ansel Adams Gallery
(Monday, July 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Our on-board instructor provides the narrative for our field trip to the gateway to Yosemite's back country along Tioga Pass to Tuolomne Meadows, Olmstead Point and Tenaya Lake. Tioga Pass Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive between Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows through forests and past meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Many turnouts offer broad and beautiful vistas. Tuolumne Meadows is a large, open sub-alpine meadow graced by the winding Tuolumne River and surrounded by majestic peaks and domes. From sometime in November through late May or early June, this area is only accessible by cross-country skis or snowshoes. Olmsted Point looks down on Yosemite Valley from the east--and from a very different angle. Though you might not immediately recognize Half Dome, it is one of the most prominent peaks you can see from Olmsted Point. Tenaya Lake is a magnificent High Sierra lake surrounded by granite domes, lodgepole forests, and Yosemite’s vast wilderness
 Lunch: We have a picnic lunch at Tenaya Lake.
 Afternoon: We return to Yosemite Valley for a stop at the Visitor's Center, the Ahwahneechee Village.and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
 Dinner: Dinner provided.
 Evening: We learn more about Ansel Adams and his work.
   
Accommodations: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Instructor-led field trip through Yosmite Valley, lunch and guided visit at the Ahwahnee Hotel, dinner at Curry Village, evening with John Muir
(Tuesday, July 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Our instructor leads us on a field trip through Yosemite Valley. We'll view the Valley's impressive granite formations including Half Dome, El Capitan, Sentinel Rock and more. First stop is Bridal Veil Falls and the Chapel. The Yosemite Chapel became listed on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places in 1973 based on its “simple architecture” that was representative of “a particularly fine example of the early chapels constructed in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.” Half Dome is perhaps the most iconic symbol of Yosemite, rising nearly 5,000 feet above the Valley floor, it is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Yosemite. El Capitan is a favorite for experienced rock climbers. Rising more than 3,000 feet above the Valley floor, it is the largest monolith of granite in the world. Cathedral Rocks and Spires form the eastern side of the canyon through which Bridalveil Creek flows. Some people think these rocks are even more impressive than El Capitan! We finish just to the east with the Three Brothers: Eagle Peak (the uppermost "brother"), and Middle and Lower Brothers.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Ahwahnee Hotel, a National Historic Landmark. Completed in 1927, It was built in a rustic style with American Indian motif. Historic paintings of Yosemite, stunning stained-glass windows, and woven tapestries grace the walls of The Great Lounge and Dining Room.
 Afternoon: We'll have a guided visit around the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at Curry Village Pavillion.Camp Curry was founded in 1899 by David and Jenny Curry, two schoolteachers from Indiana. The pair dreamed of visiting Yosemite, but found that they could not afford the coach fare into the park and still pay the going rate for park lodging at $4 per night. This led to the establishment of Camp Curry - offering affordable room and board within Yosemite; a legacy that continues to this day. The camp was originally comprised of a dozen tents with a common dining center. Its popularity allowed it to quickly grow to hundreds of tents within a few short years.
 Evening: John Muir pays us a visit for an evening presentation.
   
Accommodations: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Field trip to Glacier Point, free afternoon for optional hiking, biking, exploration on your own, farewell dinner, evening program
(Wednesday, July 31)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: A final field trip to Glacier Point rounds out the Yosemite experience. Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra, is located 30 miles (one hour) from Yosemite Valley. The road ends at Glacier Point and it is a short walk to the viewpoint. Glacier Point, some would say, is the most spectacular viewpoint anywhere. Most people agree that its views of the high country and breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome and three waterfalls, are the most spectacular in the park.
 Lunch: Lunch provided.
 Afternoon: Free time gives you a chance to explore on your own or to hike some of the many paths and trails the park offers.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner.
 Evening: We enjoy an evening program.
   
Accommodations: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Return to San Francisco, estimated arrival time at San Francisco Airport Terminal approximately 3:00 p.m., program ends, independent departures
(Thursday, August 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Board the motor coach for the return trip to San Francisco. May choose to be dropped at SFO or return to the Doubletree in Burlingame.
 Lunch: Lunch en route to SFO.
 Afternoon: Drop-off at SFO approximately 3:00 p.m. followed by return to Doubletree Burlingame. Program ends.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
 
  Burlingame, CA General Overview
In San Francisco there are limitless opportunities for sight-seeing. Our program will keep participants busy, but there will be a few hours of free time for personal exploration.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Geology of the Sierra Nevada (California Natural History Guides)


Author: Mary Hill


Description: Geology of the Sierra Nevada (California Natural History Guides) Comprehensive guide to geologic history of the Sierra Nevada



History of the Sierra Nevada


Author: Francis Peloubet Farquhar


Description: History of the Sierra Nevada -This book covers all aspects of the human history from the prehistoric native Americans,Spanish exploration, mountain men, pioneers, 49'ers, railroad, John Muir, national parks to recent utilization and recreation.




What’s included in this Road Scholar program?



Except for the occasional meal on some programs, Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive. That means there are no extra “options,” no passing the hat for tips and no surprises. From lectures and field trips to gratuities and accommodations – the price you pay up front is the price you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:


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