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California

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

Program No. 20197RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Oakhurst, CA
Program Concludes
Oakhurst, CA
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14 ( 5B, 4L, 5D )
Activity Level
From
1,999
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.
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.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Sadie Beling was born and raised on the western slope of the majestic Sierra Nevadas, where her love for the mountains began. She enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, and off-roading. As the Road Scholar Programs Coordinator at ECCO, Sadie is especially delighted when she can step away from her desk and into the field, serving as a group leader or hike sweep in Yosemite and sharing her passion for the natural world with others.
Chris Cameron is a naturalist, consultant, and educator. A student of science with a degree in theology, he has been a pastor, a naturalist, and consultant to the California Department of Education. He loves teaching the UC/California Naturalist program and speaking for Road Scholar. He retired as the Executive Director of Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria in 2018, after 17 years rebuilding the facility and programs and bringing it back to capacity. A birder and a master falconer, Chris encourages hands-on experiences integrating multiple perspectives.
Rosemay Cameron fell in love with the “Crown Jewel of California,” Yosemite, during her first visit in 1974. That trip sparked a lifelong passion for the mountains. She has conquered landmarks like Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, and completed the challenging 21-mile Valley Floor hike. She now assists in leading Road Scholar trips to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. A graduate of Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA, she balanced a career as a CFO with raising three boys with her husband.
Scott Shupe began his naturalist career at the Ross Allen Reptile Institute and Venom Laboratory in Silver Springs, FL where he worked extensively with venomous snakes both as a venom extractor & curator. He has since had experience with conducting educational shows and husbandry for alligators and birds of prey. He is the founder of the Natural History Educational Company, sharing his naturalist talents on several television programs and having published eight books to date.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Hikes anywhere from 2 to 6 miles a day. Elevations up to 8,100 feet.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
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
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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.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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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.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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