California
Seasons of Magic in Yosemite: Splendor in the Sierra Nevada
Program No. 1197RJ
Gain a deeper understanding of Yosemite as you explore natural wonders, visit a historic hotel and learn the story of how art helped establish one of America's first national parks.
Participant Reviews
Based on 38 Reviews
SHOWING
Was a great and beautiful trip that I loved!
— Review left October 21, 2025
Our trip to Yosemite was everything we had wanted. It was an adventure from the start. The Sierra Nevada Mountains were awe- inspiring. They took our breath away. It had rained the previous Friday so we were surprised with waterfalls in October. What a treat! Our hikes inspired us. We were able to sense John Muir and feel his love for this place. We loved the great outdoors in this beautiful Yosemite National Park. Thank you Road Scholar.
This was a wonderful trip!
— Review left October 20, 2025
Absolutely terrific program. We learned so much!
— Review left September 15, 2025
A wonderful program! Chris Cameron (naturalist) was great!! Bus drivers were great--you would NOT have enjoyed driving on those twisty roads! Note, however, if you want your lunches in containers of some kind, bring your own. They provide paper sacks & they can get squished in your backpack.
— Review left September 14, 2025
I was feeling a bit concerned about signing up for this program, given not only the cutback in park rangers but also previous feedback on this site that described the 1 and 1/2 hours shuttling to and from the park as a waste of time. I was therefore surprised to feel little impact from staff shortages in the park. And I ended up feeling grateful for the travel time, as our instructor, Chris, used that opportunity to share his vast knowledge of the park, educating us in such an entertaining way, it made the travel time fly by, and more importantly, ensured that our introduction to Yosemite was much richer than it would have been otherwise.
— Review left June 10, 2025
This program is an excellent introduction to Yosemite National Park. The scenery was absolutely stunning. We saw all the highlights of the park without any of the hassle of lines or crowds. The program is very well organized, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.
— Review left June 7, 2025
This is an outstanding program. As much as I had seen and knew about Yosemite, it didn't compare with what I saw and learned throughout the program. Our guide, Chris, was able to inform and entertain us throughout the lengthy drives to and from our daily destinations. If you are a nature buff, this program is for you!
— Review left June 2, 2025
If want a low-key, affordable introduction to Yosemite with a focus on walking, learning and breathtaking views, this trip is for you! Spring was the perfect time to take in waterfalls and wildflowers. Accommodations and meals are basic. You stay in a small, private cabin at a retreat center. The rooms are clean and comfortable with few extras (no TV or radio). You will have opportunities to explore the park on four days, accompanied by knowledgeable guides who make it fun and informative. The evening presentations are interesting and engaging... we learned from a wildlife caretaker (who introduced us to some of her animals), an expert cliff climber and a John Muir impersonator. Overall, a very enjoyable experience with people from across the U.S. and a few from the U.K.
— Review left June 1, 2025
A wonderful first time to Yosemite experience!
— Review left May 31, 2025
There is no better way to experience Yosemite National Park! We enjoyed the rustic Ecco Lodge, the friendliness of everyone, including staff, tour guides, bus driver, and other participants.
— Review left May 17, 2025
Yosemite Seasons of Magic was indeed magical! This was our first Road Scholar trip and can't wait for our next one!
— Review left September 23, 2024
A marvellous experience overall which more than surpassed expections!
— Review left September 13, 2024
This program was fun and interesting. The Leaders were great and informative. I recommend this program to anyone interested in experiencing Yosemite for the first time or as a followup to a previous experience.
— Review left September 10, 2024
If you have any interest in Yosemite and the natural world, I would strongly encourage this trip. A total 4 star experience!
— Review left May 25, 2024
Yosemite National Park took my breath away! I've been to Hawaii, Alaska, Glacier NP, Banff in Canada, Yellowstone NP & Arcadia NP! Yosemite is at the top! An amazing trip with amazing guides! It's well worth the money spent!
— Review left May 19, 2024
Yosemite had been on our bucket list for some time. We can't imagine a better introduction to the history, geology, and natural wonders of this magnificent place.
— Review left May 12, 2024
This was a beautiful program. The scenery, the walking, the guides and the food were all excellent. I highly recommend it.
— Review left June 1, 2023
This spectacular tour of Yosemite and all its natural treasures completed another lifetime bucket list item for me. The waterfalls, trees, wildlife (we saw several bear families!) and vistas were breathtaking. And of course, the quality of our Road Scholar tour directors and presenters was just outstanding. Bravo!
— Review left May 30, 2023
Program Leader Chris Cameron elevated this programs to heights seldom seen!
— Review left May 26, 2023
This is my first Road scholar trip and it is going to be one of many.
— Review left May 26, 2023
This was my first Road Scholar experience. The Seasons of Magic in Yosemite was a great way to explore and learn about this majestic treasure. The trip was rated no sweat and was great for those that have not hiked that much or in a while and at the same time gauge my abilities. I have already booked another Road Scholar trip for next summer and am seriously looking at several others rated hike at your own pace.
— Review left October 17, 2022
This program in Yosemite National Park provided a wonderful opportunity for our family members, both children and adults of all ages from various areas in the US, to get together in a welcoming environment. We not only learned about Yosemite, but were able to visit and enjoy each others company in a wonderful facility. Wonderful program and experience!!
— Review left July 5, 2022
What a terrific trip! I learned so much and loved Yosemite. Great people, a great way to see one of the most breathtaking places on Earth!
— Review left June 20, 2022
This was an excellent program; well-organized, knowledgeable instructors, helpful & friendly group leader. The scenery in Yosemite National Park is totally awesome. I am so happy that I decided on this particular Road Scholar program.
— Review left April 30, 2022
WONDERFUL PROGRAM!! YOSEMITE IS AN UNBELIEVABLE PLACE, SO MUCH TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE. THE WHOLE AREA IS AN INTOXICATINGLY GORGEOUS PLACE TO VISIT, THERE WAS NEVER A SPOT THAT WE SAW OR VISITED THAT WAS NOT UNIQUE!
— Review left November 1, 2021
I'd been wanting to visit Yosemite for 50 years and finally did it! Debbie and Chris were terrific leaders—very well informed, accommodating and fun to be around. The conference center (outside the park) was lovely with good food but it was a long daily commute from there to most destinations inside the park. Be sure to factor in your tolerance for the daily shuttle roundtrip. But overall a great program, and i would recommend it.
— Review left October 22, 2021
THE WEBSITE IS EASY TO USE EVEN FOR ME A NON TECHY PERSON
— Review left September 24, 2021
This is a great way to be introduced to the wonders of Yosemite. The in-depth knowledge of the instructors adds to the experience. Be aware that the camp is some distance from the park and long bus rides are required.
— Review left September 10, 2021
So much magic to experience in Yosemite National Park, and so much to learn! Stunning scenery, breathtaking views of all the top spots in the park. The conference center in Oakhurst is tucked away in a nice quiet landscape. The rooms were spare but comfortable, and the food at the cafeteria was surprisingly good! The instructor was very knowledgeable about local history and culture and made our program so interesting. Excellent educational value in this adventure! I enjoyed it very much.
— Review left January 6, 2020
My week in the Sierra Nevada was exhilarating and breathtaking. To view El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil and Vernal Falls, and more from the floor of Yosemite valley at 4000 ft and then again from Glacier Point at 7200 ft was indeed magical. Our half-day in Mariposa Grove, walking, touching, smelling, listening, almost tasting the giant sequoias was a truly humbling experience. I heard outstanding presentations, both in the "classroom" and on the trails, from a passionate, articulate naturalist. The accommodations at the Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst were excellent.
— Review left October 12, 2019
Excellent overview of a wonderful national park. Spectacular scenery from a variety of vantage points. Keep the Pace is accurately described. Shirley, our instructor was amazing! Learned a lot from her. Decent accommodations; great, healthy food. Good group of participants to enjoy the tour with. Highly recommend it!
— Review left July 2, 2019
Anyone who wishes to see first hand some of the very special natural assets of our great country should do the Yosemite trip. The water falls, the granite rock formations and the trees are unique not only in the USA, but in the world.
— Review left June 30, 2019
The lodging at ECCO is very basic, bordering on rustic. The rooms are cramped, the furniture is too small to store your clothes, the sink counter is small and part of the main room. The shower/tub combo and toilet have a door that closes. The 2 table lamps have CFL bulbs that are very dim. No food or beverages are allowed in the rooms. The main dining room has tables for 8 and meals are buffet style except for the sack lunches which you pack yourself. The daily trips to Yosemite take 1-1 1/2 hours each way on narrow, winding roads and the shuttle driver Larry did an excellent job. Even in early June Yosemite is overflowing with people and traffic, and park shuttles are standing room only if you can even get on. Our group leader, Marlene, did a great job of keeping the group together and making sure we got to see all the highlights within the park. Her extensive knowledge of the area added to the enjoyment of our trip when she suggested ideas for the free day. The other reason this trip was enjoyable in spite of the lodging drawbacks was Shirley Spencer, who spent many hours with our group giving us her charismatic and engaging narrative of all things Yosemite based on her education, years as a park ranger, and personal experiences hiking and climbing Yosemite's vast terrain. The activity level wasn't very demanding although elevations of 6,000 feet at some locations could leave you winded. Thanks to both Marlene and Shirley, we definitely learned a lot more about Yosemite than we would have on our own, and they made our first Road Scholar trip worthwhile.
— Review left June 16, 2019
Educational and FUN, with just the right amount of learning, field adventure and the opportunity to meet people interested in that which interests me. My first Road Scholar, but certainly not my last. It's a great way to vacation !
— Review left June 14, 2019
Our guides to the park were very knowledgable and made the visit to this beautiful place more interesting, and our leader was very helpful. The evening programs were mostly delightful; however, the first day is mostly sitting. I was ready on Day 1 to go to the park! If I go back to Yosemite, I will stay in the park; the hours on the bus were a waste of time. Also, I was not impressed with ECCO. I have stayed at Kanuga (an Episcopal retreat center in NC) -- it is an A+ facility, but alas, ECCO is not. The bed in our tiny room was comfortable with nice linens, but the property is in need of TLC. Furniture in the sitting area of the dining room was worn, dirty, and had no support. I would not stay here again.
— Review left June 9, 2019
Wonderful program. Strongly recommend Road Scholar Programs.
— Review left June 9, 2019
Are the National Parks on your 'bucket list'? "Seasons of Magic" in Yosemite offers an exceptional introduction to "America's Best Idea". An awe-inspiring natural cathedral, the Park offers fascinating history, rich biodiversity, and a path to a world beyond expectation. Come and see what moved great Americans from Abraham Lincoln to John Muir to Teddy Roosevelt to preserve this remarkable resource for you and me and all who hope to experience the transcendent right here on earth.
— Review left May 4, 2019
This is a great trip. From professional staff and educators to fabulous food and accommodations. Yosemite is beautiful any time of year and to be guided by people who really love the park makes for a very special experience.
— Review left January 20, 2019