Since our inception in 1996, Lasting Adventures has been the leading overnight summer camps in Yosemite National Park, as well as the top-rated guide service in Yosemite. In 2020, after two seasons of research, planning, and piloting new trips, we expanded our model into Washington’s Olympic National Park, where we now offer both guided backpacking tours and summer camp programs with the same high-level of professionalism and attention to detail as our Yosemite programs. So, what separates us from other guide companies in these areas? Here’s the shortlist: We offer unmatched experience (25 years), an unrivaled reputation for professionalism and friendliness (#1 outdoor activity in Yosemite on TripAdvisor), a carefully groomed guide staff of only the most experienced, credentialed, and fun guides, competitive rates well below the industry-standard, a fully insured operation, complimentary name-brand gear upon request (Gregory backpacks, Big Agnes tents and sleeping bags, Thermarest pads, LEKI trekking poles, MSR & GSI eating gear), and of course, the satisfaction of knowing that any profit we gain from your participation goes towards our summer youth scholarship program.
Fully booked trips are likely to have more openings as the trip date nears. Here are the instructions for adding yourself to the waitlist. Once added, you will be notified if/when an opening becomes available.
Yes! Years ago, our program evolved from a youth program into both a youth/teen summer camp AND the leading guide service within Yosemite, and now also Lassen Volcanic and Olympic National Parks. In addition to still offering our youth summer backpacking program, we also offer guided day hikes and backpacking trips to the general public. Day hikes and multi-day tours are open to solo travelers, groups of friends, corporate groups, families, school/youth programs, and scout programs, and can be either private or involve a larger group!
Lasting Adventures is permitted to guide day hikes, backpacking trips, and our summer camp backpacking series within Yosemite, Lassen Volcanic, and Olympic National Parks. These can range from full-day outings to multiple-night stays in the backcountry. Our overnight backpacking trips offer outstanding views, achievements, wildlife sightings, and camp cuisine over the course of deep expeditions into the backcountry. Sorry, we are not permitted for guided driving tours.
While we make every effort to keep our guests comfortable and relaxed, they will be required to carry their own gear. Our traditional backpacking trips are done without the use of porters, stock, or other assistance. You will be expected to carry all of your own personal gear and a share of the group gear and food in a backpack for the duration of this trip. This weight will typically be between 30-50 pounds for adults and in no case more than ⅓ of your body weight.
To avoid the processing fees associated with registering online, you can complete the Registration Document and mail with a check to us with at least a 50% deposit for overnight trips and/or a 100% payment for day trips. It is advised that you email us a copy of the completed Registration Document before mailing. If paying a deposit, the balance is due 60 days before your trip starts. No checks can be accepted after the final due date has passed.
Unless other payment options are made, Lasting Adventures requires 50% payment to reserve your trip and the final 50% payment is due 60 days prior to your trip. Per our Terms and Conditions, we will charge the final 50% payment on the same card used during registration on or shortly after the 60-day mark. If you would like to pay using a different payment option, feel free to contact us.
Yes! We are open to plan a custom adventure hike and/or backpacking trip at whatever time period is convenient to you. Although we do have many tentative dates listed already on our website; most of our clients contact us directly to schedule dates that work best for them. We encourage you to do the same!
Lasting Adventures began as program of a larger nonprofit in 1996 with a goal of providing positive youth development in the outdoors. In 2008, Lasting Adventures applied and was approved to become its own section 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to foster environmental stewardship, teach responsible recreation, and provide opportunity for personal growth through the facilitation of impactful wilderness experiences. Lasting Adventures seeks to provide youth, families, and underserved communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces. To achieve that, we offer a robust scholarship program, and generally provide scholarships for more than 200 children and families in need each year. For more information on the Lasting Adventures nonprofit program, or to donate a scholarship, please visit our .ORG website.
Yes! Although we have limited positions and only accept highly qualified applicants, we are always accepting resumes and cover letters. Check out out our Employment Page for more information.
No, the reservation requirement has been lifted for 2023.
Throughout our history as a guide service, fires have not been a physical threat to our programs, primarily because we operate in higher elevations and alpine regions, which have thinner forests and lots of granite. Our greater threat would be from smoke produced from fires that we monitor on an ongoing basis. Click HERE to see more information on fire/smoke threats in Yosemite, our monitoring tools for all parks, and when we would cancel programs.
There are really many answers to this question that basically break down into the following categories:
Staff – Our Guides/Summer Camp Counselors are the key ingredient to success for Lasting Adventures. Although we all come from different backgrounds, we all share a passion for Adventures, National Parks, and sharing it with others in a way that will create memories to last a lifetime. We seek to hire staff with both wilderness experience and experience in working with youth. We have a rigorous and highly competitive hiring process which also includes a DOJ fingerprint background check. Additionally, we require that all of our Outdoor Educators hold a Wilderness First Responder certification as well as complete our own in house extensive, week long, staff training. This training includes positive youth development, risk management, outdoor skills/knowledge, and adventure-based programming.
Ratio – Our ratio of staff to youth never goes over 1:6 and is often times 1:4. Total group size never exceeds 12 people and often maxes out at 10 participants. Due to our small group size we are able to make group decisions based on the input from all the team members. Such decisions may include how far we travel on any given day, where we make camp, what and when we eat, etc. Unlike other camps that have over 300-500 campers a week, our program maximum (for the entire summer) is between 500-600. Thus, we get to know our participants well and run a highly effective program.
Safety – With any outdoor activity there is an inherit risk. Our staff is trained in ways to limit and respond to these risks. A basic requirement for all of our staff members is completion of a Wilderness First Responder (80-hour) certification. All leaders carry extensive first aid kits, a Satellite phone and/or text device, and have been trained in risk management, evacuation protocols, and crisis response. We are also fortunate to have the additional support from the National Park Service and local Search and Rescue to assist us if necessary. Lasting Adventures has invested in the quality of its risk management practices by participating in Risk Management Training offered by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), an organization with over 50 years of experience managing risk in wilderness environments. As a result of this training, while NOLS doesn’t endorse or certify our practices, Lasting Adventures is further enhancing its risk management strategy. We have invested time and resources in these practices because the health and well being of our participants is one of our highest priorities.
Knowledge – One of the biggest points that divides us from other guide services is that we have extensive backcountry experience within the few national parks where we operate. Unlike other youth adventure travel programs that lead trips all over the place, we have become experts in just these areas. Our leaders know the trails, weather patterns, terrain and what lies around almost every corner. We also have extensive knowledge on the locations of many secret locations (backcountry waterfalls, alpine meadows, amazing bluffs, and many awesome sunsets). We know the locations of all the ranger stations and High Sierra Camps should we need help. Additionally, we know the rangers on a first name basis, and they know us. Lasting Adventures guides more people into the Yosemite backcountry than any other single permit user, and we are en route to do the same in the new parks we are operating in. Frequently we are asked for assistance and/or knowledge from other organized programs also using the parks.
Price – Because we do not have an actual facility or camp, we are able to keep cost down and pass this savings on to you. Additionally, when compared to similar adventure programs, we strive to offer a better program at a lower cost.
Yes, we believe that EVERY child should be able to have this opportunity. See here for our Scholarship Application.
You know your child best! If your 13-year-old is athletic, in shape, plays sports regularly, and is a mature 13-year-old; then he/she is probably capable of doing well on our 6-day or 13-day High Country Adventure programs. If your 13-year-old is developing physically and emotionally, and has limited outdoor and/or sporting experience, then the Young Adventurer’s Program is likely the best fit.
Typically on every week of our programs we have at-least two to three groups. In forming these groups we always group with like ages whenever is possible.
Overall almost 35-40% of our participants come without other friends, yet this can vary from trip to trip. From day one our guides begin activities and games to bond all youth. This is also done in an ongoing fashion throughout the week. It is almost all too common for youth who come with friends to leave with new and better friendships with others. It’s just the nature of how we have run our programs for the past 25-years; to be all inclusive and fun for every attendee.
Our goal is not to have you spend extensively to prepare for this trip. Most items can be found around the house or borrowed. By request, Lasting Adventures provides use of backpacks, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads at no extra cost. (Just check off what you’d like to borrow on our gear request located on the required Medical Form.) Lasting Adventures also provides all group gear (cooking gear, water treatment, toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, bug repellant, suntan lotion, etc.). Click here for a detailed Equipment List. Please note you do not need to arrive early if you are borrowing gear.
Nope! Just show up on-time. We re-pack all participants at the meeting time, so it doesn’t matter if you’re bringing your own gear or borrowing ours.
Trips do not include transportation. For more information on transportation resources please visit: Yosemite Transportation, Olympic Transportation, and/or Lassen Volcanic Transportation.
Late arrivals (by 5pm) can be coordinated on most programs based on permitting. Please contact our office to inquire on specific dates.
We eat good food! Over the years we have experimented with many different backpacking foods and freeze dried foods. With the help of the many of the youth participants, we have been able to learn what is in and what must go. Breakfasts and dinners are prepared and eaten together. Lunches consist of trail food and fruits and veggies. Examples include: pita, bagels, salami, cheeses, hummus, fresh veggies, dried fruits, peanut butter, trail mix, energy bars, etc. Lunches are carried in a shared bear can or stuff sack that the participants’ can pull from as needed. Typical breakfasts might include breakfast burritos, oatmeal, eggs & breakfast meats, dried fruit, bagels, etc. Dinner examples include a variety of pastas (Mac & Cheese and others), burritos, stews, veggies, etc. Dinners, breakfasts, and other group food are also packed into bear cans that are carried by our group.
Nobody carries too much. The average pack weighs between 25lb – 45lb and never more than 1/3 of the participants body weight. When the participants are packing up, and when they first put on the pack, things can look and feel scary. But not to worry. As we settle in and begin our hike, we are constantly re-shuffling and re-packing the children until everything evens out and no one is carrying too much. Although we all may become tired and exhausted, we have never lost anyone due to a heavy backpack.
Yes, it is true. Dating back to the summer of 2000, Lasting Adventures Program Director, Scott Gehrman, did earn the reputation of sleeping with the bears when he awoke to a bear crawling over him. It was his fault however, as he chose to sleep next to the one bag of food that did not fit into a bear canister.
Every year we have multiple bear encounters, but as past participants can tell you, the bears are really not a problem. They are easily scared away. The black bears (actually brown, cinnamon blonde in color) come into campgrounds looking for food. They look into backpacks, around tents, and anywhere where they may smell it. As their natural fear of people fades, they become more aggressive in finding food. When this happens, they often have to be killed.
In order to stop this devastating cycle, the National Park service is investigating and trying a variety of methods to reduce bear-humans interactions. Their goal is to keep the bear population wild and to retrain conditioned bears to live on natural food, rather than human food. This is also why we practice “Leave No Trace” and why we have to carry bulky bear-proof canisters. These methods are working! Over the past ten years Lasting Adventures, Inc. has seen a marked decrease in the number of bear-human interactions. No longer can we guarantee a bear sighting on every trip; however, it still is very likely.
In addition to the bears, we encounter many other animals and critters ranging from deer, squirrels, marmots, birds, and even rattlesnakes and scorpions. We work with the participants to teach them how to respect the animals and critters and thus we do not encounter any problems with these animals. Yet, like the bears, many of these animals do come and visit us as they prowl around looking for food.
No. We do no technical climbing. Yet, at times, participants are able to scramble on rocks and boulders not exceeding 8-10 feet in height.
No. We sleep in the great outdoors! Although Lasting Adventures does own a collection of 3-4 person tents, we choose not to use these on our youth trips. We have found that the participants enjoy sleeping under the stars on a large tarp with their friends. Thus, we choose not to separate the participants from each other, or the great outdoors, and we all sleep under the stars. This concept itself adds to the overall experience, adventure, and offers many more opportunities for great memories. The one rule however is that boys and girls are separated (10-25 feet apart) and that the leaders are a short distance away and in between both groups.. When it rains, we make our own tents/shelters with extra tarps.
Unfortunately no, and NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. Because these groups backpack in remote wilderness locations there is mostly no cell service and communication is limited. However group leaders do use satellite technology to send required nightly “All-ok” check-ins that also sends their GPS location which we track as well. They can also send custom messages for all other emergencies or if they need support for any other issue. So we go by “No news is good news.” As always if there is any emergency or concern involving your child, you would be notified as soon as possible.
We will send a follow-up email with links to pictures within approximately 2-3 weeks after the end of the summer camp trips.
Gratuities for guides are not required but are appreciated. Typically gratuities range from 10-20% of your trip’s total cost; not per guide.
For 2022 all of our summer camps will run from Sundays to Fridays and specific meeting and ending locations are included on the specific program website page you select as well as the original confirmation email you receive.
Lasting Adventures offers a very forgiving and structured Cancellation Policy. For a full description visit our Terms and Conditions page.
Please use our online system to register which can be found on our Summer Camp page. Once confirmed additional forms will be emailed to you. If you would prefer to fill out paper copies and email or mail them in, please see our our Forms page.
Yes, please see here for our Past Participant Parent Reference List.
Anyone who is in-shape and physically fit can sign-up for any of our adventures. Whereas some trail selection can offer something very easy and/or moderate, others can be quite strenuous. When you contact us, we will work with you to suggest a trail that we feel will best suit both your ability level and your interest in scenery and accomplishments that you are looking to achieve. Participants signing up for a guided backpacking trip should be able to carry a 30-50lb backpack over moderate to strenuous terrain. If you are attending with children; our guides will make the necessary accommodations so that they will also have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Yes! We have introduced hundreds of people to the outdoor, wilderness, and backpacking experience. Its is very normal for more than 50% of our participants to be first-time backpackers. This is our specialty.
On most day hikes we plan for small group sizes of 4-5 people per guide. We top out at 10-12 people with two guides, but that is a rarity. On the majority of our day hikes groups are only 3-5 clients and at least one guide if not two. On backpacking trips, our average group size is 8-10 people with at least two guides. We strive for a 1:5 ratio at most on all trips. We also strive for small group sizes to maximize your experience.
If you would like to book a trip for just you; you and a friend; as a family; as a group; or as a team, school, or Corporate function; anything is possible! See here for Private Trip program costs.
Yes! Lasting Adventures actually specializes in family outings! Our Guides are co-trained as summer camp counselors and Yosemite guides. With over 25 years of experience leading youth in the backcountry, Lasting Adventures is the best option for family outings. Leave the cooking, cleaning, and chores to us as we escort you and your family to some amazing locations in the park. Feel free to contact us to discuss appropriate day hikes and/or backpacking trips for your family. See here for more information about trips in Yosemite: Yosemite Family Adventures. Family trips can be booked in any National Park we operate in.
On most all day hikes we plan to start pretty early. (Half Dome we meet at 5:30 am.) We would suggest that you plan accommodations accordingly. On backpacking trips, we usually provide for the afternoon/evening before to meet your guide and go through gear and pack backpacks. Staying with the guide in the backpackers camp is included and recommended for getting use to your gear. See here for a partial list of lodging options located on our Resources link in our main menu.
On each trip’s website page is a meeting time and clickable meeting location link (to a Google map). This information and a pin-point meeting location in a map is also provided in your confirmation email once you have registered.
Although there is a park entry fee that all participants will need to pay, there is no additional fee for parking within the parks. There is free parking throughout the parks we operate in and at all our designated meeting locations. After meeting and running through an orientation with your guide on Day 1, the guide will advise of the best places to park your car for the duration of the trip. You can leave your other belongings secure in your car. If you arrived on public transit you can leave your belongings secure in the guide’s car.
You can expect to carry anywhere from 30-50 lbs depending on your weight. We try our best to never have you carry more than a third of your weight, if not less. You are expected to carry all of your personal gear, including a sleeping bag, pad, tent (or part of it), and some group gear, including anything from a bag with toilet paper to a full bear can of food. See here for the personal Equipment List. When we meet on the first day, the group usually relocates to the parking lot, where we pack as a group. The guides assist you and we hand out group gear with respect to the big people carrying more and little people carrying less. To this date, we have never lost a client to carrying too much.
We can supply you with a single person-tent. There is no single supplement fees.
On our overnight trips our guides are proud to demonstrate their culinary skills that has received us many 5-star reviews for outdoor cuisine. Typical breakfasts might include breakfast burritos, oatmeals, pancakes, dried fruit, bagels, etc. Dinner examples include a variety of pastas, rice, beans, couscous, meats, veggies, etc. Lunch consists of trail food and fruits and veggies. Examples include: pita, bagels, salami, cheeses, hummus, fresh veggies, dried fruits, trail mix, energy bars, etc. Special dietary requests are accommodated regularly and easily in the backcountry.
Safety harnesses are not a requirement for Half Dome and we neither recommend for or against them. It is a personal decision and ultimately does lower risk. We do not supply harnesses and/or via ferrata systems. You are however welcome to bring your own. See here for more information: https://yosemitehouse.com/
Gratuities for guides are not required but are appreciated. Typically gratuities range from 10-20% of your trip’s total cost; not per guide.
Please use our online system to register. Once confirmed additional forms will be emailed to you, and are to be completed on our online system. If you would prefer to fill out paper copies and email or mail them in, please see our our Forms page.
Find more information out about transportation options under our resources link in our main menu.
Lasting Adventures offers a very forgiving and structured Cancellation Policy. For a full description visit our Terms and Conditions page.
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