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Adventures near SF Bay Area

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Adventures near SF Bay Area Brochure
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No plane tickets needed

Craving heart-pounding thrills and beautiful natural landscapes? You don’t need to go far. From the granite walls of Yosemite to the glistening lakes of Tahoe and the soaring peaks of Shasta, some of the greatest adventure areas in the world are a stone’s throw away from you. Ditch the plane tickets and long drives for hundreds of epic adventures right at your doorstep.

Opportunities around every corner

Adventures for everyone

  • From beginner-friendly hikes to heart-stopping alpine expeditions, explore trips for every skill – and thrill – level.

Local guides lead the way

  • Adventure with confidence under the watchful eyes of seasoned & certified local guides.

Leave the logistics to us

  • Skip the planning and packing headaches – we handle everything, so you can focus on making memories.
Back view of family of two, father and son, sitting together at glacier point and enjoying view of half dome and yosemite valley in yosemite national park, california, family adventure vacation concept
What do people think of Bay Area Adventures?
Lisa M., WA

This was my first travel experience planned by someone else. It was such a treat. Your investment in my experience showed in the accommodations you selected, the scouting of the walks themselves and I absolutely loved the body work. That was something that really set it apart from other experiences/retreats I have participated in.

Rachel D

We had an incredible experience with Lasting Adventures! It was our first visit to Yosemite and kicking off the trip with a guided hike was perfect. It was just our group of 4 (me, my husband, and 2 friends) which was great because we got to ask lots of questions and take the day at our preferred pace. Our guide, Michael, was absolutely wonderful – very welcoming and easy to get along with! He is so knowledgable about the park, its history, and the nature and wildlife. He came well-prepared with sunscreen, bug spray, and extra water and snacks for all. And he took a bunch of quality photos of our group! The hike included a great mix of epic sights from higher elevations, and provided us with a nice overview of Yosemite, as well as ideas for other hikes to do on our own during the rest of our trip. I highly recommend Lasting Adventures for your trip to Yosemite. We were blown away!

cezefo

We were a group of 7 family members (ages 22-65 years old), for all of us was our first hiking/backpacking/camping experience. We all have such an amazing yet challenging experience, it was really worthy! Thank you so much to our guides Nicole and Jack for your cheers, your spirit, your cooking, your yoga time, your knowledge and for doing this family trip so great! We really enjoy it!!

Mara B

I chose the Hidden Yosemite trip and joined two other Washingtonians that I hike with regularly. What an incredible trip. First and foremost, our guides Will and Bella were awesome. They kept us well fed, educated on the history of Yosemite. Who knew that the white powder on an aspen tree could be used as sunscreen? They made the whole journey memorable. I can’t imagine a better way to experience this amazing place. A sincere thank you to Lasting Adventures and to Will and Bella!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Adventures In & Around the Bay Area

  • Choosing the best & most scenic hike in the San Francisco Bay Area is a tough task, as there are too many to choose from. Here are some of our top picks:

    • Muir Woods National Monument: Hike among towering redwoods on various trails ranging from easy to moderate.
    • Tomales Point Trail: A moderate 6.1-mile trail through rolling hills and wildflowers, leading to stunning views of the Point Reyes National Seashore.
    • Lands End Trail: This moderate 3.4-mile round-trip trail traverses dramatic cliffs along the city’s western edge, offering stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands, as well as potential encounters with sea lions & harbor seals.
    • Dipsea Trail: A challenging 6.8-mile trail with stunning ocean views and towering redwoods.
  • There are many spectacular hikes in Yosemite, but the most iconic & panoramic one has to be Half Dome via the Mist Trail.

    This challenging 14-to-16-mile round-trip hike is an iconic Yosemite experience, offering stunning views of Yosemite Valley, waterfalls, and surrounding granite cliffs. Note that permits are required for the cables section leading to the summit.

  • Yes, beginners can definitely climb in Yosemite National Park, but with some important caveats.

    First off, guided climbs are essential. Due to the unique climbing style, challenging terrain, and safety concerns, beginners are strongly recommended to climb with a qualified guide. Taking a beginner class is a fantastic option for learning the fundamentals and experiencing the thrill of climbing in a safe and controlled environment.

    Also, the climbing in Yosemite is very specific. Yosemite climbing primarily involves cracks and slabs, unlike the varied holds typically found in gyms or some other climbing areas. 

    Also, The rock faces tend to be steeper and longer than typical beginner walls, requiring more endurance and mental strength. 

    Finally, Yosemite’s climbing grading system can be “sandbagged,” meaning some routes may feel harder than their designated difficulty due to the specific challenges mentioned above.

    Keep all of this in mind and go with an expert guide, and your first Yosemite climbing adventure will go safely and smoothly.

  • Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the best season for hiking in Joshua Tree. 

    They offer the most pleasant temperatures for hiking, with highs ranging from 70-85°F (21-29°C). Summers are scorching, reaching over 100°F (38°C), making strenuous hikes dangerous. Winter can be chilly, with occasional snow at higher elevations, but offers beautiful scenery and fewer crowds.

  • No, you don’t generally need a permit for climbing in Joshua Tree National Park as long as you’re sticking to established climbing routes and not engaging in specific activities that require permits.

    However, if you plan to place new bolts (permanent anchors) or fix anchors, you do need a Bolting Permit. This applies to both established climbing areas and wilderness areas.

  • The best time of the year to hike in Big Sur depends on your priorities.

    For pleasant weather and moderate crowds, choose spring (March-May). This is considered the shoulder season, offering comfortable temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.

    For the best weather, choose late spring (June) and early fall (September-October). These months boast sunshine, warm temperatures, and minimal rain, making them ideal for enjoying the outdoors. However, these months also coincide with peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and potentially higher prices.

    For fewer crowds and wildlife watching, go in the fall (November-December). The crowds have thinned out significantly by this time, and the chance of rain increases. However, fall offers opportunities to witness migrating whales and elephant seals returning to the California coast.

  • Absolutely! Lake Tahoe is considered one of the premier skiing destinations in North America, and for good reason. Here are 4 reasons why:

    1. Diverse Terrain: With numerous resorts surrounding the lake, you’ll find a vast array of terrain catering to all skill levels, from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging steeps and glades for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
    2. Abundant Snowfall: The region receives an average of 480 inches of annual snowfall, ensuring a consistent and reliable snowpack throughout the winter season.
    3. Plenty of Sunshine: Despite receiving substantial snowfall, Lake Tahoe also boasts an average of nearly 300 days of sunshine annually. This translates to plenty of opportunities to enjoy bluebird days on the slopes.

    Stunning Scenery: Skiing in Lake Tahoe means breathtaking views of the crystal-clear lake framed by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. The combination of snow-capped peaks and the deep blue lake creates a truly unforgettable experience.

  • While Mount Shasta isn’t technically impossible for beginners, it’s not recommended for those without proper preparation, training, and experience. 

    To start, Mount Shasta stands at 14,179 feet, making it a serious high-altitude climb. Beginners are more susceptible to altitude sickness, which can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

    Also, While some routes are considered non-technical, they still involve navigating snowfields, glaciers, and potentially steep inclines, requiring specific skills and equipment.

    Finally, Climbing Mount Shasta is physically strenuous, demanding endurance, strength, and excellent cardiovascular fitness. Beginners might struggle with the long stretches of climbing and the thin air at high altitudes. 

    If you’re set on climbing Mount Shasta, strongly consider hiring a professional guide. They can provide essential training, equipment, and support to ensure a safe and successful summit attempt.

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