-
Are departures guaranteed? How do I redeem my voucher?
-
Due to high demand, departure dates are limited and book out quickly. All trip departure dates are pending permit availability, which is known 24-weeks in advance of the date. Additionally, due to the permitting process in Yosemite, Lasting Adventures will release unused permits 17 days in advance. Trip dates that are less than 17 days out will not be available.
Please refrain from making travel arrangements until you have confirmed dates from Lasting Adventures. Departures are subject to change based on availability and each departure requires a minimum of two guests.
Once you purchase your voucher, detailed instructions will be sent to you with Lasting Adventures' contact information. Please reach out to them as soon as possible in order to secure the dates you desire as dates sell out quickly. Please note your departure is not confirmed until you receive confirmation from Lasting Adventures.
-
What dates are available? Are these dates only for families?
-
This trip is specifically for families with children under the age of 18. If you are a family who does not have children under the age of 18, we do offer other Yosemite trips that you can book. Please contact our Adventures Team for more information.
The following dates can be requested and are reserved as family-only departures:
- June 21-25, 2022
- July 21-25, 2022
- August 12-16, 2022
- August 26-30, 2022
Due to Yosemite National Park's strict permitting system, departure dates are limited. All trip departure dates are pending permit availability, which is known 24-weeks in advance of the date. Additionally, due to the permitting process in Yosemite, Lasting Adventures will release unused permits 17 days in advance. Trip dates that are less than 17 days out will not be available. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until you have confirmed dates from Lasting Adventures.
-
Are private departures available?
-
Yes! A private departure is available with four or more participants. Additional costs may apply for private departures. Please contact our Adventures Team to explore pricing and availability.
-
Are there any other conditions that may prevent this trip from running?
-
Any park closures due to reasons outside the operator's control, ie. weather, fire, etc.
-
What is the best way to get to the trip start location?
-
The closest airport is the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT). From there, you can rent a car and drive to the Tuolumne Meadows Store & Grill, off of Tioga Pass Road. Travelers will be responsible for reaching the parking lot in time for the 4:00 pm meeting on their own.
-
What are the accommodations like?
-
You’ll be tent camping throughout this trip. Two of the three campsites have toilets and running drinking water. Lasting Adventures will provide sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents. They use multiple 1-person through 6-person tents as needed/requested.
-
Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
-
If you're a solo traveler, individual tents can be provided at no extra cost. Please let Lasting Adventures know in advance.
-
How large is each travel group?
-
Maximum group size is 10 guests and 2 guides.
-
Are meals included? What is the food like?
-
All meals on the trail are included from lunch on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 5.
Your guides are proud to demonstrate their culinary skills that have received many 5-star reviews for outdoor cuisine. Typical breakfasts might include breakfast burritos, oatmeal, pancakes, dried fruit, bagels, etc. Dinner examples include a variety of pastas, rice, beans, couscous, meats, veggies, etc. Lunches consist of trail food and fruits and veggies. Examples include: pita, bagels, salami, cheeses, hummus, fresh veggies, dried fruits, trail mix, energy bars, etc.
Special dietary requests are accommodated regularly and easily in the backcountry. Please let Lasting Adventures know ahead of time if this is something you require.
-
How much extra money should people budget?
-
This trip will cover most of your expenses, but plan to bring cash for dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2 as those meals are not included in the trip price. Plan to bring a little extra if you would like to purchase souvenirs either before or after the trip as well. You are also responsible for the entry fee into Yosemite National Park.
-
What should people bring? Do you have a packing list?
-
Lasting Adventures will send a detailed packing list upon booking, but plan on bringing clothing that is easy to layer, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, hiking boots, waterproof shell, trekking poles (if you prefer your own), day pack, flashlight, and water bottle.
-
Will I be carrying all of my gear?
-
Yes, this is a traditional backpacking trip, not a portered trip. You'll be carrying your personal gear and some group gear in a backpack for the extent of the trip. Group gear will be divided amongst participants according to strength and ability.
-
What kind of physical shape is needed in order to successfully participate in activities? Is there any special preparation/training required for this trip?
-
This is considered a beginner trip and great for families with younger children and/or families looking for an easier hike. The minimum age for this trip is 8 years old, and children should be ready for the challenge of backpacking.
To make the most of this trip, you should be in good physical shape and regularly involved in physical activities. It's always good to get out and start walking, hiking, and doing anything to mimic the activity of hiking/backpacking in the months prior. Gradually increase distances and elevation gain if possible. Stair-masters and treadmills are good training as well. As long as you are active, this trip should be comfortable.
-
Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
-
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. For travel insurance, we recommend VisitorsCoverage.
-
Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
-
We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
-
Can I cancel or modify my trip?
-
Yes! Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply.
New For 2022 Departures: We’re providing more flexible booking options on this trip.
Up to 60 days prior to departure*
You may postpone or modify your trip up to 60 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date, or
2) Select a new adventure or destination, or
3) Receive 100% lifetime store credit toward a future trip.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same travel season in 2022 or 2023 to avoid any additional trip costs. If you select a new adventure, you will be responsible for the difference of any additional trip costs above the value of your current trip.
Up to 30 days prior to departure*
You may postpone your trip up to 30 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same travel season in 2022 or 2023 to avoid any additional trip costs. If you choose to cancel, you will receive a lifetime credit, minus cancellation fees, towards a future trip.
Less than 30 days prior to departure*
In some cases, you may have the option to postpone your trip within 30 days prior to departure.
If this is available at time of your request, you will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date. Additional trip costs may apply and new dates are subject to availability, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.