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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6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5B 4L 5D
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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.

What You'll Learn

  • Be part of history at Muir's 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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Chris Cameron
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.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Debbie Sebastian
Debbie Sebastian View biography
Debbie Sebastian has lived in Oakhurst, the southern gateway to Yosemite National Park, for 38 years. After retiring as a high school math and journalism teacher, she has continued to pursue her passion for writing, photography, hiking, grandmothering and volunteering. Backpacking trips with family and friends have crossed the Sierras to Devil’s Postpile and back. Day hikes have allowed her to access numerous Yosemite National Park and nearby destinations.
Profile Image of Chris Cameron
Chris Cameron View biography
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.
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
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.
Display
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
  • Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
  • Aug 25, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024
  • Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024
  • Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
  • Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024
  • Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
  • 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
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
Hume
Hume Lake 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.
3 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.
2 nights
Hume
Hume Lake 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.
3 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.
2 nights
Hume
Hume Lake 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.
3 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.
2 nights
Hume
Hume Lake 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.
3 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.
2 nights
Hume
Hume Lake 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.
3 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.
2 nights
Hume
Hume Lake 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.
3 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.
2 nights
Hume
Hume Lake 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.
3 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.
2 nights
Hume
Hume Lake 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.
3 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.
2 nights
Hume
Hume Lake 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.
3 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.
2 nights
Hume
Hume Lake 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.





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