California
The Best of Yosemite National Park: An American Icon
Program No. 19237RJ
Discover the wonders of Yosemite National Park alongside naturalists as you learn about and explore Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Mariposa Grove and many other iconic treasures.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Brisbane (San Francisco Airport), CA
Program Concludes
Brisbane (San Francisco Airport), CA
Meals
12 (
5B, 4L, 3D
)
Activity Level
On an unforgettable adventure in Yosemite National Park, learn on-site about monumental natural wonders like Yosemite Falls, Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley. Expert naturalists address the geologic saga of the park as well as its interwoven natural and human histories. As Half Dome and El Capitan loom overhead, explore the Native American history of the Ahwahneechee, and learn the intricacies of rock climbing, a popular park activity. Stay at lodgings inside the park on this fantastic adventure!
Best of all, you'll...
- Experience the impressive granite formations of Half Dome and El Capitan, a favorite for rock climbers.
- Discover Yosemite’s cultural and natural history with a local naturalist on trails in Yosemite Valley and Wawona.
- Explore Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to stand in awe of hundreds of these impressive trees, and explore the Ahwahnee Hotel with a local expert.
General Notes
Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less. If not specified as a small group date, departures will have up to 35 participants.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Sharon Marini
Sharon Marini is from the Mushroom Capital of the World, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Eventually, she found herself in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California, which has been home ever since. She has been fortunate to travel extensively in the US, as well as, internationally. The changing landscapes, interesting people, and delicious food are just some of the reasons she continues to travel. She looks forward to sharing with you the dynamic, engaging and thought provoking programs offered by Road Scholar.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Sharon Marini
Sharon Marini is from the Mushroom Capital of the World, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Eventually, she found herself in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California, which has been home ever since. She has been fortunate to travel extensively in the US, as well as, internationally. The changing landscapes, interesting people, and delicious food are just some of the reasons she continues to travel. She looks forward to sharing with you the dynamic, engaging and thought provoking programs offered by Road Scholar.
Jackie Mlekoday
Jackie Mlekoday grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota and later lived and worked in downtown Minneapolis. After taking several trips to San Diego and falling in love with the city, she and her husband moved there in 2000. They currently live in Mission Valley. Jackie has been a nurse for more than three decades with leadership positions in emergency and critical care. She currently volunteers as a member of the Rose Corp in Balboa Park. Her interests include hiking, golfing, and travel.
Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson recently retired from teaching English at a Northern California high school. During a 34-year career, she taught honors English and multicultural literature, chaired the English department, and served as a mentor teacher. During the summers, Mary and her husband, Drew, took high school students on international trips that took them throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Over 60 Road Scholar programs later, they stay busy with both intergenerational and adult programs in Northern California, from hiking Yosemite to exploring the coastal village of Mendocino.
Dawn Spare
Dawn Spare is an avid traveler with a deep love of nature, history, and culture who enjoys both the city and country life. She earned her BFA magna cum laude from the University of California, Irvine, and attended graduate school at Temple and the University of Wisconsin. She lives on California’s Central Coast underneath pine trees at the beach, where she walks in nature daily. She belongs to a book club and has sung for over 20 years with the award-winning Vocal Arts Ensemble.
Barrie Simpson
After a long career in the technology, pharmaceutical, and hospitality industries, Barrie Simpson became a Road Scholar group leader. She was raised in New England; following high school, she made her way to Oregon, where she planted trees all over the West before going on to earn a degree in environmental engineering. Currently living in San Francisco, she is a historical group leader for SF City Guides, a waterbird docent on Alcatraz, and a long time member leader of the American Society of Quality (ASQ).
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1.5 miles over varied terrain including paved and dirt paths. Standing up to 45 minutes at a time. Elevations range from 4,000-8,000 feet.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(8 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.
- 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.