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California

Hiking Yosemite Up Close and Personal for Women

Program No. 25128RJ
Explore Yosemite on a women-only adventure! Discover glacial valleys, giant sequoias and learn about the park’s natural and cultural history at the pace you choose each day.
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
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.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Rooted between three of California's most beautiful national parks, it was destiny that Tim would grow to love Yosemite. After experiencing the summit of Mt. Whitney for the first time, he was inspired to pursue more moments spent 9,000 feet above the elevation of a desk job. Tim loves coffee, surfing California's rivers, listening for the silent wisdom of the Giant Sequoias and sharing gourds Yerba Mate among friends. Of all those things, Tim's greatest passion is skiing in the winter seasons down the Sierras.
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.
Rive Prater is local to and an outdoor enthusiast of the Sierra Nevada. She loves to go camping, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, whitewater rafting, and fishing. She has a B.A. in environmental science and management with emphasis on ecological restoration from California State Polytechnic University in Humboldt. She hopes to use her degree as a wastewater field technician in the future.
Kirsten Whitt has been leading trips in Yosemite for nearly a decade. She teaches Wilderness First Responder classes, is a member of Douglas Country Search and Rescue, is a Certified Interpretive Guide, has a B.A. in biology, and is a California Naturalist. She not only leads hiking trips but also backpacking, kayaking, snowshoeing, and backcountry split-board explorations. While continuing to work in the Sierra Nevada, she is also studying traditional Chinese medicine at Five Branches University.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Each day, choose from either a moderate or challenging hike based on your desired destination and length of hike. The moderate hikes range from 5-6 miles and the challenging hikes range from 6-9 miles on varied terrain. Elevations of 3,100–8,100 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
Enroll with Confidence
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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