Road Scholar Programs

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Seasons of Magic in Yosemite: Splendor in the Sierra Nevada

Experience the ever-changing beauty of Yosemite National Park and the expansive Sierra Nevada on an extraordinary adventure. Feel the mist of Bridalveil Falls. Delight in your first glimpse of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley from historic Tunnel View. Learn about 19th-century artist Albert Bierstadt and his panoramic oil paintings. Walk among towering sequoia trees. Led by an exceptional storyteller, hear the history of this legendary landscape and delve into its geology, wildlife and vegetation during two fascinating field trips into Yosemite National Park.

May 5 – 10, 2024 | May 12 – 17, 2024 | May 19 – 24, 2023 | May 26 – 31, 2024 | June 2 – 7, 2024 | September 1 – 6, 2024 | September 15 – 20, 2024 | October 6 – 11, 2024

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Seasons of Magic: Special Holiday Dates

11/24 – 29/2024

This special program date offers a wonderful “wine and dine” experience. Special meals include lunch at the elegant Ahwahnee Hotel, Dinner at the historic Wawona Hotel, and a large Thanksgiving buffet on Thanksgiving day. Join us at ECCO for a wonderfully relaxing Thanksgiving day. Enjoy our serene grounds, take a short hike, join us for social hour, choose from various activities, choose to do nothing at all, and, of course, eat until you can’t eat anymore!

12/27/2024 – 1/1/2025

Celebrate the New Year with style! Enjoy two field trips into Yosemite. Dine at the Ahwahnee hotel for lunch and the Wawona hotel for a dinner. On New Year`s Eve, dress up a little and dine with us at ECCO. The night includes appetizer and drinks at the social, a lovely banquet dinner, DJ, dancing, games, relaxing, and a toast. Happy New Year!

National Parks of the Sierra Nevada Yosemite, Kings Canyon & Sequoia

Breathe crystal-clear air in an in-depth exploration of all three of these iconic national parks. Enjoy field trips where you’ll experience the major attractions of King’s Canyon, Sequoia, and Yosemite national parks as you learn about animal life, astronomy, botany, geology, native plants, park issues, and the influence of famed naturalist John Muir.

August 25 – August 30, 2024 | September 8 – 13, 2024 | September 22 – 27, 2024 | September 29 – October 4, 2024 | October 13 – 18, 2024

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Hiking Yosemite: Up Close and Personal

Those who really want to know Yosemite must explore its wonders on foot. Follow in the footsteps of pioneers like John Muir, the father of Yosemite National Park, and Galen Clark, its Guardian, not to mention the Native Americans who first inhabited this enchanting land. Explore Yosemite’s unique glacially-carved valleys, granite monoliths, waterfalls and lush meadows and hear on-site lectures. If you’ve long yearned for a chance to see the treasures of Yosemite National Park away from the madding tourist crowd, this is it!

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Photograph Yosemite: Capturing Waterfalls, Cliffs and Domes

Capture on film the magnificence of Yosemite, loved by photographers since it was made famous by Ansel Adams. The Queen of our national parks will be the classroom for three full days of exploring the park and embracing nature through photography. Your leader, Nancy Robbins, is a professional photographer who specializes in this breathtaking region and will share his favorite places in the Park. Learn how to create the best exposure for the best print and prepare for your adventures in Yosemite Valley with short educational presentations. Your photo workshop comes full-circle with a visit to the Ansel Adams Gallery in the park.

April 28 – May 3, 2024 | October 20 – 25, 2024

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The Beauty of Yosemite and the Joy of Watercolor

Our delightful instructor teaches you how to render outdoor elements with ease, sharing secrets of color systems, brush-stroke techniques and water use. View nature from an artist’s perspective during three field trips to Yosemite National Park. Experience painting “in the wild,” learning to paint mountains, tree and waterfalls in the field. Join us in exploring new ways to be creative.

April 28 – May 3, 2024 | October 20 – 25, 2024

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Magical Yosemite With Your Grandchild: Trains, Gold & Robots

Sift through the silt in search of gold as local gold panning experts help you in your quest for fortune, followed by riding an authentic steam train. Explore Yosemite Valley from Bridalveil Fall to the Yosemite Museum’s Indian Cultural Exhibit & Yosemite Falls. Splash and swim with new friends after engineering and operating an underwater robot. Take a hike to the “top of the world” at Sentinel Dome to look down upon Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley. Enjoy a campfire & roast marshmallows with fellow participants.

June 16 – 20, 2024 | June 23 – 27, 2024 | July 7-11, 2024 | July 14-18, 2024

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Road Scholar Programs

Seasons of Magic in Yosemite: Splendor in the Sierra Nevada

Seasons of Magic: Special Holiday Dates

National Parks of the Sierra Nevada Yosemite, Kings Canyon & Sequoia

Hiking Yosemite: Up Close and Personal

Photograph Yosemite: Capturing Waterfalls, Cliffs and Domes

The Beauty of Yosemite and the Joy of Watercolor

Magical Yosemite With Your Grandchild: Trains, Gold & Robots

ECCO Conference Center

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