Half Dome Equipment List
Guide-Approved Essential Equipment List for Half Dome After leading thousands of day hikers and backpackers to the Half Dome summit over the years, we have a pretty good idea of what equipment to pack to ensure a safe and memorable experience. Here’s our guide-approved Half Dome equipment list: Essential Half Dome Equipment A quality day […]
Top Ten Waterfalls in Yosemite You Have to See
Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world. With dramatic plunges, powerful cascades, and serene alpine settings, these waterfalls are more than just scenic—they’re unforgettable experiences. Whether visiting in peak flow season (typically spring) or catching misty rainbows in the summer, here are ten waterfalls you won’t want […]
Meet the Guide: Caroline Shipley
From the small town of Krum, Texas to the wide-open deserts of Joshua Tree, Caroline Shipley is chasing her dream—and helping others find theirs along the way. With three years of guiding under her belt and a heart full of curiosity, she’s bringing her love of the outdoors, food, and connection to her first season […]
Meet the Guide: Chloe Huggins
From Kentucky’s Red River Gorge to Yosemite’s Cloud’s Rest, Chloe Huggins has followed her curiosity, energy, and love for wild places into a career helping others discover the outdoors. Now in her fourth year of guiding and first with Lasting Adventures, Chloe brings a contagious enthusiasm and an impressive knowledge base, from geography and geology […]
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 […]
Half Dome FAQ
Half Dome FAQ: Answers to our clients’ most frequently asked Half Dome Questions Over the past 25 years, we’ve led thousands of clients to the summit of Half Dome. Here’s a list of Half Dome FAQ’s that come up on our adventures! Half Dome Hike FAQ When is the best time of year to summit […]
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 […]
Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campground: A Vital Component for Many Backpackers in Yosemite
UPDATE: Yosemite has announced that the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campground will be fully open in 2025! In April of 2025, Yosemite posted on its website that the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campground would be closed temporarily, with limited spaces available in an alternative location for 36 nightly backpackers. No other information or timeline was provided. Calls […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
REI ADVENTURES CANCELLATION SPECIAL
Press Release: West Coast Outfitter Offers 20% Savings to REI Adventures Cancellations Lasting Adventures, a premier backpacking and summer camp outfitter specializing in guided trips through some of the most iconic West Coast National Parks, is stepping up for adventurers whose plans were disrupted by REI Adventures. The nonprofit organization is offering 20% off their […]
Yosemite: Plants with a Purpose
Your first visit to Yosemite National Park will likely induce extreme neck pain. Standing in the valley, it’s impossible not to tilt your head backwards and rivet your gaze upwards. Even the view from Curry Village’s crowded parking lot is impressive. Where the sky should be, immense slabs of granite rise into an atmosphere of […]
Where to Stay in and Around Olympic National Park
Nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Olympic National Park offers a wide range of stunning natural landscapes. To fully experience the park’s wonders, you’ll need to find where to stay. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best accommodation options in and around Olympic National Park. Whether you prefer camping under the stars, […]