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Although my four children are not new to backpacking, our weekend backpacking trip to Spring Canyon in Capital Reef National Park stands out as the first time my two oldest donned their own backpacks and carried some of their own gear. Topping out at about 7 pounds they each hauled rain gear, hat, jacket, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and water. What was it like? Did they enjoy it? Would they go again? Well, what better way to find out then to see what they had to say about it.
Forester, 5 years old:
“It was really fun, even though I didn’t use my plain backpack, I used my different, new backpack. It was pretty bigger than my other one. It was kind of fun, even though sometimes I got sand in my shoe and I had to get it out myself. My favorite part about the hike was that I got stronger — because when your legs are hurting that means that they’re getting stronger. But sometimes I was tired of hiking and my aunt held my hand and we told stories and tried to beat Uncle Jordan, and we won.
After we got to our camp I tried to climb a tree and my dad helped me get up onto a branch that my sister was on. And I even found some rocks that are made out of sand and you can break them really easily. It was hard but it was fun and now I’m stronger so next time I’ll be even better.”
Ilana, 8 years old:
“It was my first time carrying my own stuff. The belt was kind of tight and I wasn’t used to it. But I still liked having my own backpack and carrying my own things, even some special toys. Guess what, we did not camp at a regular campground when we were there, instead we camped in a flashflood place (a dry riverbed), on the river bank. The sand made it really soft to sleep on.
My brother and I climbed a big tree in our campsite. My favorite part was getting there and resting. I was sad that I wasn’t old enough to climb up on a really high ledge in the cliff with my mom and dad, but it was fun watching them get up there.
Backpacking was a hard thing to do and challenging, and fun. I want to do it again, and maybe when I’m a grown-up I can climb up on the ledge, too.”
Kid Friendly Backpacking Tip: Take frequent, short breaks, with plenty of snacks along the way (kids burn more energy than you do and need the carbs to keep going). As part of this, set visual goals for the next break, when you can. Kids lose all sense of time when they’re working so hard, so help them keep it in context with a landmark or “the length of a story” you tell them or have them tell you.
For more on the trip and how to gear-out a family of six, be sure to check out the accompanying articles: Backpacking with six in Capital Reef , and Backpacking with Six—Truth About Gear .
IF YOU GO:
Capital Reef National Park
Ranger Station: 435-425-3791
Nearest town: Torrey, UT
Directions from I-15:
Take US Highway 50 east at Scipio (exit 188) towards Salina for 30 miles. At the junction with Utah State Highway 89/259, turn right (south) and travel 8 miles. Turn left (east) onto Utah State Highway 24 towards Sigurd. Continue on Highway 24 for 82 miles to reach the park Visitor Center. No matter where you wind up hiking, you need to stop in there for a permit anyway, and the rangers will be happy to direct you to a trail best suited to your abilities and time.
For more information go to the official park website: www.nps.gov/care/index.htm |
