Founders Fall Adventure

Yosemite National Park

Trip Highlights:

High Alpine Wilderness

Fundraising Trip

Meet the Founder

Granite Peaks and Domes

Merced River

Vernal & Nevada Falls

Our Founder and our Operations Director are your guides for this iconic Yosemite Guided Backpacking Trip to raise funds for disadvantaged youth!

HIGHLIGHTS

Join Lasting Adventures’ Founder/Executive Director, Scott Gehrman, and our Operations Director (and veteran Yosemite backpacking guide) Will Heaps, on a special 6-day Yosemite guided backpacking trip through the backcountry with our two most experienced staff members! As one of the park’s most devoted stewards, Scott has been coming to Yosemite since childhood, and guiding here for more than 25 years! As a veteran Lasting Adventures guide, Will knows every step of the way. He can point out the less obvious highlights and make the entire experience something to write home about! With more than 30 years of combined backcountry experience in the park, the duo hosts an unparalleled wealth of Yosemite knowledge to share with guests—from hidden secrets of Yosemite’s fascinating history to locations of the park’s lesser-known backcountry marvels. They are also both wizards in the backcountry kitchen (Will specializes in international cuisine) who are passionate about creating delicious menu items to accommodate all guests, so no matter what your diet demands, you’ll eat like high-country royalty in their company! Scott has picked one of his favorite itineraries that gives you a incomparable presentation of everything Yosemite has to offer.

What’s best about our Founder’s Fall Adventure? It’s designed as a fundraiser for our youth scholarship program, and all profits go toward providing positive outdoor experiences for disadvantaged youth and teens!

MEET YOUR GUIDES

Scott Gehrman, Founder/Executive Director

Scott is the founder and executive director of Lasting Adventures. He has been coming to Yosemite since childhood, and guiding in the park for just over 25-years. (He’ll tell you he started when he was young, and that he did; at the ripe age of 22.) Scott has logged thousands of miles in the Yosemite backcountry and well over 150 Half Dome summits, all while claiming to be afraid of heights. Over the years, Scott’s history of high-adventure experiences and first-hand encounters in the Yosemite backcountry have armed him with countless stories of his personal escapades, such as the time he awoke face-to-face with a black bear! He also has an arsenal of campfire tales stemming from an affinity for the lesser-known Native American and pioneer history of Yosemite. Scott’s favorite locations in Yosemite include Clouds Rest, Matterhorn Canyon, and Vogelsang Pass, the latter of which is in the itinerary for this adventure! When not in Yosemite, Scott can be found snowboarding, or hiking the slopes of Tahoe with his dog, and Lasting Adventure’s spirit animal, Summit.

Will Heaps, Operations Director

Will is Lasting Adventures’ Operations Director. He started in 2015 and has watched the company grow into itself. Coming from a background as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, he knows how to use the experience in the backcountry to uplift, inspire, and improve quality of life. Will has hiked the 500-mile Camino de Santiago and the 211-mile John Muir Trail. He knows every step of the itineraries we use and can show you vistas, fun facts, and interesting finds that no one else would think to point out. With backcountry experience in a variety of landscapes, including the deserts of southern Utah, the Utah and Colorado Rockies, the Sierra Nevada, and the Appalachian Mountains of New England; he is able to use Yosemite as a launching pad to help you continue to explore the wilderness anywhere. His favorite locations in Yosemite include Mount Conness, Young Lakes, Parker Pass Lake, Vogelsang, and Matterhorn Canyon.

Also on this trip you can expect to benefit from 1-2 more of our experienced Yosemite guides who will join in on the fun while providing additional support to this exceptional experience.

Due to a record setting snowpack this winter, we anticipate late seasonal openings for the 2023 summer at higher elevations (with Tioga Road opening between July 1-15th) and modified itineraries at lower elevations and on early season trips as needed. Our online offerings have been updated to reflect this.

Be prepared for wet/muddy trails, and the possibility of stream/river crossings and/or walking on/crossing/camping on/near snow. Trekking poles will be provided. Also be prepared for added adventure as you experience Yosemite in unparalleled beauty as it comes to life after one of the wettest winter seasons on record. If seasonal access or trail conditions present issues, the tour/hike/itinerary will be modified accordingly. For more information and what to expect, see: Yosemite’s 2023 Snowpack & 2023 Summer Expectations.

Mileage & Difficulty

37 Miles

(Map and Elevation)

Moderate-Strenuous

Length

6 Days

Price

$3,995

Per Person

Departure Info

Curry Village Parking Lot

4 pm

Book Now

2023 Departure Dates by Month

“All 2023 dates remain tentative until permitted 20-weeks in advance. Please remain from making travel arrangements outside of this timeline. We will contact you if we are unsuccessful in obtaining the exact dates listed above. Feel free to contact us if you would like to confirm.”

Yosemite Guided Backpacking Trips: Founders Fall Adventure

For a detailed map with elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here: Map.

Day 1: Meet your hosts, Scott and Will, at 4 pm in Curry Village. Get acquainted with the group and with gear. If time allows before dinner, explore some of the Valley’s iconic features. Eat dinner at one of the park’s many restaurants (food in the front-country is not included). Camp in the Yosemite Valley Backpacker’s Camp. Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 0 mi / +0′, -0′

Day 2: Grab breakfast in Curry Village, then take the morning shuttle to Tuolumne Meadows. From there, depart by means of the John Muir Trail and quickly diverge onto the Rafferty Creek Trail. This is a steady uphill hike into high alpine meadows. Our goal this day is to go 6.5 miles to either Boothe Lake (9,845′) or Vogelsang High Sierra Camp (10,130′), where we’ll spend the night in an area of Yosemite unanimously beloved as a favorite among our guides! Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 7.5 mi / +1,500′, -0′

Day 3: This downhill day begins with a drop in elevation to Babcock Lake (8,885′), over the course of 5.3 hiking miles alongside Fletcher Creek, which flows into the mighty Merced River. Upon reaching camp at Babcock Lake, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and cool off in the brisk alpine lake before dinner. Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 5.3 mi / +100′, -1,300′

Day 4: After a hearty breakfast, we break camp and leave Babcock Lake, dropping over 1,500′ on the 3.9-mile hike to Merced Lake for a lunchtime break. We will then hike another 2.6 easy miles along the shores of the Merced River to Echo Valley (7,020′), where we’ll set up camp and enjoy a delicious dinner before bedding down for the a well-earned sleep. Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 6.5 mi / +100′, -2,000′

Day 5: Today we continue hiking along the Merced River to Little Yosemite Valley (6,140′) for a total of 6.7 easy, downhill miles past stunning backcountry waterfalls and cascades. You’ll experience lush meadows filled with wildflowers and babbling creeks as you trek through some of the park’s most pristine wilderness. Today’s Mileage/Elevation (without Half dome): 6.7 mi / +250′, -1,800′

Day 6: Our final hike takes us 4.5 miles down the iconic Mist Trail to Yosemite Valley (4,000′). Along the way we pass two of Yosemite’s most stunning waterfalls—Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall—before finishing in historic Curry Village. Typically, the goal is to reach the end of the hike, and trip, between 1:00 and 3:00 pm. Today’s Mileage/Elevation (without Half Dome): 4.5 mi / +300′, -2440′

Other: Half Dome can be completed in the afternoon/evening of Day 5 or early morning on Day 6 before hiking out. This is a 7-mile round-trip, +2,700’/-2,700′ elevation change hike from Little Yosemite Valley.

NOTES:

Required shuttle costs are included in the above costs. We also provide backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, pads, trekking poles and eating utensils as needed at NO EXTRA COST. This trip is primarily a fundraiser, and all profits go to supporting our Youth Programs.
All trips are subject to Lasting Adventures obtaining the necessary wilderness permits. Although we have a 98% success rate for obtaining permits, if we are unable to acquire permits for this exact itinerary, a trip of equal quality will be secured.
Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Lasting Adventures is recognized for its commitment to safety and risk management. In this regard, the summit of Half Dome (or any other peak) will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.
All trips are pending permit availability which we gain 24-weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates.

REQUIRED FORMS

In addition to full payment; final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all the Required Forms. These forms are also attached to your confirmation email once you register online.

We will require an additional medical release for any guests on multi-day trips or any guest who is currently under the care of a physician for any ongoing disease, illness, or any other condition/factor that may be a concern on the trip.

DIETARY CONSTRAINTS

Although we are able to accommodate many specific dietary constraints and choices, we prepare foods in a facility with peanuts, gluten, soy, and other major allergens, and are not certified as an ‘allergen-free’ facility. We take steps to limit the risk of cross-contamination, but we cannot guarantee that foods we prepare will be fully free of major allergens.

We have experience accomodating a variety of dietary choices and concerns, including, but not limited to:

Vegan and Vegetarian
Peanut and/or Tree Nut Allergy
Lactose Intolerant
Celiac’s or Gluten Free
Kosher

If we have questions or concerns about the information on your medical form, we will call you the day before your trip to ensure we are packing foods you are able to eat without issue.

TRADITIONAL BACKPACKING

Lasting Adventures runs “traditional backpacking” trips. This is done without the use of porters, stock, or other outside 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. The weight can be expected to be 30-50 lbs and no more than the recommended ⅓ of your body weight.

As needed, it is recommended that participants discuss their ability to conduct a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) the ability to carry heavy loads over long distances and strenuous and uneven terrain. Levels of difficulty listed on our website are relative and in no way an objective declaration of difficulty, and a regular physical exercise program is recommended prior to going on your adventure.

TRIP ITINERARIES

All trips are subject to itinerary changes for a wide variety of reasons including, but not limited to permitting, weather, forest fires, park or public land closures, and/or road closures. In most all situations we will offer an alternative itinerary of equal value and quality or a credit through the end of the following season. Payments are non-refundable for itinerary changes. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control prior to its start date a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued.

STAFF SCHEDULES

Due to the nature of backpacking, our guides work long hours. In order to provide the best possible experience to our guests and our guides, we limit the number of hours that our guides work to 15 hours per day. Guides will not be required to be available from 9 pm to 6 am, unless a different time period is agreed upon by the group prior to this standard break period. This varies on our summer camps, where our outdoor educators are available as needed at all times.

During time off, our guides will be available for emergencies, but should be allowed to rest and should not be considered available for other purposes outside of working hours. Please refrain from requesting non-time-sensitive assistance from guides during this period. Our guides are also entitled to take off 10 minutes every four hours, as well as 30-minute meal breaks every 5 hours, between 6 am and 9 pm. We appreciate your cooperation with these scheduling requirements.

FIREARM POLICY

Lasting Adventures understands that firearm laws and policies vary in every area we operate in. Regardless of local laws and policies, Lasting Adventures does not allow firearms on any of our trips. Participants who bring firearms will not be allowed to participate while in possession of their firearm.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For your protection and ours, we strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance or Trip Protection, which can provide you with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption (including COVID-19), travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, airfare, and baggage loss/delay to protect your financial investment. One option offered through our booking system is the Enhanced Refund Terms through the Protect Group which is available at checkout for 10% of the total cost of your trip. See more information on this policy HERE. You are also welcome to purchase any other travel insurance or trip protection of your choice.

Travel Insurance is the easiest and best way to protect both yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations. We will happily provide timely and accurate documentation for any insurance claim related to our trips upon request. Please note, we are unable to provide refunds for trips covered by insurance. Your first course of action should be to contact the company responsible for insuring your trip.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full payment is preferred for all Backpacking Trips. During check-out you may opt to pay a 50% deposit at time of booking and the remaining 50% 30 days from departure. If choosing this option you can either complete payment on your own with the self-service link in the confirmation email or you will be billed automatically at or shortly after the 30 day interval for the remaining amount. Any new multi-day booking made at/within 45-days in advance will be required to pay in full. Feel free to contact us directly to set up any other payment plan. When registering online expect to pay a booking fee of 3.0% (which is capped at $30) and a processing fee of 2.7% (no cap). These fees can be avoided when paying by check. For detailed information see Payment Options.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES

Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. Lasting Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred while preparing for the trip.

The following cancellation policy is only for trips booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com. If you have booked via a third-party website, such as The Clymb, TripAdvisor/Viator, or bookyogaretreats.com, the below policy does not apply, and you are held to the third-party’s cancellation policy.

Multi-Day Adventures/Summer Camps Cancellation Policy

More than 90 days prior to the start date, we will grant you a full refund.
Between 90 and 61 days prior to the start date, we will grant you a full refund minus a $50/person processing fee.
Between 60 and 46 days prior to the start date, we will retain 25 percent of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
Between 45 and 31 days prior to the start date, we will retain 50 percent of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
Less than 31 days prior to the start date, or once the trip has begun, there will be no refund or credit.

48 Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy

Cancellations of any trip can be made without penalty within 48 hours of the initial booking. After 48 hours our standard terms and conditions apply. To cancel, please email us at staff@lastingadventures.org or leave a voicemail at 800-513-8651. This policy does not apply if the booked trip occurs within 96 hours of the initial booking.

Fire/Smoke Cancellation Policy

Fire/smoke cancellations are considered circumstances beyond our control. If your chosen travel insurance does not cover fire/smoke cancellations, a credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. In this case, you will be required to submit proof of the purchase of said travel insurance. If we cancel during your adventure with us, we will refund a credit equal to the amount of days not used. In both cases these credits will be lifetime/transferable.

Other Considerations

Departing From a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no opportunities for refunds or credits will be possible, regardless of the reason for departure. Costs associated with assisting a participant with evacuating from the wilderness will be passed on to the participant. Travel Insurance (below) is strongly recommended.

Minimum Participants: Our Guide Service multi-day trips have a two person minimum. (Yoga trips have a three person minimum.) Should we fall short on these minimums, we will contact you 30-days in advance of your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a single-participant surcharge.

Infectious Disease Policy (including COVID): Any participant, on any program/trip, with any sign/symptom of a potential illness will not be able to participate and no refund/credits will be given. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child prior to participation and contact us to cancel should any sign of illness be present. Health screenings can be expected on all youth programs.

Half Dome & Other Summits: Reaching the top of a summit, such as Half Dome, is a risky activity which can be made far worse by inclement weather. While we aim to get everyone to the top, summiting is not guaranteed. Lightning and rain can be deadly on exposed summits and our experienced guides may have to call off a summit bid if weather conditions are unfavorable.

TRIP CHANGE/CREDIT POLICY

Once you book a trip with Lasting Adventures, the value you paid is valid towards switching to another trip in the current or the coming year, pending available spaces on the new trip. Changes to your booking and conversion to a credit must occur more than 30 days prior to your original start date. Changes within 30-days are subject to fees. Once changed to a lifetime credit, credits are non-refundable and are a dollar-for-dollar value.

COUPONS

See our Coupon Use Terms and Conditions

#1 Rated Guide Service in the West

"My son and I (both tax accountants) recently enjoyed a three-day private guided backpacking trip with Last Adventures. The trip met all our expectations; we had a great time! The guide’s love of her work and knowledge of Yosemite National Park made the trip a success. She planned all the details, provided excellent gear, and made sure everything worked out as planned"

"Lasting Adventures made my trip to Yosemite a dream vacation! It was stress-free because every detail was covered from food and transportation to clear meeting instructions and itinerary. Our guide took a hike that would have been fun and made it magical by explaining the history and ecology of the area we were hiking. He matched our pace and often let us lead. I can't say enough good things about Zachary and Lasting Adventures!”

“I did the Yosemite yoga 3 day backcountry camping. It was amazing! I would definitely do it again. The food was great! The scenery was superb camping in high country aside a mountain lake, and the guides and yoga instructor were fantastic!!!”

"We were a group of 7 family members (ages 22-65 years old), and for all of us it was our first hiking/backpacking/camping experience. We all had such an amazing yet challenging experience! Our guides’ spirit, cooking, and knowledge were great!”

“We backpacked with a group of 7 other people from 'Backpacker's Camp' to Mae Lake, up to Mt Hoffman, Cloud's Rest, and finally completed the trip with an amazing last day, summiting Half Dome at sunrise! It. Was. Incredible!! Our guides immediately made us feel comfortable and excited. Their passion for the wilderness, people, and their career as a guide is contagious. If you have the chance to go on a Lasting Adventures trip - please do it!”