Trip Highlights:
El Capitan (sometimes shortened to El Cap) is one of the largest granite monoliths in the world. From the people that called this valley home, to the first time it was glimpsed by non-indigenous people saw it, to its first climbing ascent, to the famous National Geographic "Free Solo" attempt made by Alex Honnold, this iconic exposed face has inspired the urge to summit. Are you ready to stand at its peak?
All Tours Are Private
Meeting Location: Yosemite Valley Lodge at 4,035′
High Point: El Capitan at 7,616′
Elevation Gain/Loss: +/-4,713′
For a detailed map with elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here:Â Map.
Begin the day on the Yosemite Falls trail, across the main road from the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Over the first 3 miles, you’ll gain more than 3,000 feet of elevation, with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. At this point, the trail splits, turning into a walk through the woods; passing meadows, crossing creeks, and enjoying the wildlife of the North Rim of Yosemite Valley. Continuing along the rim, the trail breaks out of the trees and gives you a taste of the views you’ll get from the peak. One final push through the trees and up a hill and you’ll be standing at the top of El Capitan…but that isn’t the end! Although we do not suggest approaching the cliff edge, we are able to travel down the hill a ways to get some shade and eat lunch while enjoying the panoramic views across the valley. This is the same view climbers get when they top out and turn around to take a break before beginning their hike back down to the valley floor.
After lunch, you’ll turn around and reverse the route you used to summit, enjoying a completely different lighting, altering the colors in the rocks and trees and giving you a beautiful view of the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. After a quick descent back to the parking lot, you can head home with an unforgettable adventure tucked away in your memory.
Should reservations be required, participation in Lasting Adventures programs, trips, and/or tours includes entry when reservations are needed.
Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.
REQUIRED FORMS
In addition to full payment, the final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all the Required Forms. These forms will be signed via a link provided in your confirmation email from our booking agent, under the link for “Digital Waivers” and must be signed by each attending adult. Minors will be included on the same form as their parent/guardian.
We will require an additional medical release for any “Half Dome in a Day” hikers 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.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
For your protection and ours, we strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance, which can provide you with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, airfare, and baggage loss/delay to protect your financial investment. We recommend those with “cancel for any reason” clauses included. See reviews of some of the best Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Options presented by Forbes or Squaremouth. Othe
Travel Insurance is the easiest and best way to protect yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations. We are happy to provide timely and accurate documentation for any insurance claim related to our trips when requested. Please remember that when canceling a reservation, you must first contact the company responsible for ensuring your reservation.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Full payment is required upon registration for day trips.
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 and are non-refundable. For detailed information, see our Payment Options page.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES
Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, a credit equal to the total 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 TripAdvisor/Viator, bookyogaretreats.com, or 57Hours), the below policy does not apply, and you are held to the third-party’s cancellation policy.
Day Hike Cancellation Policy
Half Dome in a Day Cancellation Policy
48-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy
Any reservation can be canceled within 48 hours of the initial booking, and we will grant you a full refund minus a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions. 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 total amount paid will be issued. These credits will be lifetime/transferable but non-refundable.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Departing From a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no refunds or credits will be issued, 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 is strongly recommended.
Infectious Illness Policy: Any participant on any program/trip with any sign/symptom of a potential infectious illness will not be able to participate, and no refund or credits will be given. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child before participating and contact us to cancel if any sign of illness is present. Health screenings can be expected in all youth programs.
Half Dome & Other Summits: Reaching the top of a summit, such as Half Dome, is risky and 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. You will not be allowed to summit using a Lasting Adventures permit should the experienced guide decide the conditions are not favorable.
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 credit must occur more than 30 days before your original start date. Changes within 30 days are subject to fees. Once changed to a lifetime/transferrable credit, credits are non-refundable and are a dollar-for-dollar value.
COUPONS
See our Coupon Use Terms and Conditions.
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