Compare The Beauty of Yosemite and the Joy of Watercolor by Road Scholar vs Hiking in Yosemite National Park by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 6 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 1,029 | $ 1,796 |
| Price Per Day | $ 172 | $ 359 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A | N/A |
| Meals Included |
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| Description | Find your inspiration in the idyllic setting of Yosemite, where you’ll learn about watercolor techniques, practice plein air painting and enjoy daily lessons from expert instructors. |
Follow your feet on this 5-day walking tour that shows off the very best of Yosemite National Park. From giant sequoia trees, to the stunning Cathedral Lakes, to the massive Half Dome rock and thunderous waterfalls of the appropriately named Mist Trail, this hiking trip covers a lot of ground in a short time. Best of all, you get to experience Yosemite with a bit of comfort, thanks to transportation to and from the trailheads and accommodation in a cosy mountain lodge. But this trip is more than just pretty sights – you’ll also learn about the area’s Native American heritage and pioneer past, and about the important work being done to preserve and protect the region. |
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Oakhurst D Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
Activity note: Lodge check-in from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Afternoon: Program Registration, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in Lyles Dining Hall to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. We'll enjoy our get-acquainted social hour that includes drinks and appetizers.
Dinner: At Lyles Dining Hall, we will enjoy a buffet of rotating entrees, sides, salads, vegetables, and desserts. Coffee, tea, water, juice included.
Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Field trips off site will be by shuttle. Field trips to and from Yosemite are around 35 miles each way on country roads. Classes will be held in Lower Lyles West or the chapel, a short walk from Lyles. Please note this is not an active outdoor program: however this and the field tip on Day 5 may include walks/hikes of varying lengths to enhance and illustrate the subjects being taught. If mobility is an issue, please contact the coordinator for further information. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will then enjoy a short, award-winning video from the National Park Service about Yosemite National Park. The balance of the evening is left free to relax after our day's journey.
Day
2
First Water Coloring Class
Oakhurst B,L,D Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
Activity note: Minimal walking around campus.
Breakfast: At Lyles Dining Hall, we will enjoy a buffet of rotating breakfast items like eggs, hot/cold cereals, fruit, toast or muffins, yogurt, and granola. Coffee, tea, water, juice included.
Morning: After breakfast, we will enjoy our first water coloring class with our instructor, getting acquainted with our equipment and subjects.
Lunch: At Lyles Dining Hall, we will enjoy a buffet meal that may include a sandwich bar or a hot entrée. Other offerings include a homemade soup of the day and salad bar, along with a dessert. Coffee, tea, water, juice included.
Afternoon: Our class continues, as we paint to our heart's content under the guidance of our expert instructor.
Dinner: Dining hall buffet.
Evening: We will enjoy an evening presentation from a local expert, which could range from a live animal presentation, living history performance, musical or artistic guests, or lectures on human and cultural history of the area.
Day
3
Yosemite National Park, Lesson in the Park
Oakhurst B,L,D Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
Activity note: Getting on/off shuttle. Approximately 60 miles, 3 hours of riding today on country roads. Walking approximately 1 mile.
Breakfast: Dining hall buffet.
Morning: After packing lunch, we will board the shuttle for Yosemite Valley, departing by 8:00 a.m. We will first stop Tunnel View, with that famous first glimpse of Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, and Cathedral Rocks. As we view the woodlands through the conifer forest, we’ll drop down into the glacially-carved valley of Yosemite to visit Sentinel Bridge and Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Lunch: In Yosemite Valley, we will enjoy a sack lunch we packed this morning, consisting of sandwiches, chips, fruit, and other snacks. Water included.
Afternoon: We will enjoy a painting lesson in the park with the help of our instructor. The shuttle departs for ECCO by 3:00 p.m.
Dinner: Dining hall buffet.
Evening: We will enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.
Day
4
Yosemite National Park, Free Time
Oakhurst B,L,D Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
Activity note: Getting on/off shuttle. Approximately 60 miles, 3 hours of riding today on country roads. Walking approximately 1 mile.
Breakfast: Dining hall buffet.
Morning: After packing lunch, we will board the shuttle for Yosemite Valley, departing by 8:00 a.m. Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. For those who wish, bring your painting supplies and enjoy the opportunity to capture Yosemite's beauty in watercolors.
Lunch: Yosemite sack lunch.
Afternoon: More free time in the park. Feel free to keep painting or visit Yosemite Valley. The shuttle will depart for ECCO by 3:00 p.m.
Dinner: Dining hall buffet.
Evening: We will enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.
Day
5
More Painting in Yosemite
Oakhurst B,L,D Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
Activity note: Getting on/off shuttle. Approximately 60 miles, 3 hours of riding today on country roads. Walking approximately 1 mile.
Breakfast: Dining hall buffet.
Morning: After packing lunch, we will board the shuttle for our third day of exploration in Yosemite, with departure at 8:00 a.m. We’ll enjoy the varying landscapes and historic structures as subjects for our painting.
Lunch: Yosemite sack lunch.
Afternoon: We will resume our exploration of Yosemite. Our shuttle will depart no later than 3:30 p.m.
Dinner: Dining hall buffet.
Evening: We will enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Oakhurst B,L
Activity note: Lodge check-out by 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Dining hall buffet.
Morning: We will enjoy our last class of the week.
Lunch: Dining hall buffet. This concludes our program.
Afternoon: If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Day 1 San Francisco to Yosemite National Park
Welcome to California! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am this morning in San Francisco. It’s recommended you arrive early, as after the meeting we'll head oft for the famous Yosemite National Park, with a lunch stop along the way at the historic Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in California, dating back to the mid-1800s. Be sure to check out the saloon’s old photos of the Hetch Hetchy valley and collection of antique gold mining tools. Look around closely and you might even spot a few stray bullet holes in the walls. After lunch, enjoy your first walk today – an easy, downhill hike – at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The grove is home to, no surprise, a couple dozen mature giant sequoia trees, including one that’s been carved into a tunnel you can walk right through. Of course, what goes down must come back up, but your return upward climb will be rewarded once you arrive at your accommodation. While many visitors to Yosemite stay in campsites, you’ll get to unwind at a charming mountain lodge within a short drive to the park entrance. Settle into your home for the next few days and soak up the rustic atmosphere.
Day 2 Yosemite National Park – Cathedral Lakes
It’s an early start today to the trailhead for the famous Cathedral Lakes, approximately 2 hours away by vehicle. It’s all worth it though, as this hike reveals some of the most impressive views in the High Sierra. Soak up the jaw-dropping, high-altitude scenery of the Lower and/or Upper Cathedral lakes that are worth every step of your 3- to 5-hour hike. If you’re concerned about difficulty and altitude levels, don’t worry – you’ll be given a choice of different routes, depending on the group’s comfort and abilities.
Day 3 Yosemite National Park – Mist Trail
Today’s drive to the start of the trail is shorter (approximately 1 hour), but the hike is no less incredible. The Mist Trail is Yosemite's signature hike, for good reason. While many of the park’s hikes leave the best views for the end, this trail is scattered with fabulous views along the whole route, including a few waterfalls (be sure to pack your rain gear as the falls are close to the trail and you will get sprayed). You’ll also get to see Yosemite’s iconic Half Dome rock formation. It was once believed that the Half Dome was completely inaccessible to climbers, until George Anderson reached the summit in 1875. Over a century later, famed climber Alex Honnold, star of the 2017 documentary Free Solo, would hold the record for the fastest ascent of the Half Dome’s Regular Northwest Face route – the first Grade IV climb in the USA. In the evening, rest up back at the lodge.
Day 4 Yosemite National Park
Today is slightly different, with a free morning for you to enjoy your way. You can take a shuttle to Yosemite Valley for more hiking on your own, or perhaps to visit local museums, rent a bike or anything else that interests you. Or, you may want to sign up for white water rafting (additional cost). Your tour leader will be able to help you with arrangements. In the afternoon, your group will rendezvous for an included walk with an expert guide from Yosemite Conservancy. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the important work the group does for the Native American community and preserving their culture within the park. As you walk from the historic Ahwahnee Hotel through the meadows of Yosemite Valley and past the ruins of an old pioneer village, you’ll hear Native American stories and history, and learn about Yosemite’s role in the country’s conservationist movement. Your guided walk will end at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, where your leader will be waiting to transport you back to the lodge for your final night.
Day 5 Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to San Francisco
For your last day, enjoy a short hike on the shores of the beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Not only is this area stunning to see, but it’s also an important historic site for conservationists – controversy surrounding the construction of the Hetch Hetchy Dam helped lead to the creation of the US National Park Service in 1916. You’ll then drive back to San Francisco, aiming to arrive around 5 pm to 6 pm, at which point your Yosemite adventure ends and you are free to begin your trip home at your leisure. If you require an additional night’s accommodation in San Francisco, we can arrange that for you.
