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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.

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Protecting the Environment

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

At a Glance

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.
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
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • 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

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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Tim 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 this program.

Profile Image of Tim Fabbian
Tim Fabbian View biography
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.
Profile Image of Doug Jensen
Doug Jensen View biography
Doug Jensen recently retired after more than 20 years as an administrator in education, including eight years in developing and supervising Outdoor Environmental Education programs. One of the significant motivators behind his retirement was based upon his love for Outdoor Environmental Education and his desire to re-enter that field. He is so fortunate to live in an area where the Sierra National Forest is my yard boundary; I spend most of my free time exploring and learning new things about nature.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
15 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Vegetarian, Low Salt, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024
  • Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024
  • Jun 02, 2024 - Jun 07, 2024
  • Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 06, 2024
  • Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024
  • Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024
  • Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
  • Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024
  • Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024
  • Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
  • Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024
  • Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
  • May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025
  • May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025
  • May 18, 2025 - May 23, 2025
  • Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
  • Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
  • Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
  • Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
  • Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
  • Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
  • Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
  • Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.





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