Skip to Main Content
The snow-covered peak of Half Dome in Yosemite, California, is set against a clear blue sky with the moon visible.
California

The Beauty of Yosemite and the Joy of Watercolor

Program No. 2317RJ
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 7 Reviews
SHOWING
Janice – Class of 2021 | Athens, GA
This is a wonderful trip that combines the adventure of painting on site out of doors with seeing the beauties of one of our most magnificent national parks, Yosemite. Judy our teacher was really excellent at explaining techniques and leading us through demos including on site. The accommodations at the ECCO lodge are very nice though wi fi and cellphone coverage is quite poor. But we are out in nature close to the park. I also enjoyed the evening lectures, demos including having the local animal rescue lady come with her dog, snake, owl, hawk, and lynx!! The actor who impersonated John Muir was really impressive!!! Perhaps a geology lecture would have been good too. Another aspect I enjoyed was the inclusion of two other Road Scholar groups -- hiking; photography--that we could interact with at meals and evening programs. It was so much fun hearing what they did each day. I highly recommend this program.
— Review left November 24, 2025
This participant did not give a star rating.
Ingrid – Class of 2024 | Schaumburg, IL
The Beauty of Yosemite was astounding and really awe inspiring. The bus trips, accommodation and food provided at ECCO were very good. The driver Marsha was able to explain the regions flora and fauna, history of wild fires very well and answered all participants questions. Wish we could have had the Sequoia Grove included. Amber was delightful and along with Sadie solved all issues and pulled everything together nicely on behalf of ECCO and Road Scholar. The watercolor painting part was not aligned with my expectations. I was looking to understand the basic techniques of wet on wet , dry on wet, layering. strokes etc but was disappointed. It was more of an ink style but no 'how to' accent with ink. The teacher could be more respectful of some participants. Overall the watercolor part should be advertised more clearly, for future participants.
— Review left May 17, 2025
Diane – Class of 2024 | Sherwood Park, Canada
If you are interested in learning or expanding watercolor or outdoor painting skills, definitely go. There were very experienced artists on this who said they learned and enjoyed the opportunity to paint outdoors and see Yosemite. For a beginner like me, I learned much and enjoyed all of the lessons. The evening talks were entertaining. I went alone, which was a first for me and made fun and interesting friends. I felt like I had enough alone time and social interaction. Yosemite is awe inspiring. The leader Sadie is as good at this work as anyone I’ve ever met. The instructor Judie is a well respected artist, kind soul and fantastic teacher. One warning- it can be both searing sun and biting cold so bring clothing, hats, gloves as recommended. Also one review said the food and accommodations were “sublime”. I think i agree more with the reviews that warned they are spartan at best. I don’t know what all shared accommodations were like but you may want to inquire before assuming levels of space and privacy. There was no door between beds and sink area of bathroom. Only a door to a tiny toilet and bathtub/shower. The accommodations are a 75min winding drive from Yosemite. This can make people car sick if prone to it so bring meds if that is you. Sadie kindly arranged for front seats on the bus for those prone to this too. Also when I went, the Mariposa sequoia grove, which are the largest living things on earth, was not part of the trip. They are spectacular and almost burned down a few years ago from arson. I think they are a must see. Without your own car it was not feasible to see even on the free day. It is right next to the park entrance (maybe 20 min from the accommodations) so it is very convenient but only if you can arrange something with someone who drives
— Review left November 4, 2024
Earleen – Class of 2024 | Wake Forest, NC
You'll never be sorry for challenging yourself to go on a Road Scholar program trip! If you pick one that matches your walking activity level you'll be so glad. The levels of activities and experiences described are truly accurate. Road Scholar truly chooses the very best in accommodations, instructors and group leaders
— Review left October 26, 2024
Rebecca – Class of 2023 | Tustin, CA
This was my first Road Scholar trip and I was very impressed! I’ve already recommended Risd Scholar to several friends and I’m looking forward to next opportunity to travel with Road Scholar.
— Review left May 13, 2024
Reka – Class of 2018 | Creston, CA
The beauty of Yosemite and the joy of watercolor perfectly describes this program, which comprises five days of just that. The lodging and food are sublime, the park fills the senses with stunning beauty, and playing with paint is even more fun with like-minded compatriots.
— Review left May 19, 2019
Linda – Class of 2013 | Federal Way, WA
Would encouraged any beginners who are interested to give it a try. This program had people with a variety of skills, and was very supportive for us newbies. Also the scenery at Yosemite is spectacular!
— Review left May 19, 2019