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Two women laughing on a hiking adventure in Yosemite National Park, California, with scenic views of mountains and glacial valleys in the background.
California

Hiking Yosemite Up Close and Personal for Women

Program No. 25128RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Oakhurst, CA
Program Concludes
Oakhurst, CA
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15 ( 5B, 5L, 5D )
Activity Level
From
2,149
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Yosemite National Park on this women-only hiking adventure. With local experts, explore glacially carved valleys, granite monoliths, rushing waterfalls and serene meadows in small groups divided by desired difficulty. Marvel at ancient trees in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and discover Yosemite’s cliffs, domes and waterfalls. Follow your curiosity with a full day in Yosemite Valley. Begin and end your days at a tranquil retreat center, where nature walks and peaceful surroundings complement your learning adventure. Through expert-led hikes and engaging discussions, deepen your understanding of Yosemite’s geology, ecology and cultural history while connecting with like-minded women who share your passion for the outdoors.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Hike with other female nature lovers through the ancient Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and stand in awe of trees that have witnessed centuries of history.
  • Trek the iconic Mist Trail to Vernal Falls, one of Yosemite’s few year-round flowing waterfalls.
  • Learn from local experts as you uncover Yosemite’s geology, ecology and fascinating cultural history, connecting with the park’s rich past and vibrant present.
General Notes
This program is intended exclusively for women and led by a female Group Leader. Those interested in a program for all participants may enjoy "Hiking Yosemite Up Close and Personal" (#13977). 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.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Learn About Activity Levels
Each day, choose from either a moderate or challenging hike based on your desired destination and length of hike. Moderate: Hiking up to 6 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain per day over rocky, uneven terrain. Challenging: Hiking up to 9 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain per day over rocky, uneven terrain. Program will require approximately 21-26 miles of hiking over 5 days. Elevations of 3,100-8,100 feet. Field trips to Yosemite Valley on 3 days include driving 45 miles each way; approximately 3 hours total round trip. Due to pacing and activities, this program is not suitable for wheelchairs, scooters, or canes. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
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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