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California

Choose Your Pace: Hiking Yosemite Up Close and Personal

Program No. 13977RJ
Hike at the pace you choose each day and see authentic Yosemite with experts. Discover giant sequoias and glacially carved valleys, and learn the story of this national treasure.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Oakhurst, CA
Program Concludes
Oakhurst, CA
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15 ( 5B, 5L, 5D )
Activity Level
Those who really want to know Yosemite must explore its wonders on foot. Follow in the footsteps of pioneers like John Muir, the father of Yosemite National Park, and Galen Clark, its Guardian, not to mention the Native Americans who first inhabited this enchanting land. Explore Yosemite’s unique glacially-carved valleys, granite monoliths, waterfalls and lush meadows in small groups divided by desired difficulty and learn about geology and natural history during on-site lectures.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Trek major trails in Yosemite Valley, areas of Yosemite National Park and Mariposa Grove with expert hikers.
  • Learn about the geology, flora, fauna and human history of this "queen of the national parks."
  • Explore the complexities of managing Yosemite National Park from the perspective of those who have worked in the park.
General Notes
For a comparable adventure for women travelers only led by a female group leader, check out "Choose Your Pace: Hiking Yosemite Up Close and Personal for Women" (#25128). The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, and a live performance or event.
Profile Image
Timothy Fabbian
Rooted between three of California's most beautiful national parks, it was destiny that Tim would grow to love Yosemite. After experiencing the summit of Mt. Whitney for the first time, he was inspired to pursue more moments spent 9,000 feet above the elevation of a desk job. Tim loves coffee, surfing California's rivers, listening for the silent wisdom of the Giant Sequoias and sharing gourds Yerba Mate among friends. Of all those things, Tim's greatest passion is skiing in the winter seasons down the Sierras.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Dan Webster
Dan Webster
Dan Webster’s first wilderness job in California was fighting forest fires. He now teaches about the role of fire in forest ecology, and how we can develop forest and community resilience in the face of climate change. Dan is a Sierra Nevada–based naturalist, birder, hiker, and teacher. In addition to enjoying and interpreting the wonders of Sierran ecosystems as a guide with the Yosemite Conservancy, Dan was the director of a summer camp in Western Maine where he led wilderness trips for 23 years.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Choose Your Pace
Each day, choose from either a moderate or challenging hike based on your desired level of challenge and pace. The moderate hikes range from 5-6 miles and the challenging hikes range from 6-9 miles on varied terrain. Elevations of 3,100–8,100 feet.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (69 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.