Kids backpacking trip recommendations.

Hi All,

My friend and I are looking to take our two six year old boys on a first "backpacking" trip. I would like to hit a lake or two if possible and was thinking of the lakes basin area near gold lake. Hike into Smith lake on night one them grass lake on day two. It seems like a short hike but i have not done it before. Anyone else have experience with this route?

If not l, any recommendations for a trip that might work with somewhat kid friendly conditions.

Thanks in advance.

Phil


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I've been to Penner lake and there was a bunch of kids both times. Lots of lakes in the area. I think it's about 4 miles. Not flat but not extreme.

Annadel, Armstrong woods, pt Reyes ...some of my favs for kids...

WTG Dads!
Have fun and enjoy the memories in the making 

May Lake in Yosemite is fun.  Pretty short and easy hike from the bus stop near the trailhead.  There are ways to make it into a nice one-way hike using the free bus.  I've exited from May lake, and hiked in over three days from the Tuolumne Meadows trailhead, passing through Glen Aulin.  One night at Glen Aulin, one night at May Lake.  It can get a little tough on some spots of you do the pass through.  Lots of switchbacks if you go east to west.  To my memory it's more gradual uphill heading West to east.  However, it was my fiancées first backpacking trip, and the first for my brother and I in five years, so not too bad.

Edit: just found this.  we didn't do the mount hoffman hike.

http://www.hikerly.com/yosemite-backpack-glen-aulin-to-may-lake-plus-mount-hoffman3-days-18-6-miles-4537-ft/

Lovers Leap. Twin Bridges, CA.
No lake. Great views. Effort/Payoff ratio.....10.

I'm not sure where you're located so don't know how far this is from you but a group of us are taking our kids to Twin Lakes near Huntington Lake by China Peak Ski Resort. I haven't done it yet but talking to others everyone says it is pretty mellow and good fishing at the second, bigger lake.

Thanks everyone for all of the recommendations. we are going out next weekend so I will try and send back some sort of trip report. I plan on strapping my rod to the pack but backpacking with two 5 year olds it will likely not get a ton of use. If we have any luck I will report in.

Wish I was a more active poster here but I only get out on the yak once a month or so with occasional success.

Such a great community of people though. I asked on one other fishing site and did not get a single reply.


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We started my kids when my daughter was 3 and my son was six.  Best advice I got is what I'll share with you.  Keep the packs light, the distances short and the stops to watch the butterflies frequent.  What makes an awesome trip for your kids won't necessarily be the same thing for you.  Keep it light and fun and they will be your backpacking buddies forever.  My son is now 15 and my daughter 12 and we go again on our first summer trip in two weeks.   Enjoy!!


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Our family has spent a lot of time camping in Lakes Basin, mostly car camping at Sardine lake. However, when my oldest son (now 13) was 5 years old I "backpacked" with him to the Cub Lake/Silver Lake area.  We did one night there and then did a couple of short day hikes the next day to fish other lakes.  It is an awesome area and you can't go wrong there. 

My advice would be to be flexible with the kids endurance.  The area would make it easy for you to pick a route with one, two, or more small lakes along your route.  For example, you could park near the Gold Lake Lodge and take a route that will take you past Big & Little Bear Lakes,  Cub Lake, Silver Lake, and even Round Lake.  This route can be done as an out and back or as a loop. 

Just make sure to gauge how they're doing and stop at the appropriate lake before they get too tired.  I've made the mistake of pushing to hard and the result was not fun!  This will make it more enjoyable for everyone and you will also get an idea on how far they can go when planning your next trip!

Most of all have fun! 

Thanks everyone for all of the recommendations. we are going out next weekend so I will try and send back some sort of trip report. I plan on strapping my rod to the pack but backpacking with two 5 year olds it will likely not get a ton of use. If we have any luck I will report in.

Wish I was a more active poster here but I only get out on the yak once a month or so with occasional success.

Such a great community of people though. I asked on one other fishing site and did not get a single reply.


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Where did you decide to go?

Check out the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness up above Fresno. There are NUMEROUS lakes within a small area, so you can take your pick. Just hike until you or the kids get tired, then stop at the next lake on the trail. Nice rainbow trout to be had, too.


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Sorry I never updated this thread. We ended up sticking with our original
plan and have the other spots mentioned on the calendar for next year, just want a little more time to research them.

The trip went great. Stopped in Truckee on the way up for a bite and beer before we hit the "backcountry"

As for the hike, it had a few mild hills to add a bit of challenge for the kids without being hard. We were the only ones camping as well.

The only challenge was the mosquitos we're thick!

Had a great time and we are looking forward to a late spring trip next year.






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That lox gr8.  cannot wait to take my son for same 

Very cool!  Nice job, one for the book, a story to pass on!