I had a fantastic experience on the 5 day Cathedral lakes to clouds rest and half dome trip. Alongside the kit list, lasting adventures emailed us about a change in the weather so I felt well prepared on what to pack. Our guide, Caber, was brilliant. He was knowledgeable about the area, good company, paced us well, made amazing food, and gave me the moral support I needed to get up Half Dome. Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places I have every been and I would highly recommend this hike with Lasting Adventures.

Our main goals this year were Clouds Rest and Half Dome as my wife has never been on top of Clouds Rest and the last time we were on Half Dome we had to rush back down the valley. We had a private tour with Lasting Adventures that ended up attached to a standard tour only because of Half Dome permit restrictions. This worked out very nicely as we had 2 guides for 4 hikers. The first day was the standard stuff in Yosemite Valley camping at the back-packers camp. The second morning we started our hike at Tuolumne Meadows and went 4 miles to Cathedral Lakes (Lower Cathedral Lake). This was a good warm-up. I was surprised at how nice and serene the views were. The only downside was the mosquitos that were relentless. The 3rd day we hiked 7-8 miles to Sunrise Lakes. We saw sights (peaks, meadows, valleys, lakes, etc.) that most people won't see by staying in the valley. The 4th day, we hiked up Clouds Rest and stayed there for lunch. What a view - perhaps my favorite view of the valley. The first mile or so down from Clouds Rest was a little hard on the knees but it got better. That day, we travelled 8 miles in total to a camp about a half mile from the Half Dome trail. The final day was fantastic - we got up at 3am and were on top of Half Dome right at sunrise. We had breakfast, enjoyed the sunrise, and took in the 360 degree views for almost 2 hours. The rest was all down hill to get our backpacks and head down to the valley. Total mileage this day was 12 miles - a long day for us. Emily and Dawson, our guides from Lasting Adventures, were wonderful. I highly recommend using Lasting Adventures for these Yosemite hikes - they take all the worry away. This was our 3rd trip with them and obviously we are very happy to recommend them.

What an amazing experience! I traveled by myself to Yosemite to meet with my Lasting Adventures group and not only did I make an incredible group of friends, but I also felt completely comfortable and safe throughout my journey. It was my first time backpacking and my guides, Eric and Aida, made the trip extremely stress-free. The hiking was definitely strenuous at times and was a challenge for me but the views were absolutely worth it. Eric and Aida were extremely knowledgeable about a multitude of topics, and I left feeling very fulfilled through the whole experience. I would recommend this trip to anyone who has an interest in backpacking and seeing the wonderful views that Yosemite has to offer! Lasting Adventures truly made everything go so smoothly and I only want to come back for more!!

My husband and I just returned from our Lasting Adventure's trip to Yosemite. 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, Eric and Aida, immediately made us feel comfortable and excited. I can't say enough good things about them. Their passion for the wilderness, people, and their career as a guide is contagious. Aida was so generous - she even gave me her camp shoes to wear on the last day because my shoes had given me such bad blisters. Eric tried to scare us by sharing scary campfire stories, but instead had us all laughing so hard. If you have the chance to go on a Lasting Adventures trip - please do it! There is nothing like sleeping under the stars, meeting new people, and leaving the high stress of the world behind for a few days.

Let’s just say that my time on the Three Summits trip by Lasting Adventures was the most amazing adventure / challenge that my son and I have ever done. God’s beauty in Yosemite has to be a glimpse of heaven, but we would not have seen it without our incredible guides Aida and Eric. Their professionalism and skills of their trade were phenomenal while also opening themselves to share their lives with each of us. As one of us on our trip said about the conversations that we had with each other and with our guides was that, “It was therapy”. I wanted to learned a ton about backpacking in the back country and I did just that with their help. I came knowing that I would see some amazing mountain heights, but I didn’t know I would walk away with 7 new friends and memories that I will remember for the rest of my life. If you are even thinking about going on a trip with Lasting Adventures; stop thinking and invest in the biggest adventure / challenge of your life.

Amazing and challenging experience! LA’s upfront communication was very responsive and helpful, which was very appreciated on our first trip to Yosemite.. Once in the park, our guides Jesse and Aida were experts in all things including Yosemite history/sites/plants, backpacking, backcountry cooking, and being funny. Our borrowed gear was top of the line and perfect for experienced or new hikers. Our guides pushed when needed (like seeing Half Dome at sunset!) and helped whenever we needed. Would highly recommend and hope to come back again!

I wanted to go backpacking in Yosemite, but I wasn't ready to go out on my own. Lasting Adventures made it accessible in the most incredible way. If you've never seen the high country of Yosemite in person, and want to challenge yourself, this is the way to do it! Pictures do not do justice to the sights you'll see on this trip. The hike can be rigorous at times with scrambling and navigating rocky terrain while ascending / descending with either your full pack or a day pack. Train on hills with a weighted pack to best prepare for what you'll encounter! The group I ended up with was excellent. We enjoyed each other's company, and encouraged each other through the physical challenges. Our guide Mike had us going at a steady pace that ensured there was room in the schedule for taking brief rest breaks, and regularly checked in with how the group was doing. As other reviews have mentioned, the meals that he prepared on trail were quite tasty.

I'd highly recommend Lasting Adventures to get into the back country of Yosemite and away from the crowds. Everything was arranged including permits for the back country and for entry to the park. Lasting Adventures supplied all the excellent gear that made it possible to have a great experience with minimal planning. Trey was an excellent guide who prepared real meals at our campsites instead of the usual dehydrated meals I'm used to. He was flexible when problems arose and rearranged the itinerary which became necessary. This is a challenging experience, and it is easy to overestimate the ability to hike miles with a 35 pound backpack. I highly recommend this trip. The limitations on masks and social distancing had been removed before we started the trip, and all of us were vaccinated, so Covid wasn't a consideration.

Recently took the Three Summit Tour. Absolutely amazing! Given the circumstances with COVID lasting Adventures did not disappoint. They were flexible with schedules, Nick was very informed and educated me on a lot of the park. Could not recommend enough!

We can't wait to come again and hike more of Yosemite with our family. The Three Summits tour with Lasting Adventures and our guide, Nicole was awesome! We are vegetarian and she accommodated us perfectly with delicious, healthy meals - best backpacking food we've ever had. Not only was Nicole an awesome cook but she was detailed-oriented and kept us abreast of our schedule and facts like miles traveled and altitude. We borrowed all the gear from them and it was all in excellent condition. The tent and sleeping bag were warm. The best Yosemite experience!

Just finished the Three Summits trip with Lasting Adventures and had a great time. Our guide, Nick, did an amazing job on the trip to provide an excellent experience while working through the challenges of running a wilderness trip during the Covid-19 pandemic. The plans and procedures that Lasting Adventures put in place made me feel comfortable to do the trip during the pandemic. The itinerary for this trip is perfect with a final day that is epic. Lasting Adventures took care of all the logistics and details so that I was able to fully enjoy my vacation. Highly recommend Lasting Adventures and this specific trip. By the way, the meals were amazing - opened my mind to the possibilities of back country cooking.

Had the best experience in Yosemite! Did the Three Summits tour with Lasting Adventures and our guide, Nicole, was awesome! She was detailed-oriented and kept us abreast of our schedule and facts like miles traveled, altitude, etc. She was also an awesome cook! We are vegetarian and she accommodated us perfectly with delicious, healthy meals - best backpacking food we've ever had. We borrowed all the gear from Lasting Adventures and it was all really good - the tent and sleeping bag were super warm. We can't wait to come again and hike more of Yosemite. We hope to bring our family or even send our kids on one of their youth adventures!

A friend convinced myself and another buddy to sign up for the 5 Day backpacking trip. None of us had ever backpacked before, and two of us had never seen Yosemite. From the earliest days of discerning which company to utilize, we were impressed by the rapid responses to our inquiries. Our trip was in late September as we did not want to experience crowds or bugs. Our guides - Jack and Nicole - met us at Curry Village and took plenty of time to help us pack for the week. They looked through everything we had brought, and told us what to bring, and what to leave behind. Then, we packed our backpacks and started our adventure. I am 59 years old and in excellent condition. I've done marathons and half-Ironman triathlons. This trip was a test of my endurance. The backpack is heavy (30 - 45#) and the routes are steep and long. You will be navigating terrain that is indescribably beautiful, but at the same time challenging. If you are not in reasonably good physical condition - choose another trip. Jack and Nicole were amazing. Both of them are experienced rock climbers, and in addition to providing us history and insight into Yosemite, they were wonderful guides and managed the group with expertise well beyond their years. As our group was deciding which day to hike up to Half-Dome, we relied on their opinions concerning the weather. Thankfully, they were exactly right. We woke up at 3AM on our last day to trek in the dark to the cables of Half-Dome. Just before sunrise, we pulled ourselves to the top of one of the most iconic rock formations in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to stand on the top of Half-Dome, Clouds Rest, and Mt. Hoffman. Each summit is unique in it's own way. My only criticism is with the sleeping pads provided. They are very thin! None of us slept well - but part of that was the cold. At night - the temperatures at 9000' where we were camping dipped into the 20's. We weren't prepared for that. But temperature aside, I would highly recommend that you purchase a thin, inflatable sleeping pad. This trip will never be forgotten. Jack and Nicole - and the rest of the group - created a wonderful bond of friendship. Do yourself a favor and see one of the most majestic parks our planet has to offer.

Never experienced a guided backpacking trip before, so this was a first. Lasting Adventures and guides Critter and Kirstin did not disappoint. They were informative, courteous, and truly compassionate wilderness advocates. Thank you for a wonderful backcountry experience in Yosemite!

I recently finished a three Summit backpacking trip in August. Great guides who gave us some flexibility and challenged us. Guides were able to stay calm under the emergency situation, plus they are great cookers, great photographer. I had used the other two backpacking guide company before Last Adventure is the best. Highly recommended!

3 Summits I just finished my 5 days, 3 summit adventure and I can say I was truly sad to leave Yosemite. The beauty of the high alpine sierras and the 3 summits never got old, however the highlight of the trip was our amazing guides Critter and Kirstin. They were both knowledgeable, personable, generous and above all had an un-denying passion for Yosemite. They made sure to take us to all the best spots. The meals they cooked were fresh and delicious. I couldn’t believe how well I ate all 5 days. This was a trip that I will remember forever. Thank you Critter, Kirstin and Lasting Adventures!

I can't fault Lasting Adventures, everything from the pre-trip preparations to the hike itself exceeded all expectations. The staff were always on hand to patiently answer my many questions. They even provide camping equipment at no extra cost, how many other companies do that? The food was fantastic, we never had the same thing twice, and ample snacks were provided for the hikes. Our guide, Jenna, had a wealth of knowledge, worked tirelessly throughout, and was always full of energy and enthusiasm. We always felt well looked after and that our needs and safety were always put first. As for the hike itself (it actually starts properly on the morning of Day 2), and it's four full days of awesome landscapes, rugged peaks, alpine lakes, starry nights, waterfalls and the highlight - the ascent of Half Dome at sunset. It won't disappoint!

We went on the 3 Summit trip in August, 2019. Itwas an absolutely amazing experience punctuated by spectacular views, excellent food, and great camaraderie amongst the group and with the guides. Having said that it was certainly as strenuous as billed! But the difficulty only contributed to the overall amazing experience. Our guides, Michael and Lucie, were very helpful and made sure everyone had the assistance they needed to complete all of the summits and hiking. Additionally they were extremely knowledgeable, their insider knowledge of the trails and area added so much to the trip. Not to mention so fun as well!! Highly recommended, the experience of a lifetime!

My parents and I had an incredible experience backpacking through the breathtaking Yosemite National Park, thanks to the help of Lasting Adventures. Kara and Alice were skillful guides who made our trip truly unforgettable. Kara's personality was super bubbly and outgoing, while Alice was incredibly sweet and knowledgeable. They made sure everyone in the group was having an amazing time and made sure that no one was left behind on the trail, regardless of athletic abilities. They were able to share stories about the park history and facts about the wildlife that you wouldn't get if you didn't go with this guide service. And the food was so delicious! Every meal contained fresh and wholesome ingredients that were crafted into superb dishes. We had everything from fajitas to pasta to red velvet cake. You will not be disappointed with this guide service and we highly recommend Kara and Alice as guides. We had such an outstanding trip that we cannot wait to book our next trip with Lasting Adventures!

5 days & 4 nights guided back packing experience in Yosemite National Park. August 8-13, 2019. When I signed up for this trip, the difficulty was rated as "Difficult". I usually look at these things and say "Eh, they are just covering their ass". I can honestly say this was the most difficult hike I have ever experienced personally. Plus, it was my first time with a backpack. The weather was beautiful. The views were unbelievable. The experience was unforgettable. Yosemite has to be seen to be believed. The trip was lead by our 2 guides, Will & Matt. Their knowledge of the trails and park was incredible. Their personalities were terrific. Just right for the mixed bag of good friends and new friends in our group. Really, just a perfect match. Matt prepared all the meals. I was expecting freeze dried MRE's but instead was treated to an actual cooked meal from a different cuisine every night. Which was amazing because all of the food was carried in our backpacks and theirs. Along with all of the pots and pans and cooking tools. By the way, all they ask is that you carry a bear can, they carried EVERYTHING else and you would never know that their pack was probably at least 10 pounds heavier than ours. Matts cooking catered to all the different eating habits in the group from vegetarian to gluten free to your typical carnivore. For breakfast one morning he made a frittata which I had never even heard of. It tasted as good as it looked which was pretty amazing. Matt, if I can offer you one bit of advice on your brownie dessert...Try adding the eggs next time 😜. Will was by his side every meal dicing vegetables, boiling water and helping with the dishes afterwards. He will forever be remembered by me for something much bigger however. I am terribly afraid of exposed heights. He actually got me to the top of Mt. Hoffman, over the top of Clouds Rest (not on the "spine" though, you have to know your limits. He got me over the top about 8' lower where there was a ridge with some rocks on one side of me.) and he got me up to the top of Half Dome where our group was fortunate enough to be the ONLY 8 PEOPLE on the summit for a beautiful sunset AND a delicious macaroni and cheese tortellini dinner with vegetables and sausage! After sunset, dinner and dessert on top of HD, Will did something even more incredible for me..he got me down in the dark!! He has the patience of a saint and guided me every step of the way up and down. I am forever grateful to him for helping me past my fear for at least these 2 occasions. My disappointment in myself would have been immeasurable if I had not listened to him and I sat out the climbs up and down any of those 3 summits. Thank you Will for making my vacation one I am forever proud of and will never forget. Thank you Matt for your tireless efforts around the "stove" even after the late night after HD and for offering me the encouragement I needed to try those summits. Thank you both for your conversations at the "back of the pack". This was a 5 day trip I will remember as long as I live thanks to Matt, Will and great group of new and old friends I shared it with. I would HIGHLY recommend this trip to anyone with a sense of adventure. And lastly, thank you Lasting Adventures for an extremely affordable and fantastic way to see one of our nations most awesome treasures. Rich Blackmore