California
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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 98 Reviews
SHOWING
This was a good program with a variety of hikes each day - giant sequoias, granite rock, and water. The van rides into the park are sort of long but have education shared along the way plus restroom stops. The accommodations and food are fine. There was an evening program every night. The dates of our hiking program also had watercolor and photography programs at the same time so there were almost 50 Road Scholar participants to talk to and share info with over meals.
— Review left October 26, 2025
The staff at ECCO enabled me to hike Yosemite without worrying about the hassle of crowds. Incredible scenery, fascinating presentations and warm, welcoming accommodations!
— Review left October 24, 2025
Great experience all around. Highly recommended, Great value for the cost.
Thank you, Larry D.
— Review left October 16, 2025
You are going to love the Road Scholar program! My experience with "Hiking Yosemite up Close and Personal, was a beautiful experience -- from the hiking, to the instructors, to the lodgings to the communal meals, to the evening presentations. I highly recommend it!
— Review left October 13, 2025
What a wonderful program! Well organized and informative, I really enjoyed every minute. The guides are helpful and very interesting and the other participants are friendly and just as eager to learn as I was.
— Review left October 11, 2025
A must do experience for anyone wanting to get out of their physical and personal comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment. Also, get ready for an up close and personal learning experience about historical figures and events, a better understanding of our vegetation and animal life. All of this wrapped into FUN!!
— Review left October 4, 2025
This trip was a great opportunity to immerse myself in nature's beauty and enjoy the company of like minded and amiable people. It was well organized, the meals were good, the accommodations were comfortable, and the guides were really terrific. Their love of Yosemite was obvious and they shared so much information with us. My only suggestion would be to include some periods of simple quiet on the hikes so that we can absorb the peace of our surroundings.
— Review left September 30, 2025
I had a great time hiking in Yosemite, and learning more about the park.
— Review left September 29, 2025
This program is a delight! Hiking with a group of people who I believe are now friends was what made it special. I would do this program again tomorrow!
— Review left September 16, 2025
Great program that will challenge you physically and mentally.
— Review left September 15, 2025
We had so much fun hiking Yosemite with Justin, Doug and the rest of the gang. Thanks for helping to create amazing memories!
— Review left September 13, 2025
Trip leaders and accommodations were excellent!
This trip met my high expectations.
— Review left September 8, 2025
The trip was excellent in every way. Our guides, fellow hikers, the conference center and all the guest speakers/entertainment could not have been better.
I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left September 6, 2025
Explore use of Bluetooth
— Review left June 27, 2025
This was my first Road Scholar trip. I could not have asked for a better group of people to spend a week with. Our group leader Justin is a wonderful human being. All of the leaders were aware of all of us all at the same time it would seem. They mingled with the group and spent a bit of time engaging with each of us. I live in Wisconsin close to a state forest that I hike in all the time. I learned a totally new perspective while hiking g with our knowledgeable guides and how everything in the forest lives in synchronicity. The facilities were great and Sadie was always present if we needed anything. It was a great way to spend a week and I only regret I waited this long being a lone traveler to give Road Scholar a try.
I can’t say enough good things about all of it. I’m so glad Yosemite is being taken care of and revered by all the local residents. It’s truly a treasure.
Many thanks to all of you,
Mary E
— Review left June 26, 2025
Amazing program in the beauty of Yosemite National Park. Our Road Scholar guides were fantastic! I cannot speak highly enough of Timothy, Justin and Doug. Great guys. Lots of fun. The staff at ECCO went above-and-beyond. Fun group of participants. A magical week!
— Review left June 19, 2025
The Guides we had in Yosemite inspired me on many levels.
— Review left June 2, 2025
This program is a great way to see and learn about Yosemite National Park.i throughly enjoyed it.
— Review left June 2, 2025
I really loved the Hike at Your Own Pace Yosemite Road Scholar trip. The beauty of Yosemite, the kind and very knowledgeable staff, and meeting new friends, made me realize how lucky I was to attend. After about a day and a half, I realized I would definitely want to do another similar hiking trip.
— Review left May 18, 2025
It was well organized, program with great guides, nice lodging, and good food. I caution anyone who is effected by altitude you might have to take it slow. You also might need a day to adapt to the altitude. The staff was aware of the needs the hikers might have with available bathroom stops and water needs. The ECCO staff was very accommodating answering questions and you can even reserve hiking poles! Being able to choose between a moderate and challenging hike is an added plus. Of course the scenery was beautiful and we a learned a lot about rock wall climbing. It's another great Road Scholar program.
— Review left May 5, 2025
This program was fun and informative. Yosemite was stunning and our guides provided many interesting stories. The hiking was adequate, especially because there were choices. I met lots of interesting people. Highly recommend!
— Review left May 5, 2025
Great program. Would definitely recommend it.
— Review left October 29, 2024
Hiking Yosemite Up Close was a great program in all regards! The ECCO location was very convenient to Yosemite and the accommodations were cozy. However, the best part was the instruction from Tim Fabbian & Doug Jensen - both were experts on the Yosemite area and their talks & stories were very entertaining! Also,Justin Logee, our group leader did a nice job of keeping the entire group on the same page & headed in the right direction! Go HIKE YOSEMITE!! It's gorgeous & life-changing!
— Review left October 29, 2024
I just completed my very first Road scholars trip,Hiking Yosemite up close and personal,highly recommend it to all Nature lovers,peaceful hikes, amazing views,we even saw a Bear on one of our walks.Very educational and fun
— Review left October 27, 2024
It is a very well organized group where I felt everyone who worked there made the participants very welcomed.. It was wonderful that our transportation from the airport was included in the trip price and they provide excellent hiking poles so we did not have to pack them. It should be noted in the September and October trips the main waterfalls and lakes are dry. The views though were spectacular.
— Review left October 11, 2024
I highly recommend this program! The leaders, hikes, lectures, and accommodations are all top notch. We had so much fun and laughed a lot. I had a fabulous trip. It really is so nice not to have to try and find parking at the trail heads, as our driver just dropped us off where we needed to be. That made visiting a busy national park so effortless. Yosemite is gorgeous!
— Review left October 7, 2024
This was a challenging hiking program but it was described accurately so I wasn't surprised. I saw and did more than I would have accomplished on my own. My only disappointment was that Yosemite Falls was "dry". My recommendation would be to visit in May when the Falls would be flowing.
I was able to extend my trip and visit both Sequoia and Kings Canyon on my own. Both are different parks and worth the visit.
— Review left October 6, 2024
It was inspiring to be part of the 2% of visitors to Yosemite who actually get out of Yosemite village. Our group leaders are some of the best I have ever had on any tour from any company. The views from the trails we hiked we absolutely jaw dropping and would not have ever been experienced if not on this tour. I would recommend participants to understand how altitude might physically affect you because it can make the hikes harder. But I would recommend this tour to anyone who likes to be active and be a part of nature, rather than just looking at it. TERRIFIC!
— Review left October 5, 2024
Incredible experience with well trained guides and instructors.
— Review left October 1, 2024
The leaders, instructors, and guides exceeded my expectations. They had experience with the park, and were knowledgable, personable, and fun. I saw much more and learned much more than if I had planned the trip by myself.
— Review left September 21, 2024
One of the high lites of my long life of 88 years. To be inspired by the grandeur of the Sequoyas, the soaring cliffs and various hikes in the valley looking up, will stay with me a long time and enrich me. Thank you!
— Review left September 7, 2024
Hiking Yosemite was a spectacular experience! This was my first Road Scholar trip, and I’ll definitely be taking more. Highly recommend!
— Review left September 6, 2024
I unreservedly recommend the Yosemite trip. It was well organized, guides were informative and friendly, local transportation was timely and helpful, world-class scenery was everything I expected and more, evening programs were well-planned.
— Review left May 25, 2024
Excellent staff in a wonderfully photogenic setting!
— Review left May 18, 2024
Our first Road Scholar trip to Yosemite was an awesome and fulfilling experience. The quality of leaders and engaging attendees made this trip a wonderful experience!
— Review left May 13, 2024
This was a fun hiking trip with lots of information provided about the flora and fauna of Yosemite. The guides were all fantastic. The food was plentiful and the kitchen staff were attentive to individual dietary needs. There was a presentation on wildlife protected in the area, which was great. Also, I liked the music artists and story-telling artists in the evening. One of the guides even entertained us one evening on the outside deck with singing and guitar music , which was a relaxing moment after a day of hiking. The park is world-class with places like El Capitan and Half-Dome. Thank you.
— Review left January 17, 2024
A wonderful introduction to Yosemite - its features and history. The hiking options accomodated both moderate and adventuresome hikers. The instructors were experienced hikers, knowledgable about the park and great story tellers. A five day one-of-a-kind experience.
— Review left October 25, 2023
"Choose Your Pace: Hiking Yosemite Up Close and Personal" is one the best Road Scholar Programs I have ever attended. I will be recommending this program to friends for many months to come. It was a real blessing.
— Review left October 21, 2023
Of the seven programs I have participated in, this by far is one of the best (next to Costa Rica) with just the right amount of hiking and free time. The activity level is just as it is described with all its beauty!!
— Review left October 16, 2023
Excellent
— Review left October 16, 2023
A peaceful setting, wonderful ECCO staff and terrific Yosemite hiking guides...what's not to like? I would recommend this program for anyone looking for something active, but not 'over the top' difficult. Fellow program participants were fun and interesting. Accommodations were simple but comfortable, with a solid meal program included. If you don't require luxury during your Yosemite National Park hiking experience, this could be just the program for you!
— Review left October 6, 2023
The Road Scholar ‘Choose Your Pace: Hiking Yosemite Up Close & Personal’ is an unforgettable adventure! It is a trek of self-exploration and endurance on many levels. The magnitude of personal achievement is experienced only through an adventure of this genre. The Yosemite National Park experience of spending time exploring and marveling one of our American Treasures, is a privilege, and unforgettable and enlightening in countless ways.
From beginning to end, the Road Scholar staff, correspondence, program itinerary and travel information were exceptional. An incredible team to say the least, our Road Scholar guides took the time to observe and attend to the strengths and vulnerabilities of each of our team members. Their professionalism, willingness to accommodate our needs, and abundance of knowledge was more than expected.
Alex, Doug, Jim, Joann, Justin, Sadie, and Tim- I thank each of you for the unforgettable experience of a lifetime! You are an exceptional team bar none!!
With Respect & Gratitude,
-JJD
— Review left October 3, 2023
This program was fun, educational, and challenging (in a good way). It's a perfect way to learn more about our National Parks, and I will search for other Road Scholar programs to enhance my visits to other parks.
— Review left October 2, 2023
I attended Yosemite-Up and Close. It was an awesome trip: Beautiful nature, great programing with well informed instructors, comfortable lodging and good food with accommodations for my dietary restrictions. Also great company of other participants!
— Review left October 2, 2023
There is one word that describes both the Road Scholar adventure to Yosemite and Yosemite National Park...breathtaking.
— Review left October 1, 2023
Best trip ever!! Loved my knowledgable guides, accommodations, people and food!
— Review left October 1, 2023
An amazing but challenging program with absolutely great team of hike leaders.
— Review left October 1, 2023
If big Sequoia trees and groves, El Capitan, and Half Dome are on your bucket list this is the program to do. Also lots of hiking--challenging and more gentle.
— Review left September 19, 2023
I happily recommend this program. The weather was perfect the second week of September. The pace was just right. I did the moderate hikes which required appropriate effort and provided the right amount of challenge for me. The pace kept us moving interspersed with short breaks for snacks and water. There was plenty of opportunity for picture taking. Learning about the plants, trees and animals was fascinating.
— Review left September 16, 2023
The Yosemite choose your own pace trip was informative. The instructors were knowledgeable and approachable. The staff was pleasant and helpful. The accommodations at ECCO were sufficiently rustic. The food did not meet my expectations. The presentations were worthwhile. The bus rides to the park were very long at 1-1.5 hours and the bus was tight and not well air conditioned. I would have liked more downtime as you are pretty busy from 7 am to 8 pm. The value for the money is good. The free shuttle was a bonus.
— Review left September 9, 2023
This program was very exciting and physically challenging. The leaders were very enthusiastic, but also patient and encouraging without hovering. The ECCO center is a very pleasant and relaxing place to stay. The leaders, bus driver and ECCO staff seemed to function as a real team. The group was a nice size (16) and very congenial. I have been on 9 Road Scholar trips, and this was one of my best experiences. I just wish the center was closer to Yosemite Valley.
— Review left June 12, 2023
It’s hard to beat Yosemite for beauty!
Fabulous trip! It was well run. The instructors were great, very knowledgeable and accommodating! The ECCO conference center staff went out of their way to make sure we were taken care…..Joanne, Alex, Zach and Sadie were great. Food was delicious! Participants were interesting and fun.
I would definitely recommend this hiking trip to other fellow hikers!
— Review left June 10, 2023
If you want to enjoy the splendor of the Yosemite Valley and see nature at its best, this is an exceptional opportunity to do so. Both of the hike leaders are entertaining and very knowledgeable about Yosemite Valley and all the beautiful scenery that abounds.
— Review left June 5, 2023
Good accommodations, excellent hike leaders, challenging hikes to test your limits, in an awe inspiring setting.
— Review left June 3, 2023
This was an excellent trip from all perspectives. The lodging and food at ECCO were wonderful. The Program Leader, Alex, was a joy to be around, and the trip leaders, Doug and Timothy were very knowledgeable. I recommend going in the Spring while the waterfalls are gushing, and before the weather gets hot and crowds descend on the park. The only downside is the 1 1/2 hour drive each morning into Yosemite for our day of hiking.
— Review left May 17, 2023
Wonderful chance to explore the beauty of Yosemite National Park by hiking some of the famous trails like the Mariposa Grove Trail (giant trees) and the Vernal Falls trail. Our four guides were excellent in that they were very knowledgeable and good hike leaders, making sure everyone was safe. The ECCO center provided great prepared breakfasts and dinners and the spread they laid out for us to make our sack lunches was outstanding with quality cold cuts and all the fixings for a great sandwich. This is one I would do again.
— Review left October 18, 2022
This was my first RS program and it was fantastic!! Some of the people on this tour had been on 25+ RS tours and have loved all of them. I can’t wait for my next adventure in Feb./2023 with RS in Sedona!
— Review left October 15, 2022
Loved our Yosemite trip. We were able to choose the hike that would fit us each day. The hike leaders were very knowledgeable and accommodating. It was nice to learn about the area as we hiked as well as on the bus ride to the park. As a bonus we met and shared stories with a great group of people.
— Review left October 14, 2022
The 'Choose Your Pace: Hiking Yosemite Up Close and Personal' program was the prefect program for seeing a comprehensive array of Yosemite locations.
— Review left October 9, 2022
I am so glad I did the hiking trip to Yosemite. The park was GORGEOUS and the participants were lovely people. The hiking was harder than I had expected it to be, but I was able to keep up and now feel a great sense of accomplishment. This was my first Road Scholar trip, but it certainly won't be my last!
— Review left October 2, 2022
Yosemite hiking is worthwhile even though it might push your limit on some trails. Get well prepared and hiking sticks. Trail choices might be changed due to weather and road situation. sometimes, not enough of information ahead of time. Be flexible and evaluate personal condition to comply. Don't try to catch up with fast hikers or you are to miss enjoying the scenery and personal experience.
— Review left September 19, 2022
The challenging hikes were challenging, but not overly hard. The staff - Will, Chris, Tim, and Doug were the best! They were a knowledgeable group, who were supportive and made it a tremendous experience.
— Review left September 16, 2022
I very much enjoyed the trip. It was great that two hikes were offered each day so that the stronger hikers could push themselves. The guides were all knowledgable and helpful. The evening lectures were informative and entertaining. I particularly enjoyed Chris's demonstration of his climbing gear which made me appreciate the climbing exhibit at the Yosemite Visitors Center so much more. I only which I'd heard the stories about the early days of climbing before seeing that exhibit.
The bus trip to Yosemite Valley was longer than would be ideal but that was a reasonable compromise to keep the costs down and have the convenience of the ECCO facility.
Because of the on-going threat of wild fire smoke in the Yosemite area, the program materials should include an explanation of the Air Quality Index and the health hazards of smoke exposure. The program director should share the air quality values along with the daily temperature and weather forecast so that participants can make a more informed decision about taking precautions like wearing an N95 mask or not exerting themselves.
— Review left September 4, 2022
Yosemite is a spectacular place, and this program does an excellent job of showing off the best of the park. The hikes are fabulous. The hikes above Yosemite Falls and Vernal Falls were challenging (about 1,500 feet of elevation gain for each one), but not too difficult, and we were rewarded with amazing views all along the way. The free day in the middle of the week was a big hit: we chose to do an additional hiking route with a couple of others in the group and had a wonderful time. We went in late April, which seemed like a perfect time: highs were in the low 60s, there was no rain, the waterfalls were full of water from melting snow, and the trails were not crowded.
— Review left June 20, 2022
A great program in a beautiful place. A wonderful experience with a great group of people. Great hikes with much to see - worth the climbs!
— Review left June 12, 2022
RS is a great way to travel especially for solo travelers. It is a good way to meet others interested in the same things you are interested in and see the world.
— Review left June 6, 2022
This was my first hiking vacation - Yosemite: Up Close and Personal, and I tried to train for it and that paid off, but to my surprise, I could do almost everything and was able to evaluate what might not work for me. I LOVED the guides and all the information they presented. I would highly recommend this experience.
— Review left June 4, 2022
The Choose Your Own Pace: Hiking Yosemite Up Close and Personal was a great choice for my first Road Scholar program. I have wanted to see Yosemite National Park for a long time and this was the perfect way to do that. The group leaders and guides shared their personal knowledge of the the park and took us on hikes that let us explore the various areas of lower Yosemite Valley. Being able to pick between a moderate or more challenging hike each day was a great way for all participants to do something at their comfort level. I met so many great people from all over the US and already have plans for another trip with several of them. Yosemite is an incredible place to visit and I'm definitely coming back for more!
— Review left June 2, 2022
Great program in a spectacular setting for anyone who enjoys hiking. The guides are knowledgable and help you see a side of Yosemite that you wouldn't see on your own.
— Review left May 20, 2022
The best way to visit Yosemite! We were there before the summer crowds, and were bused in every day so were did not have to deal with traffic and parking! We really were up close and personal. The hikes took us truly immersed in the park. Idilic picnic lunch locations! RS hit the Bar high again
— Review left May 18, 2022
This trip was better than I imagined. The group leaders were informative, humorous and compassionate. Would highly recommend this program…
— Review left May 16, 2022
I cannot imagine a better, more enjoyable way to experience Yosemite National Park. This program exceeded my expectations by the planning and execution of the hikes. I learned about the park's history, geology, botany, and important personalitites that have made the park what it is today.
— Review left May 14, 2022
Great organizers, great participants, great program. Great is the word!
— Review left May 9, 2022
Yosemite was at the top of my bucket list and Roadscholar‘s help me check that off with the upmost satisfaction, thank you very much !
— Review left May 9, 2022
This is a terrific program with outstanding instructors. The conference center is very comfortable and the conference staff were friendly and very accommodating. I recommend this program to anyone interested in experiencing a magnificent national park.
— Review left May 8, 2022
If you are interested in Yosemite, DO NOT miss this program. Excellent guides, informative, fun each day along with physical activity.
— Review left May 6, 2022
One will naturally be overwhelmed by the majesty and beauty of Yosemite -- its waterfalls, granite cliffs, peaceful valley, and of course the age-old Sequoias of the Mariposa Grove. But the experience was greatly enhanced by hiking and exploring with a Road Scholar group. I have taken many great Road Scholar trips in the past, but this one exceeded my expectations. Our Trip Leader was excellent -- organized, knowledgeable and fun. Our daily hiking guides were also terrific -- they were full of information and entertaining stories about Yosemite history, geology, native people, plants, trees, rock climbing, etc. And they could identify any vista/rock/peak in the Park!
Our lodgings were peaceful and comfortable with great food and evening programs on a variety of topics. I would very much recommend this hiking trip!
— Review left May 5, 2022
Yosemite is amazing and Road Scholar is a great way to explore it with knowledgeable, friendly guides, good hikes and activities, comfortable accommodations and the best fellow-Road Scholars. I learned so much about the area and the park that I don't think I would have learned without the program. I would recommend it to both serious and casual hikers.
— Review left April 30, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed the program. The challenge hikes were challenging without being overwhelming. Hike leader was very knowledgeable and great fun. ECCO staff went over and above in attending to needs. Note that if you cannot arrive early enough to catch ECCO's free 2 p.m. shuttle from Fresno airport or Amtrak station, you may want to arrive a day early and stay at one of the hotels around the airport. ECCO will pick you up at your hotel on its 2 p.m. run the next day provided that you stayed in one of the airport hotels (and let them know that.) Also suggest that you may want to consider going in spring when there is less fire danger (smoke) and more water going over the waterfalls.
— Review left October 11, 2021
Hiking Yosemite up close and personal was a fabulous trip. Yosemite is a destination you will not want to miss! Standing beneath ancient Sequoia’s, some 2500 years old, was awe inspiring and humbling. The vast beauty of Yosemite is incomparable. From ancient forests to magnificent views of Half dome and El Capitan are not to be missed. Hiking through this astounding beauty has inspired me to return next year!
— Review left October 9, 2021
We just finished the hiking Yosemite up close and personal trip. Everything about it was great! The guides were so knowledgeable and loved listening to their stories. We enjoyed where we stayed and every hike we went on. Thank you Road Scholar. Looking forward to another trip!
— Review left October 7, 2021
Organized ans easy to navigate
— Review left October 5, 2021
Easy to use that works fine
— Review left September 24, 2021
Yosemite: At Your Own Pace was a wonderful experience which combined hiking on diverse trails in the park, educational information by knowledgeable, and friendly guides, and positive connections to people from all over the United States. It was a very satisfying and memorable trip!
— Review left September 22, 2021
Great program! The views are absolutely stunning, and the guides are very professional and knowledgeable, giving us tons of information, they made the hikes interesting and enjoyable.
I would definitely recommend this program to my physically fit friends.
These hikes are not easy! I am an experienced hiker and love challenges, but the heat and altitude affected my energy level more than I expected, and I had to opt for moderate hikes.
— Review left September 19, 2021
Incredible program which exceeded my expectations. The hikes are challenging, so be prepared! Fabulous learning AND exposure to portions of Yosemite.
— Review left September 13, 2021
The ECCO lodgings are spartan and there were wi-fi and a/c problems throughout the stay. The cabins are located far from the main lodge, up a poorly lit steep hill, someone fell one night. The gift shop didn't sell shampoo much to the chagrin of those who had come expecting the hotel to provide toiletries, and the guide didn't offer to take them to a town drugstore.
The food was not good, and plagued with problems: we made our own lunch sandwiches with poor quality bread and cold cuts, peanut butter was the best lunch option; dinner was often inedible; the fruit salad not fresh; they didn't even have jam.
Calling this trip "choose your own pace" is a misnomer, the guide routinely dissuaded the slower members from hiking, and cajoled the rest of us to go faster. On our free day in Yosemite village, we were dropped off unceremoniously at shuttle stop 7 and told to find our own way back by 3; meanwhile the visitors' center, museum, theatre etc were closed and the Yosemite loop shuttle not running due to covid and it was 98 degrees with a heat advisory in place. They could have used their own bus as the shuttle but didn't want to, 10 of us spent the afternoon sitting in the cafeteria of the Valley Lodge biding time. One lunch was held near the latrines where bees were swarming and one person was stung by a bee.
Poorly managed, poorly planned trip through and through. However, Yosemite itself is beautiful and the trails were scenic and serene. Great place to visit, just not with Road Scholar
— Review left September 13, 2021
This was my first trip since 2019 and it was great! Road Scholar did a fine job of keeping us as safe as possible from covid. The scenery and hikes were excellent. I particularly enjoyed our hike leader, Tim, who did the right amount of teaching and the right amount of fun anecdotes. The food was excellent and plentiful at the ECCO conference center. The leaders did a fine job of making necessary adjustments related to nearby wildfires and closings from the pandemic. I'm delighted to be travelling with Road Scholar again.
— Review left September 9, 2021
A fine way to see the highlights of Yosemite Park while hiking at a reasonable pace for those in fairly good shape.
— Review left October 14, 2019
The program is exactly as described with this exception: food and staff exceeded already high expectations
— Review left October 13, 2019
W*O*W! Yosemite is majestic, breathtaking, HUGE, and mighty. RS has put together a quality "intro" trip which considers participants' skill levels and includes a variety of trails and destinations. In addition, the comfortable, clean accommodations provide OUTSTANDING meals that consider a multitude of dietary concerns while providing creative, tasty cuisine. Expert trail guides, informative and talented instructors, entertaining evening programs (John Muir & the Gold Rush were first rate), and a skilled, competent bus driver are all vital components of this educational adventure.
BEST bang for your Buck!
I just wish we had a few more days in the park.
THANKS to: Our Lovely Leader LAURA, Down-to-Earth DOUG, Telling, Talkative TIM, The Sweep-DEBBIE, and Monika - you all RoCk!! (pun intended).
— Review left October 13, 2019
Our "Hiking Yosemite Up Close and Personal" trip was perfect. Even the weather cooperated - not too hot or cold, and in spite of a wet winter/spring, the trails in early June were extremely accessible. The crowds were relatively "light" which made for a more enjoyable experience and the staff at the Conference Center, the leaders of the program and the presenters at the evening "events" were very knowledgeable and welcoming. Our hiking group was also great with varied backgrounds and so many exciting travel adventures to share. All in all - it was one of my favorite Road Scholar hiking trips, one I will surely add to my "must do again" list!
— Review left June 8, 2019
The hiking trip to Yosemite was awesome. Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The Road Scholar staff from group leader to bus driver exceeded my wildest expectations. This is a “most go” hiking adventure.
— Review left June 5, 2019
The reality is that there are few ways to see Yosemite valley in a "hotel" setting, therefore one must travel the 1 hour plus from outside the park to get to the valley floor. The ECCO center does a phenomenal job. The leaders are the finest. The hikes are differentiated by ability. We had great participants! Highly recommend this program (this was my 13th RS trip).
— Review left June 2, 2019
The beautiful Yosemite NP was enhanced by our Road Scholar experience. The hikes were designed to accommodate various activity levels, and they were spectacular. Even if you are not an experienced hiker, get a pair of hiking boots and take this trip! If you love nature and scenery, this is the trip for you.
— Review left May 31, 2019
The only way to really experience a National Park is to explore the back-country to witness vistas you cannot see from a bus in a parking lot. This program fulfills that goal, combined with educational pieces that impart depth of understanding. Go take a hike!
— Review left May 31, 2019
Went to Yosemite with Road Scholar. Had a fantastic time. Tour guides were fun and so knowledgable and we got to see the park through great hikes and great information. Accommodations were great and the food all home made. Amazing trip
— Review left May 29, 2019
Great time to go to Yosemite before Memorial Day!
— Review left May 27, 2019