1st road scholar trip. Excellent trip!

The website is great but all the mailings I get are over kill and add to much to the cost of the programs. There were 2 programs going on at the same time at ECCO. I asked to trade programs with another woman because I didn't think I could keep up (which I couldn't) and was told R.S. didn't allow it. I think it would have been a better experience for all concerned if you did.

Yosemite hiking (choose your pace) was phenomenal. The park was the star but the program guides and instructors made it a treat. When it says 'choose your pace', it means you have 2 choices: moderate or challenging. A couple of people in the moderate group interpreted it as 'go at your own leisure'. Both groups require hiking uphill at higher altitudes. I felt encouraged in the challenging group (and it was challenging: consistent uphill steady pace over rocks and unlevel surfaces 5-9 miles), so read the descriptions closely and hike before the trip to prepare. After the first day with no hiking poles, I used poles reserved through ECCO and they helped with stability and climbing/descending. I loved learning the botany on the trails and the unique evening presentations. Doug as guide and Debbie as sweep were clearly experienced in empowering us to be successful. The beauty of Yosemite cannot be described with words. I did the October trip so the waterfalls are slight compared to spring, but the crowds were nothing like summertime. The weather was sunny and cool (40 rising up to 70 degrees) and perfect for hiking. ECCO rooms are rustic and clean and the food was excellent. Super experience!

This was my first road scholar program. It exceeded my expectations. I loved the listening devices which were easy to use so you did not miss a single word of the knowledgeable guides descriptions of the terrain and plant life.

The opportunity to participate in women only tour was a new experience for me and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Our group size was relatively small allowing for individual attention. Hiking through Yosemite was a great way to experience the beauty and grandeur of this magnificent National Park.

This was my first Road Scholar trip - hiking in Yosemite. It was a challenging and delightful experience. the meals were excellent.

Spectacular program! A picture of the Sequoias does not truly represent the beauty and the grandeur. Makes one feel like they are a very small part of the universe.

Road Scholar provides a great way to see areas of the world with competent and friendly guides! We had a great time on our Yosemite trip and will use Road Scholar again in the future.

If you like challenging uphill climbing you will love this program. Overall a very well run program with cheerful and helpful staff. The conference center is a bit of a distance from the park, (1+ hr) but they have a comfortable bus and very good drivers. There is a 'free day' on Wednesday that requires some planning if you don't want to feel the time was wasted. The park's bus system is confusing and the trail heads are not well marked if you are looking to hike that day.

This was my first Road Scholar trip and I throughly enjoyed it. The staff was extremely knowledgeable, personable and very approachable. All participants appeared happy to be there offering friendly introductions and conversation from the first evening on.

I really enjoyed this opportunity to experience Yosemite more intimately than probably would have happened on my own. Also, it was great not to have to deal with the problems that Yosemite’s popularity is causing, like difficulty in parking and getting reservations. I didn’t mind the long commute in and out of the park because a) the scenery is beautiful and b) I enjoyed the opportunity to chat with my fellow travelers. Every night when I looked at what the evening program would be, it sounded a little boring. I am so glad I went anyway because each one was memorable! I was one of several singles and I enjoyed getting to know each one. The couples were all friendly, but I have always noticed on these trips that the couples tend not to separate and, for instance, sit with one of the singles or another husband, wife or travel buddy on the bus. They are missing a lot, because you already know your friend or spouse! I suggest to couples that you agree beforehand to split up occasionally! I agree with the positive things in the previous reviews. Because I and I’m sure others rely on these reviews to really understand what the experience will be, I’m just going to give one "heads up." I have done four other Road Scholar trips. The guides on those trips were professional guides who had been working primarily as guides for many years. One of the guides on this trip met that standard of professionalism; the others, somewhat less so. One assistant guide was a first-timer who caused several problems. One reason I like to sign up for trips that include challenging hikes is that I need an upcoming trip to motivate me to get out and train. The actual hikes on this trip did not match up perfectly with the description, and I believe it is stated that the hikes may change for each “class.” I wish I had just called ECCO a few weeks before the trip and asked for more specific information about the hikes we would be doing. Oh yeah, and the desserts! They were extraordinarily good!

This is a great opportunity to experience Yosemite Valley and the immediate surrounding areas of Yosemite National Park. Hikes are selected based on participants hiking skills. The venue is flexible to adjust to participants' hiking needs. The leaders are very knowledgeable and friendly.

A trip to YOSEMITE is exciting, unique, and awesome ! Our leaders were friendly, welcoming, and loved the Park, - sharing their considerable knowledge freely with all participants. If you have never been there, put it on your " Bucketlist " now.

Everything about this program was great; the hikes, the food, the accommodations, the education, the location, and the people. I would highly recommend this!

I give this trip all 5s! This was our second RS trip to Yosemite and ECCO Lodge (also took the Photography vacation with RS about 3 years ago). This trip was physically challenging and mentally inspiring. The charming ECCO Lodge even prepared vegan options for me at each meal, and prepared gluten free for other participants. There were many solo participants, married couples, and friends on this trip. We all deeply bonded due to the 40 minute daily drive to the park entrance on the ECCO mini bus, eating our meals together in the Lodge, helping each other on the challenging hikes, and laughing, painting, & singing together during the delightful evening presentations . If you are a social person you will enjoy the camaraderie of other participants, group leader Laura and the nature guides Tim and Steven. There is no coffee in your room, so plan on enjoying the brewed coffee in the Lodge (always available) on the deck overseeing the tranquil lake. Bring your hiking boots, walking poles, binoculars, and your adventurous attitude for an exuberant trip of a lifetime.

Very interesting and challenging. Wonderful accommodations and food Friendly and knowledgable group leaders

Road Scholar is definitely the way to see Yosemite. They got it right on all levels.

The "Choose your pace: Hiking Yosemite up close and personal" was our first Road Scholar trip and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Having options of hike's was a plus and there wasn't a day that went by that I didn't feel like we had great hikes and were more than ready for bed at the end of the day. Yosemite was breath taking and our leader and instructors were all knowledgeable and engaging. We look forward to our next Road Scholar hiking trip which will be hiking in the Redwoods this fall and possibly New Zealand in February 2019. We have toured with several other walking/hiking tours and Road Scholar was definitely on par and better than many!

Great trip. Accommodations, hikes, food, and evening programs were just right.

Yosemite is such a beautiful place. The weather was great and the hikes were fabulous. Loved having a choice between moderate and challenging hikes and having someone else take care of the logistics. The food at the conference center was amazing, much better than I expected. Only downside is that Yosemite is so big there’s a lot of van time riding to get to and from hiking locations.

This trip was wonderful!! The scenery was gorgeous. The instructors were fascinating.The Conference Center where we stayed was in a beautiful setting with a pond, ducks and geese. I loved it.

This is a lovely introduction to Yosemite valley with good hiking and nice accommodations. There is a 1.5 hour bus ride to get to the valley, but one hour of that is getting from the park entrance to the valley, so unless you stayed in the valley, there will be travel time. The accommodations were very good, with food being an unexpected treat. Interesting and well prepared. The hikes were as described but I would comment on the section from Taft point to sentinel dome which was strenous for me because of altitude (7500 - 8200) and relentless uphill at start and for last mile and a half.

My trip to Yosemite accomplished what I had wanted for two years: to see Yosemite from more than an average visitor's perspective. I learned so much about the park and what is there. I was able to experience the peace, solitude, and beauty those earlier advocates of Yosemite, such as John Muir, wrote about. I loved that there was a choice of hikes each day.

I had a wonderful time in Yosemite during the autumn season! The hike descriptions in the materials were accurate. I found the hikes challenging, but rewarding. The ECCO facilities are modest, though the food was surprisingly good and the staff friendly. Only downside were the LONG drives into the park. Close to 2 hours each way to the valley floor. A bit shorter to Glacier Point. There aren't a lot of options available since lodging in the park is so limited.

Yosemite is a wonder and Road Scholar does it proud. Learning on the trails, seeing the iconic mountains and sharing this world with other fellow hikers is makes for a great week.

This program was a great way to see Yosemite's treasures up close!

Thank you Road Scholar for yet another magnificent hiking week! You have NEVER let me down in the may programs I've attended.

October was a wonderful time of the year to participate in this Yosemite Hiking Experience

"Hiking Yosemite, Up Close and Personal" was a wonderful way to explore, and learn about, the park. The guides were very helpful, knowledgeable and supportive. Two levels of hikes provided options, depending on how much of a challenge you preferred. The lodge was clean, comfortable and the food was wonderful and plentiful.

Wonderful hikes, knowledgeable instructors and delicious food. Well worth the money spent.

The 5-day hiking trip at Yosemite National Park was my first adventure with Road Scholar - but it won't be my last! If you're looking for a great value for the money, give them a try. You won't be disappointed!

This program is a great value for your money! Two hike options are offered most days and the ECCO facility is more than adequate. The program is well-organized and led by experts. This was our first Road Scholar program and I am already planning our next adventure!

Enchanting mountainous landscape, fairly-like giant sequoias, granite rocks of incredible formations, cascading white waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas!

I am part of a walking group that walks 4 miles 4-5 times a week in normal elevation. The hikers on this trip got to choose between challenging and moderately challenging hikes every day but the day to do what you wanted. This was good as there were younger hikers that could and wanted to do more and were able to do so with this choice. It was an awesome trip.

Yosemite is an awesome place to visit with Road Scholars. Highly recommend May timeframe for less crowds and lots of water... We saw falls that do not exist in mid summer! You may know about Ansel Adams and the geology of Yosemite, but until you experience the real thing, you can't fathom the beauty. And Road Scholars guides and evening sessions helped us learn about the beauty.

Great way to see and learn about Yosemite National Park while getting lots of fresh air and exercise.

An awesome way to travel and learn. The instructors are informative and help you to learn as you travel. I met so many interesting people and this exceeded my expectations on what I thought it would be.

Don't miss hiking in Yosemite, especially in the spring when the waterfalls are running at full speed and the wildflowers are in bloom. Optional hiking levels give an option between challenging and moderate, but both take some stamina because you are out for several hours at a time. The program is well categorized as moderately challenging, which made it very exciting but also doable on the moderate hikes.

April/May is a good time to see Yosemite. Lots of run off from snow and rain left the valley gushing with powerful waterfalls and swollen rivers. I liked the easy hikes that were close to streams and mirror lakes. Actually Mirror Lake was my favorite hike. We had blue skies and fluffy clouds. The hotel in the park is called Majestic but it has an Indian name which I cannot remember. Bring your camera. The Ecco lodge was good. It is well organized and mindful of people's needs. Buffet style food was plentiful and tasty.