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…
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…
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?…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
