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California

National Parks of the Sierra Nevada: Yosemite, King's Canyon and Sequoia

Program No. 20197RJ
Discover three of the nation’s most treasured national parks, exploring waterfalls in King’s Canyon, the world’s largest trees in Sequoia and the many must-see sites of Yosemite.

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Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Aug 31 - Sep 5, 2025
Starting at
1,849
Filling Fast!
Sep 14 - Sep 19, 2025
Starting at
1,849
Sep 21 - Sep 26, 2025
Starting at
1,849
Sep 28 - Oct 3, 2025
Starting at
1,849
Oct 12 - Oct 17, 2025
Starting at
1,849
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Aug 31 - Sep 5, 2025
Starting at
2,269
Sep 14 - Sep 19, 2025
Starting at
2,269
Sep 21 - Sep 26, 2025
Starting at
2,269
Sep 28 - Oct 3, 2025
Starting at
2,269
Oct 12 - Oct 17, 2025
Starting at
2,269
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5B 4L 5D
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Breathe crystal-clear air in an in-depth exploration of all three of these iconic national parks. Enjoy field trips where you’ll experience the major attractions of King’s Canyon, Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks as you learn about animal life, astronomy, botany, geology, native plants, park issues and the influence of famed naturalist John Muir.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Hikes anywhere from 2 to 6 miles a day. Elevations up to 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.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Be part of history at Muir Rock in King's Canyon, the place where John Muir frequently addressed the Sierra Club, and visit Roaring River Falls and Zumwalt Meadow.
  • Experience Congress Loop in Sequoia to encounter the largest tree by mass in the world, and take in the vast landscape of the Great Western Divide and the San Joaquin Valley.
  • Catch at breathtaking first glimpse of Half Dome in Yosemite, and stand before natural and man made marvels like El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Sentinel Bridge and Yosemite Falls.

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.
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.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals ( 5B, 4L, 5D )
4 expert-led lectures
4 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Conference center check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00-5:30 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Welcome Reception: 5:30 p.m. We will gather for a get-acquainted social hour.
Dinner:
In Lyles Dining Hall.
Evening:
The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. Our program is staffed with a Study Leader, who will provide educational content, and a Group Leader who will deal primarily with logistics. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Next, we will view a short video highlighting the beauty of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, our destinations for tomorrow. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Light exercise prior to breakfast (walking, yoga, etc.). Getting on/off a bus; driving about 70 miles throughout the day, approximately 3 hours total riding time. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; mostly flat ground, paved and unpaved.
Breakfast:
In the dining hall. Each full day after breakfast, we will pack our own lunches from a variety of choices. Bring your own personal, reusable water bottle.
Morning:
We will board the shuttle bus to Yosemite Valley and set out by 8:00 a.m. This will be a big day, with a first stop at Tunnelview (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min.) one of the most photographed places on earth. We will then ride on to Bridalveil Fall and further into Yosemite Valley to Yosemite Lodge where our Study Leader will lead our exploration of the Yosemite Falls. We'll make our way to the Pioneer Cemetery and Indian Museum in Yosemite Village.
Lunch:
Sack Lunch in Yosemite Valley.
Afternoon:
Free time for independent exploration will begin before regrouping and heading back to campus in the late afternoon. (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min.) An optional saunter in the valley with your instructor will be available for those who are up for a little more activity. We’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
In Lyles Dining Hall.
Evening:
We will gather for a presentation by a local expert on a topic of interest. Possibilities could range from a live animal presentation, living history performance, musical or artistic guests, or lectures on human and cultural history of the area.
Activity Note
Light exercise prior to breakfast (walking, yoga, etc.). Getting on/off a bus; driving about 70 miles throughout the day, approximately 3 hours total riding time. Walking about 4 miles throughout the day; mostly flat ground, paved and unpaved.
Breakfast:
In the dining hall.
Morning:
We will depart for Glacier Point in Yosemite (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min.). Take a walk up to Sentinel Dome where you can view not only Yosemite Valley, but miles and miles of scenery all the way to Mt. Diablo in the coastal range. Our field trip guide will share not just the geologic significance of the valley below as well as the political history of the very significant look out.
Lunch:
At the Glacier Point.
Afternoon:
We will make our way back to Wawona area (20 miles, 45 min.) to explore the Pioneer History Center, Wawona Hotel, and Thomas Hill Studio before departing back to ECCO in the afternoon (15 miles, 35 min.).
Dinner:
At Lyles Dining Hall.
Evening:
We will gather for a presentation by a local expert on a topic of interest. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Light exercise prior to breakfast (walking, yoga, etc.). Getting on/off a bus; driving about 170 miles throughout the day, approximately 3.5 hours total riding time. Walking up to 6 miles over the course of the day; mostly flat ground in Grant Grove & Kings Canyon, paved and unpaved.
Breakfast:
In the dining hall.
Morning:
We will check out and board a bus for the ride to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (105 mi., 2 hr. 15 min.). Our Study Leader will provide commentary along the way as we go from rolling foothills, traverse thriving crops and farms of the central valley, and up to Hume Lake. We’ll learn about the seven botanical zones of Kings Canyon and the histories of three parks.
Lunch:
At Grant Grove.
Afternoon:
We will begin our exploration of Kings Canyon (30 miles, 45 min.) with field trips to sites such as include Grizzly Falls, Roaring River Meadow, and Muir Rock. As we explore, we’ll learn about floral life zones of the Sierra Nevada. We will ride to Hume Lake (25 miles, 45 min.) for check-in after our field trip.
Dinner:
At Hume Lake Conference Center.
Evening:
We will gather for a presentation by a local expert on a topic of interest.
Activity Note
Light exercise prior to breakfast (walking, yoga, etc.). Getting on/off a bus; driving about 35 miles each way, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Walking up to 5 miles over the course of the day; mostly flat ground in Sequoia National Park, paved and unpaved.
Breakfast:
At Hume Lake.
Morning:
We will board the shuttle bus for a field trip to Congress Trail loop in Sequoia National Park that includes the General Sherman Tree (35 miles, 1 hr.). This is the largest living tree on earth according to the National Park Service.
Lunch:
At the Giant Forest Museum, we’ll have our sack lunches.
Afternoon:
Our field trip will continue to nearby locations featuring interpretive hikes of ancient groves, wildlife abundant meadows, and spectacular views of the Great Western Divide. Visit the Giant Forest Museum and stroll through Round Meadow before returning to Hume Lake (40 miles, 1 hr).
Dinner:
At Hume Lake. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We will gather for a presentation by a local expert on a topic of interest. Prepare for check-out and departure after breakfast tomorrow.
Activity Note
Light exercise prior to breakfast (walking, yoga, etc.). Check-out 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At Hume Lake.
Morning:
We will board bus for return to the Fresno area for those catching a flight, train or bus to your next destination (62 miles, 1 hr. 30 min). We will return to ECCO following dropping off any fellow participants departing from the Fresno area (55 miles, 1 hr.). <br If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
  • Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
  • Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
  • Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
  • Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
  • Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
  • Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
3 nights
Location: 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.
2 nights
Location: Hume
Hume Lake Christian Camp is located in the Sequoia National Forest in the unincorporated community of Hume, California adjacent to Hume Lake. Hume Lake is primarily a summer camp for students but also hosts various conferences and retreats. The 365 acre camp can host up to 3,000 people at one time and hosts more than 40,000 annually. Hume Lake was built on the site of a 100 year old defunct logging town built by the Hume-Bennett Lumber Company and utilizes many of the original facilities. ECCO's shuttle bus will depart from Hume Lake Christian Camp around 9:00 a.m. on the departure day of the program arriving at the Fresno Airport at roughly 11 a.m., please book your departure flight accordingly. We do not offer earlier or later departure shuttles for this program due to the remote location.
3 nights
Location: 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.
2 nights
Location: Hume
Hume Lake Christian Camp is located in the Sequoia National Forest in the unincorporated community of Hume, California adjacent to Hume Lake. Hume Lake is primarily a summer camp for students but also hosts various conferences and retreats. The 365 acre camp can host up to 3,000 people at one time and hosts more than 40,000 annually. Hume Lake was built on the site of a 100 year old defunct logging town built by the Hume-Bennett Lumber Company and utilizes many of the original facilities. ECCO's shuttle bus will depart from Hume Lake Christian Camp around 9:00 a.m. on the departure day of the program arriving at the Fresno Airport at roughly 11 a.m., please book your departure flight accordingly. We do not offer earlier or later departure shuttles for this program due to the remote location.
3 nights
Location: 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.
2 nights
Location: Hume
Hume Lake Christian Camp is located in the Sequoia National Forest in the unincorporated community of Hume, California adjacent to Hume Lake. Hume Lake is primarily a summer camp for students but also hosts various conferences and retreats. The 365 acre camp can host up to 3,000 people at one time and hosts more than 40,000 annually. Hume Lake was built on the site of a 100 year old defunct logging town built by the Hume-Bennett Lumber Company and utilizes many of the original facilities. ECCO's shuttle bus will depart from Hume Lake Christian Camp around 9:00 a.m. on the departure day of the program arriving at the Fresno Airport at roughly 11 a.m., please book your departure flight accordingly. We do not offer earlier or later departure shuttles for this program due to the remote location.
3 nights
Location: 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.
2 nights
Location: Hume
Hume Lake Christian Camp is located in the Sequoia National Forest in the unincorporated community of Hume, California adjacent to Hume Lake. Hume Lake is primarily a summer camp for students but also hosts various conferences and retreats. The 365 acre camp can host up to 3,000 people at one time and hosts more than 40,000 annually. Hume Lake was built on the site of a 100 year old defunct logging town built by the Hume-Bennett Lumber Company and utilizes many of the original facilities. ECCO's shuttle bus will depart from Hume Lake Christian Camp around 9:00 a.m. on the departure day of the program arriving at the Fresno Airport at roughly 11 a.m., please book your departure flight accordingly. We do not offer earlier or later departure shuttles for this program due to the remote location.
3 nights
Location: 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.
2 nights
Location: Hume
Hume Lake Christian Camp is located in the Sequoia National Forest in the unincorporated community of Hume, California adjacent to Hume Lake. Hume Lake is primarily a summer camp for students but also hosts various conferences and retreats. The 365 acre camp can host up to 3,000 people at one time and hosts more than 40,000 annually. Hume Lake was built on the site of a 100 year old defunct logging town built by the Hume-Bennett Lumber Company and utilizes many of the original facilities. ECCO's shuttle bus will depart from Hume Lake Christian Camp around 9:00 a.m. on the departure day of the program arriving at the Fresno Airport at roughly 11 a.m., please book your departure flight accordingly. We do not offer earlier or later departure shuttles for this program due to the remote location.
Participant Reviews
4.88
Based on 18 Reviews
Sort By:
Barbara – Class of 2015 | New Brighton, MN
I loved this trip!
— Review left October 26, 2024
Karen – Class of 2024 | Texas City, TX
I took the trip to three national parks, Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon. It was a dream come true! I met new friends and felt safe traveling with knowledgeable instructors teaching us all along the way. I will definitely do it again soon!
— Review left October 19, 2024
Rhoda – Class of 2024 | Lebanon, PA
Wonderful program, saw and learned so much and even got exercise.
— Review left October 14, 2024
Mike – Class of 2022 | Columbus, OH
This trip opened my eyes to the challenges of environmental change and the consequences of our actions. It challenged my thinking and my emotions. The trip was more then great sights, food, and lodging. It was inspirational!
— Review left October 5, 2024
Cynthia – Class of 2018 | Bridgeville, PA
Great sampling of three amazing parks, all with their own unique qualities. Great staff and programs. I'll be back!
— Review left September 18, 2024
james | Oviedo, FL
Loved the program and endorse without exception Road Scholar.
— Review left September 15, 2024
Judy – Class of 2024 | Maitland, FL
This is a wonderful educational event along with hiking through the glorious parks. I highly recommend this program.
— Review left September 9, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Susan – Class of 2018 | Medford, OR
Great trip and a great chance to visit three national parks in a span of four or five days. The staff, including instructor Chris Cameron and group leaders Rosemay Cameron and Debbie Sebastian, were helpful and very knowledgeable about the region. Jim is a very experienced and capable driver, which is important when traveling on mountain roads like the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. I can't say enough about this trip. It is great value for the money.
— Review left September 1, 2024
Betty – Class of 2023 | Auburn, AL
Wonderful hikes through some of the most beautiful country I've ever seen. Friendly people made this solo traveler feel welcome.
— Review left October 15, 2023
Robert – Class of 2006 | Bel Air, MD
This trip was a Bucket List Item for me, especially the Sequoia National Park portion. I have always wanted to see the General Sherman and General Grant giant sequoias. They were magnificent as were the thousands of giants throughout the park. I have been to Yosemite before, but this tour was absolutely fantastic. The scenery from Tunnel view and the other overlooks were breathtaking. I had only been on the floor of the valley before at the Yosemite Village area. We couldn't get into the King's Canyon area because the road into the canyon has been washed out. Tours through the other two parks made up for it. The two lodge locations we stayed at, ECCO and Hume Lake were exceptionally nice despite not having Wi-Fi or cell phone coverage in the rooms. That was generally available at the main lodges or frequently during the bus trips throughout the parks. The staffs at both locations were exceptional as was the food they provided. I am a single traveler and if you are too, you know it's nice to have someone to share your experiences with. I traveled with about 20 other Road Scholars on this trip. It was my great pleasure to share this trip and my experiences with those fellow travelers. They were all wonderful people. Our two tour guides (Debbie-tour leader and Scott-tour instructor) were extraordinary. I would love to join them on another adventure. They were constantly bombarded with questions and never failed to have the answers. Scott's evening presentation on rattlesnakes (he is a well-known herpetologist) was an excellent lead up to my upcoming adventure in Big Bend National Park in TX. He told me there are 5 types of rattlers endemic in the park. Maybe I should cancel the upcoming trip (LoL). I highly recommend this RS tour to everyone I talk to and hope to get my daughter and her family on this tour in the future. Take the RS tour to the Sierra Nevada parks. You will love it, mountain and Yosemite waterfall views, giant trees. Breathtaking.
— Review left October 14, 2023
Jonathan | Christchurch, New Zealand
I felt I had the best possible experience of the Sierra Nevada parks I could have had in the time available and at the price paid.
— Review left October 13, 2023
Martha – Class of 2014 | Skippack, PA
It was a wonderful program, just too short. Can't wait to go back.
— Review left October 23, 2022
Heather – Class of 2022 | Oklahoma City, OK
My first Road Scholar trip was a lot of fun! Enjoyed our botanical saunders with a naturalist, the food at ECCO, the accommodations, other travelers and our guide and, of course, Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Nice being dropped at the entrance to each and picked up later, too!
— Review left October 16, 2022
Judy – Class of 2003 | Laguna Woods, CA
This is a wonderful program in an amazing place. BUT, there is way too much time spent on the bus! Three parks is too many for one trip when they are so far apart.
— Review left October 14, 2022
Peter – Class of 2022 | Vero Beach, FL
I had been looking at your website for some time, till I finally decided to book a trip. It was my first and it wont be my last... Grand Canyon, I will see you soon, God willing.
— Review left September 5, 2022
John – Class of 2021 | Tampa, FL
Great program. Wear comfortable and sturdy walking/climbing shoes. Be prepared to walk up to 5 miles per day. Always carry water with you.
— Review left September 27, 2021
Cynthia – Class of 2018 | Newbury, OH
Very interesting program! Prepare for lots of bus time as the parks are not close together. The group leaders are so knowledgable about the parks! The walks were doable for even our most senior folks but if you chose to pass on an activity, there are other things to do. Saw a lot, learned a lot.
— Review left September 20, 2021
Barbara – Class of 2019 | Addison, IL
abosolutleley wonderfu.
— Review left January 3, 2020





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