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Grinnell Glacier Trail: A Memorable Hike in Glacier National Park
No trip to Glacier National Park is complete without exploring some of the many beautiful trails. And I wanted to experience as much of the park as possible, even if we were only there for a couple of days. When I was searching for the best hikes in Glacier, the one that kept coming up time and time again was the Grinnell Glacier trail. Even though it was a long and fairly strenuous hike, it was one that I knew we had to do–kids included. We tackled this hike as a family with our three kids (ages 12, 10, and 8 at the time), in the snow, and it was…
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Best Hiking Trails for All Skill Levels in Grand Teton
When we went to Grand Teton National Park last summer, I knew I wanted to find some epic hikes to do. And there are plenty of amazing hikes in the Grand Tetons to pick from! Because I had my kids with me, we were somewhat limited. Not so much in their abilities–they are athletic and can handle the hikes. But truthfully, just in the amount of time I would want to listen to them whine about it. Hiking in Grand Teton National Park is one of the best ways to really explore and enjoy all of the beauty this park has to offer. Many of the hikes in the Grand…
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Explore Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park
We spent this summer exploring several national parks and completing many hikes. We hiked to Grinnell Glacier and Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park. We hiked Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park. We hiked to the Prismatic Spring overlook in Yellowstone. But the Delta Lake Wyoming hike in the Grand Tetons was definitely one of my favorites. This hike was the most challenging of them all, but so rewarding when we reached the emerald green lake at the end. If you are interested in the Delta Lake Wyoming hike, I highly recommend you give it a shot. I hiked it with my husband and my kids–ages 12, 10 and 8.…
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Sequoia National Park Guide: Best Hikes, Things to Do & Travel Tips
If you’re planning a trip to Sequoia National Park, you’re in for a real treat. From towering giant sequoias to scenic hikes and unforgettable viewpoints, this park is packed with incredible things to do for families and outdoor lovers alike. There’s a lot you can see simply by driving or parking and taking a short walk, but there are also some excellent hikes in the park. I’ve put together a list of the Sequoia National Park best hikes & attractions that you won’t want to miss on your visit. In this guide to the best things to do in Sequoia National Park, we’re sharing must-see attractions, the best hikes for…
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Glacier National Park to Yellowstone
An 8-Day Itinerary From GNP to Yellowstone to Grand Tetons We just got back from the most epic summer vacation. We went from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone and then to the Grand Teton National Park. Here is our complete itinerary–including where we stayed and what we did. We had the kids with us, and they didn’t hold us back at all. In fact, these parks are some of the best national parks for kids. I will also link to my other posts that go into more detail about each park–there is just too much to share in one post. San Diego to Kalispell We booked one-way flights from San…
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Kids Hiking Boots & Gear: What You Really Need
Hiking is one of our favorite things to do, especially when we’re traveling. Not only is it a great way to get the kids outdoors and moving, it’s a great way to really explore new areas and see more than just what’s visible in a car. But I know firsthand that hiking with kids is not always the easiest or most enjoyable experience. Having the right kids hiking gear, such as boots and Camelbaks, can make a huge difference. I want to point out that one thing I love about hiking is that you don’t really need a ton of stuff. Snacks and water are probably the most basic and…
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Hoopii Falls Trail in Kauai: A Hike for the Whole Family
Two waterfalls, cliffs to jump from, a rope swing… what more could you ask for? Oh, how about also being a location from a famous scene in Jurassic Park? It’s no wonder the Hoopii Falls trail in Kauai was one of my family’s favorite things we did on our family vacation in Kauai. And it definitely makes my list of the 6 most kid-friendly hikes in Kauai. The Hoopii Falls trail in Kauai is a pretty flat 1.8-mile out-and-back hike that takes you to two different waterfalls. Knowing this would be a pretty short hike, we set out to do it between breakfast and lunch, only bringing some snacks. But…
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3 Sisters Falls San Diego
The 3 Sisters Falls San Diego was one hike that I had been wanting to do for quite some time. We finally had a free Saturday to put this hike into motion, but my husband was dealing with a back injury, and I was a bit worried about doing this hike with just my kids. Luckily, a friend and her boys were down to join us, so off we went. A parking permit is not required for the 3 Sisters Falls hike There are a couple of things you should know before you take off. First, there is a lot of mixed information about whether or not you need an…
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Big Pine Lakes: A Must-Do Hike in California
I first stumbled upon pictures of the Big Pine Lakes hike right after returning from hiking in Glacier National Park last summer. I have lived in California for my entire life and still had no idea that beautiful glacier lakes like this existed here. I knew I needed to hike this trail, and 11 months later, I made it happen. If you’re looking for a hike that will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a screensaver, the Big Pine Lakes Trail in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas is one for the bucket list. This is not your average forest loop or hillside stroll — this trail takes you through…
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Kwaay Paay Peak Trail, San Diego
If you’re looking for a hike in San Diego that will get your heartrate up and not take all day, the Kwaay Paay Peak Trail might be just the ticket. The Kwaay Paay Peak Trail is in Mission Trails Regional Park, but doesn’t get nearly as much foot traffic as its popular neighboring peak, Cowles Mountain. And it’s a bit shorter of a hike. But don’t let that fool you. This hike gains 885 ft. during the 1.25 mile journey to the summit–it’s a steep one! Once you have all your hiking essentials loaded up, it’s time to head to the trail. Getting to the Kwaay Paay trail The Kwaay…
