In this edition of our Guide Spotlight Series, we’re thrilled to introduce Olivia Hockley-Rodes—a bright, passionate, and adventurous soul bringing her energy and curiosity to her first season of guiding with Lasting Adventures in Olympic National Park! Meet Olivia Name: Olivia Hockley-RodesHometown: Los Angeles, CAGuiding Experience: First year guiding, second season with Lasting AdventuresEducation: B.S.…
Adventure, Art, and a Little Bit of Cheesecake Rowan Knight brings a rare blend of creativity, compassion, and curiosity to the trail—and we’re stoked to have them on the Lasting Adventures team! From Arkansas to the American Southwest Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Rowan first fell in love with backpacking during undergrad in Colorado. “I…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Embarking on your first backpacking adventure is an exciting journey into the great outdoors, but it can also be daunting for beginner backpackers. Fear not! Here are ten essential tips to help you navigate the trails and make the most of your backpacking experience. 1. Start with a Short Trip For your maiden backpacking voyage,…
If you’ve ever dreamed of disappearing into the wild — of hiking deep into towering forests, scaling granite cliffs, or falling asleep beneath a sea of stars — then a backpacking trip is probably already on your list. But should you plan all of this by yourself? Or is there a better way? At Lasting…
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: 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…
