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California

The Best of Yosemite National Park: An American Icon

Program No. 19237RJ
Discover the wonders of Yosemite National Park alongside naturalists as you learn about and explore Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Mariposa Grove and many other iconic treasures.

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Protecting the Environment

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6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 4L 3D
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At a Glance

On an unforgettable adventure in Yosemite National Park, learn on-site about monumental natural wonders like Yosemite Falls, Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley. Expert naturalists address the geologic saga of the park as well as its interwoven natural and human histories. As Half Dome and El Capitan loom overhead, explore the Native American history of the Ahwahneechee, and learn the intricacies of rock climbing, a popular park activity. Stay at lodgings inside the park on this fantastic adventure!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1.5 miles over varied terrain including paved and dirt paths. Standing up to 45 minutes at a time. Elevations range from 4,000-8,000 feet.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Experience the impressive granite formations of Half Dome and El Capitan, a favorite for rock climbers.
  • Discover Yosemite’s cultural and natural history with a local naturalist on trails in Yosemite Valley and Wawona.
  • Explore Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to stand in awe of hundreds of these impressive trees, and explore the Ahwahnee Hotel with a local expert.

General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less. If not specified as a small group date, departures will have up to 35 participants.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Jackie Mlekoday
Jackie Mlekoday grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota and later lived and worked in downtown Minneapolis. After taking several trips to San Diego and falling in love with the city, she and her husband moved there in 2000. They currently live in Mission Valley. Jackie has been a nurse for more than three decades with leadership positions in emergency and critical care. She currently volunteers as a member of the Rose Corp in Balboa Park. Her interests include hiking, golfing, and travel.

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

Profile Image of Jackie Mlekoday
Jackie Mlekoday View biography
Jackie Mlekoday grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota and later lived and worked in downtown Minneapolis. After taking several trips to San Diego and falling in love with the city, she and her husband moved there in 2000. They currently live in Mission Valley. Jackie has been a nurse for more than three decades with leadership positions in emergency and critical care. She currently volunteers as a member of the Rose Corp in Balboa Park. Her interests include hiking, golfing, and travel.
Profile Image of Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson View biography
Mary Jackson recently retired from teaching English at a Northern California high school. During a 34-year career, she taught honors English and multicultural literature, chaired the English department, and served as a mentor teacher. During the summers, Mary and her husband, Drew, took high school students on international trips that took them throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Over 60 Road Scholar programs later, they stay busy with both intergenerational and adult programs in Northern California, from hiking Yosemite to exploring the coastal village of Mendocino.
Profile Image of Dawn Spare
Dawn Spare View biography
Dawn Spare is an avid traveler with a deep love of nature, history, and culture who enjoys both the city and country life. She earned her BFA magna cum laude from the University of California, Irvine, and attended graduate school at Temple and the University of Wisconsin. She lives on California’s Central Coast underneath pine trees at the beach, where she walks in nature daily. She belongs to a book club and has sung for over 20 years with the award-winning Vocal Arts Ensemble.
Profile Image of Barrie Simpson
Barrie Simpson View biography
After a long career in the technology, pharmaceutical, and hospitality industries, Barrie Simpson became a Road Scholar group leader. She was raised in New England; following high school, she made her way to Oregon, where she planted trees all over the West before going on to earn a degree in environmental engineering. Currently living in San Francisco, she is a historical group leader for SF City Guides, a waterbird docent on Alcatraz, and a long time member leader of the American Society of Quality (ASQ).
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