Road Scholar : Home
Yosemite Getaway

Program Number: 11785RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/15/2013 - 9/18/2013; 12/1/2013 - 12/4/2013;
Duration: 3 nights
Location: Oakhurst, California
Price starting at: $494.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: National Parks
Meals: 9; 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Nothing compares to the ever-changing beauty of Yosemite and the expansive Sierra Nevada in any season. Our exceptional instructors immerse you in the region’s unique geology, flora and fauna. Study the history of the Native Americans and pioneers who followed in later years. During a daylong field trip to Yosemite Valley, experience the magnificence of Half Dome, El Capitan and more. Hear tales of early settlements and local lore.




Highlights

• En route to Yosemite Valley, feel the mist of Bridalveil Falls and marvel at the breathtaking Tunnel View and Sentinel Bridge’s view of Half Dome.
• In Yosemite Valley, choose to experience Ahwahnee Hotel and its magnificent façade and architecture, a destination of queens and presidents alike.
• Explore the Ansel Adams Gallery and the Native American Village and Museum, and walk to Yosemite Falls or Mirror Lake in your free time.



Activity Particulars

Some walking during field trips; some uneven terrain.



Enjoy a five-night version of this program, "Seasons of Magic in Yosemite: Splendor in the Sierra Nevada" (#1197).




Date Specific Information

9-15-2013, 12-1-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst.




Oakhurst

With Yosemite National Park and the expansive Sierra Nevada just out the backdoor, Oakhurst is an active community and gateway to the region’s many natural splendors, including fine hiking trails and native wildlife.
Accommodations
Conference center on 162 forested acres with walking trails. Lodging 1,000 feet from dining hall and classrooms. Elevations of 3,100 feet.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Shirley Spencer
Shirley Spencer has lived in the Sierra Nevadas since 1979. An educator and seasonal Ranger at Yosemite National Park since 1986, she also instructs at Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Canyonland and Arches national parks. Shirley is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and holds a California State Teaching Credential for secondary and middle school science. In 2009, she published her book, “Flowering Shrubs of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada,” which includes 40 of her original watercolors and scientific descriptions of each plant. An avid hiker, backpacker, skier, kayaker, scuba diver and mountaineer, Shirley teaches rock climbing with her husband Mark. She is also an accomplished watercolor painter, vocalist, guitarist and organic farmer.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Evergreen Conference Center, Oakhurst (ECCO)
  Oakhurst, CA 3 nights
 Evergreen Conference Center, Oakhurst (ECCO)
Type: Conference Center
  Description: Program begins with registration 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Please do not plan to arrive before 2:00 PM or later than 6:00 PM. (Sleeping rooms may not be available until 4:00 PM.) You are asked to check out of your sleeping rooms by 9:00 a.m. on Friday; however program ends after lunch.
  Contact info: 43803 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644 USA
phone: 559-683-8162
web: www.conferencecenter.org
  Room amenities: All rooms have private baths.
  Facility amenities: In keeping with our tranquil retreat setting, you are not disturbed by the distraction of televisions or telephones in sleeping rooms. Satellite TV is available in the main lodge, as well as a recreation room with ping pong/game tables. Our "Fourth Green" Recreation Complex features fields for basketball, volleyball, football/soccer and horseshoes. Walking/hiking trails on-site and nearby, including a self-interpretive nature trail on ECCO grounds. The towns of Oakhurst, Bass Lake, North Fork and Mariposa feature a number of fine arts galleries and museums. Bass Lake offers swimming/boating opportunities 5 miles from ECCO.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior:  Unfortunately we are unable to offer early arrivals or extended stayovers beyond the scope of our published program times.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after:  Unfortunately we are unable to offer early arrivals or extended stayovers beyond the scope of our published program times.
  Check out time: 9:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program begins with registration 3:00 to 5:00 PM. (Not earlier than 2:00 PM nor later than 6:00 PM, please.) You will be staying at Evergreen Conference Center, Oakhurst (ECCO) that night.
  End of Program:
You are asked to check out of your sleeping rooms by 9:00 AM; program ends after lunch. You will be staying at Evergreen Conference Center, Oakhurst (ECCO) the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Health and Supplemental Information Forms must be completed and returned to ECCO no later than 3 weeks before the program begins.
  Parking availability:
Parking is available directly in front of lodge rooms. All rooms have ground-floor entry.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Oakhurst, CA
  Nearest city or town:  ECCO is 4 miles north of the center of Oakhurst.
  Nearest highway: ECCO is 1 mile back from Highway 41.
  Nearest airport:  Fresno-International Airport.
  From End of Program
  Location: Oakhurst, CA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Fresno, CA

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
ECCO
phone: 559-683-8162
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$75.00 - subject to change until reservation is confirmed with ECCO
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour 
 

Distance:

 

50 miles
   

ECCO highly recommends renting a vehicle if at all possible, for free time options. ECCO shuttle is available only on program opening/closing days; maximum capacity is 4 persons. Other private transportation companies are available in our area; call Bruce at 559/683-8162 for names and contact information.
 
Driving Directions
  From Northern California Take Hwy 99 south. Exit on Hwy 140 east (toward Yosemite). At the intersection with Hwy 49, turn right. Hwy 49 dead ends at Hwy 41 in Oakhurst. Turn left on Hwy 41. ECCO is 4 miles north of the intersection of Hwy 41 & Hwy 49, on the right--the first driveway past the neon sign for Sierra Sky Ranch. Watch for the red and white "Welcome Road Scholar" banner. Turn into the driveway (shared with Christ Church) and follow the signs one mile back to the conference center.
  From San Francisco Airport Take Hwy 101 south to Gilroy. Exit eastbound on Hwy 152 and stay on 152 until it merges southbound with Hwy 99. Exit on Gateway Avenue. At the end of the offramp turn left then immediately right on Cleveland Avenue. Continue on Cleveland about a mile to 145. Turn left on 145. Go about 20 miles then turn left on Hwy 41. Once you drop down into Oakhurst ECCO is 4 miles north of the intersection of Hwy 41 & Hwy 49, on the right--the first driveway past the neon sign for Sierra Sky Ranch. Watch for the red and white "Welcome Road Scholar" banner. Turn into the driveway (shared with Christ Church) and follow the signs one mile back to the conference center.
  From Southern California ECCO can be reached by car from Southern California by taking highway 5 north to 99, then take Hwy 41 north toward Yosemite in Fresno. Once you drop down into Oakhurst ECCO is 4 miles north of the intersection of Hwy 41 & Hwy 49, on the right--the first driveway past the neon sign for Sierra Sky Ranch. Watch for the red and white "Welcome Road Scholar" banner. Turn into the driveway (shared with Christ Church) and follow the signs one mile back to the conference center.
  From Yosemite Valley ECCO is approximate 1-1/2 hours from Yosemite Valley. As you exit YV, follow the signs toward Hwy 41. As you travel out of the park, you will pass the turnoff for Glacier Point and Badger Pass as well as the Wawona Hotel. Exit through the south gate of the park and continue on Hwy 41. ECCO is on the left approximately 12 miles south. Our sign may be difficult to see from that direction, so watch for the Christ Church sign. Turn left there and follow the signs to ECCO about a mile back.
  From the Eastern Sierras NOTE: THIS HIGHWAY IS SEASONAL AND CLOSES BETWEEN LATE OCTOBER & JUNE/JULY--DEPENDING ON WEATHER CONDITIONS. IF TRAVELING CLOSE TO THOSE DATES, BE SURE TO CHECK ROAD AVAILABILITY. From Lee Vining/Hwy 395, take Hwy 120 westbound over Tioga Pass through the Yosemite high country. At the stop sign at Crane Flat turn left. At the Hwy 140 intersection turn left. Watch for signs directing you to Hwy 41. Turn right then right again at Hwy 41 toward Tunnel View. Stay on Hwy 41. As you travel out of the park, you will pass the turnoff for Glacier Point and Badger Pass as well as the Wawona Hotel. Exit through the south gate of the park and continue on Hwy 41. ECCO is on the left approximately 12 miles south. Our sign may be difficult to see from that direction, so watch for the Christ Church sign. Turn left there and follow the signs to ECCO about a mile back.
Elevation Note: ECCO's elevation is approx. 3,100 ft. On field trip bus may stop at elevation of 8,000 ft.

Equipment Requirements: None
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: Registration/Introductions
(Sunday, December 1)
   
 Arrive To: Registration in Lyles Hall from 3 to 5 PM.
 Afternoon: Social Hour - An opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow participants. Beverages will be served along with assorted hors d'oeuvre. A short initial orientation will be included.
 Dinner: Dinner in Lyles Dining Hall.
 Evening: A short program of introductions and program information follows dinner. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax and recover from your day's journey.
   
Accommodations: Evergreen Conference Center, Oakhurst (ECCO)
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Classes about Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada and Preparation for Field Trip to Yosemite National Park
(Monday, December 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in Lyles Dining Hall.
 Morning: Class - "A Rocky Start--A Bit About Yosemite/Sierra Nevada Geology."
 Lunch: Lunch in Lyles Dining Hall.
 Afternoon: Class - "Floral Life Zones of the Sierra Nevada." Preparation for Yosemite National Park field trip.
 Dinner: Dinner in Lyles Dining Hall.
 Evening: Evening Program.
   
Accommodations: Evergreen Conference Center, Oakhurst (ECCO)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Yosemite Valley
(Tuesday, December 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in Lyles Hall
 Morning: Field trip to Yosemite Valley (includes stops to Wawona Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls and Sentinel Bridge.) Note that the trip to Yosemite Valley is about 1.5 hours over winding roads. It is suggested that those prone to motion sickness bring their preferred medication or remedy.
 Lunch: Sack lunch in Yosemite Valley. Depending on your choice of free-time activities following lunch, you may want to allow yourself more time by eating your lunch "on the fly."
 Afternoon: After lunch you will have a number of options, which your host will have explained during the “Preparation for Yosemite Field Trip” presentation. Because time in the valley is very limited, you will have to make choices of what you wish to see. Examples: ▪ Walk to the Indian Museum/Visitor Center/Ansel Adams Gallery ▪ Walk to Yosemite Falls ▪ Take the shuttle to the Ahwahnee Hotel ▪ Walk to Mirror Lake or Vernal Falls Bridge (you will have to hurry). ▪ Ride the shuttle around the valley.
 Dinner: Dinner in Lyles Dining Hall followed by presentation of certificates of completion.
 Evening: Evening program.
   
Accommodations: Evergreen Conference Center, Oakhurst (ECCO)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Departure
(Wednesday, December 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in Lyles Dining Hall. Note: We ask that you vacate your sleeping rooms, return your keys, lanyards and evaluations to your host prior to 9:00 AM so that our housekeeping staff can prepare for our incoming group(s).
 Morning: Class - "Fur & Feathers: Animals of Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada".
 Lunch: Farewell lunch and departure.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.


You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768