Beyond Yosemite Valley: 5 Places to Explore in Yosemite National Park
There’s a reason Yosemite Valley gets all the attention. Half Dome rises above the trees. El Capitan towers overhead. Waterfalls pour from granite cliffs. It’s spectacular, and for many visitors, the Valley is their first introduction to Yosemite. But it’s only the beginning. Beyond the iconic Valley views is a much bigger Yosemite, filled with […]
How Hard Is Half Dome in a Day, Actually?
Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most iconic hikes, and for good reason. The massive granite summit, the famous cables, and the views from the top make it a bucket-list adventure for hikers from around the world. But there’s a reason the hike has a reputation for being tough. A Half Dome day hike combines […]
10 Things To Know Before Your First Backpacking Trip
Your first backpacking trip comes with a lot of questions. How much is my pack going to weigh? What if it rains? What if I can’t keep up? What am I supposed to eat? What if I don’t know how to set up my tent? And, perhaps most importantly, what have I gotten myself into? […]
Seven Hikes You Have to Do When Visiting Yosemite
Yosemite is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the country, and while there are plenty of incredible viewpoints you can reach by car, the best way to experience the park is on foot with these seven hikes. From towering waterfalls and alpine lakes to giant sequoias and granite summits, Yosemite’s trails offer […]
What to Hike if You Don’t Get Half Dome Permits
Missing out on Half Dome permits can feel like a gut punch. It’s one of the most iconic hikes in Yosemite National Park, and for many, it’s the centerpiece of a trip. But here’s the good news: Half Dome isn’t the only hike in Yosemite that delivers jaw-dropping views, big mileage, and that earned it […]
Planning a Yosemite Hiking Trip: 5 Must-Know Tips for 2026
Planning a hiking trip to Yosemite isn’t just about picking a trail and showing up; it’s about preparation, timing, and knowing how to experience one of the most iconic national parks in the world the right way. Whether you’re heading out for a day hike or a multi-day backcountry adventure, here are five essential things […]
Admin Spotlight: Meet Scott, Founder and Executive Director
If you’ve ever reached out to Lasting Adventures, there’s a good chance you’ve already connected with Scott Gehrman, whether you realized it or not. As the Founder and Executive Director, Scott has worn just about every hat in the company over the past three decades, helping shape Lasting Adventures from a small community program into […]
All About Animals in Joshua Tree: Wildlife to Watch For
When people think about visiting Joshua Tree National Park, they often imagine surreal rock formations, iconic Joshua trees, and wide desert skies. But beneath the desert silence is a surprisingly rich ecosystem filled with animals uniquely adapted to survive in harsh conditions. From stealthy desert predators to tiny rodents that never drink water, Joshua Tree’s […]
A Day in the Life of Our Summer Camp Backpacking Trips
What mornings, miles, and moments really look like on one of our Summer Camp backpacking trips. One of the most common questions we hear from families is simple and fair:“What does a typical day actually look like at camp?” While no two days in the backcountry are exactly the same, there’s a comforting rhythm to […]
10 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
Mileage, elevation gain, trail type, and why each hike belongs on your desert bucket list Joshua Tree National Park is a landscape where rugged granite boulders meet wide-open desert skies. From short scenic loops to challenging summit climbs, the park offers unforgettable hikes for every experience level. Below are the ten best hikes in Joshua […]
Admin Spotlight: Meet Will, Operations Director
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep Lasting Adventures running smoothly before, during, and after a single boot hits the trail, look no further than William Heaps—the behind-the-scenes force who turns big ideas into functional realities. As Operations Director, Will is the one making sure the gears turn quietly and effectively, so guests […]
Top 5 Backpacking Summer Camps for Teens
Adventure, growth, and wilderness memories that last a lifetime Summer is a golden gateway for teens to stretch their legs, broaden their horizons, and build confidence under open skies. Backpacking camps do more than hike miles — they foster leadership, teamwork, friendship, resilience, and a deep connection with nature’s best classrooms. Here are the top […]
All About Animals in Olympic National Park: Wildlife to Watch For
Olympic National Park is one of the most ecologically diverse places in the United States — from coastal tidepools to moss-draped rainforests to high alpine ridges. That diversity creates a haven for wildlife, offering visitors a chance to see animals found almost nowhere else in the country. Whether you’re joining a Lasting Adventures guided backpacking […]
Outdoor Education: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our world is filled with classrooms — from indoor desks to computer screens. But some of the most impactful lessons don’t happen under fluorescent lights. They happen under open skies, among towering trees, beside rushing rivers, or on the trail beneath granite peaks. That’s why outdoor education — learning in real natural environments — matters […]
Eco-Friendly Travel: How to Minimize Impact on National Parks
America’s national parks are some of our greatest treasures—places where ancient granite walls meet endless skies, where wildlife still roams freely, and where countless visitors find awe, perspective, and peace. But they’re also fragile. And during the recent government shutdown, we witnessed exactly how vulnerable these landscapes are: overflowing trash bins, damaged facilities, cut-down trees, […]