Yosemite Reservation System: What to Know & How to Avoid Hassles
Big changes are coming to how visitors access Yosemite National Park. The National Park Service has just announced a new reservation system for select dates in 2025, and if you’re planning a visit, it’s essential to be prepared. If you show up during those hours without a reservation, you’ll be turned away—unless you meet one […]
Meet the Guide: Eli Flaim
We’re thrilled to introduce Eli Flaim, one of the newest additions to the Lasting Adventures team! Originally from Kirksville, Missouri, Eli’s journey into the world of backpacking started with a university wilderness program, and he’s been chasing mountain trails, rock faces, and adventure ever since. This summer, he’s bringing his passion, creativity, and serious hacky […]
Meet the Guide: Sarah Alley
We’re excited to introduce Sarah Alley, one of the incredible guides on our Lasting Adventures team. Growing up among California’s forests and mountains, Sarah developed a deep connection to the outdoors early on. Today, she brings that passion — along with a sense of humor and a spirit of adventure — to every trip she […]
Best Adventure Camps in the West
When it comes to unforgettable summer experiences, few things compare to adventure camps in the West. Out West, where towering mountains, ancient forests, and rugged coastlines create the perfect natural playground, the best camps offer more than just outdoor fun — they build confidence, resilience, and lifelong memories. At Lasting Adventures, we specialize in exactly […]
Finding Campsites in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is a place like no other, and with the rise of social media, everyone now knows it. It’s a place of significance to the indigenous peoples of California, as well as to the history of the United States of America. With unique geological features and a rich history of outdoor recreation, it’s […]
Backpacking Tips for Women: Gear, Grit & Getting Out There
Let’s face it: Men have long dominated the outdoor scene. But there’s actually one sport that has a pretty level playing field: backpacking. Although men will traditionally be stronger, women’s bodies are actually built for backpacking. Those child-bearing hips? Perfect for carrying the weight of a pack all day. The ability to withstand pain and […]
Embracing Diversity in the Outdoors
When you think of the great outdoors, what comes to mind? We often imagine long, invigorating adventures and explorations through majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests. But something specific is often missing from this picture – human diversity. Outdoor spaces are not just for a select few; they belong to everyone. Embracing diversity in […]
Olympic National Park Youth Trips
The time of year is fast approaching when parents in Portland and Seattle search for the perfect summer camp experience for their kids. But why settle for an ordinary camp when your child could embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Olympic National Park youth trips offer an unforgettable journey into one of the world’s […]
Five of the Most Famous Thru-Hikes in the United States
A thru-hike is a long-distance hike that involves walking the entire length of a trail or route, typically from one end to the other. Thru-hikers can cover hundreds or thousands of miles in several weeks or months, carrying all necessary gear and supplies. You can take these journeys all at once (thru-hiking), broken up over […]
Lodging Options in Yosemite National Park
Visiting Yosemite National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (although, for some people, it’s more like once every year!), and lodging options can make or break your trip. While there aren’t a ton of options actually inside the park itself, it’s good to know what is in the valley and what lodging options are outside of […]
What to do in Yosemite With a Family
Yosemite is one of the most beautiful and most visited national parks in the United States. From the tallest waterfalls in the U.S. to towering granite structures, there’s something to see for all ages. Maybe you visited many years ago or never have before, but you’ve booked the plane tickets, rented the car, and now […]
Half Dome Hike: Everything You Need to Know
Exhilarating, exhausting, and absolutely unforgettable. The Half Dome hike is a must-do for serious hikers, a challenge that combines stunning scenery, physical grit, and a sense of triumph. This iconic granite formation has drawn adventurers from across the globe to ascend its steel cables and stand atop its monumental summit. Once deemed “perfectly inaccessible” by […]
Yosemite in Winter – Experience the Magic!
You’ve experienced Yosemite in the spring with its gushing waterfalls, the summer with phenomenal weather and disappearing mosquitoes, and the fall with its kaleidoscope of changing leaves. But have you ever considered visiting Yosemite in the winter? Winter in Yosemite is a truly magical experience, like stepping into a snow globe. While some roads and […]
John Muir Trail Thru-Hike Alternatives
Since I started working at Lasting Adventures in 2015, backpacking as a hobby has steadily increased in popularity. Many new backpackers find themselves itching to thru-hike the trails they see in movies like “Mile… Mile & A Half” (2013) and “Wild” (2014). With diverse landscapes, a mild climate, easily accessible trails, and a wide variety […]
Celebrating 15 Years of Adventure with Lasting Adventures Guide Service
As 2024 marks the 15th anniversary of Lasting Adventures guide service, we’re reflecting on our incredible journeys with adventurers of all ages through our national parks. From nine-year-olds to seventy-nine-year-olds, we’ve had the privilege of guiding a diverse range of guests on unforgettable trips across the wild beauty of Yosemite, Olympic, and beyond! We are […]