Baby Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy

HIKE : Twin Falls MILEAGE : 2.6 miles roundtrip We went past the typical end point (the trail continues) and went 3-3.25 miles roundtrip ELEVATION GAIN : 500 feet SEASON : early Summer PARKING : There is a lot at the end of a half-mile road, and parking alongside the road to the lot. THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND : You need a Discover Pass here. MORE INFO : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/twin-falls-state-park   06.01.2019 The Squish is 1.5 months old (11 weeks) Hike #5 This was such a special hike, because The Squish and I joined his Aunt Angie (Aaron's sister) for this one! There were a lot of cars, but I don't remember it feeling like the trail was crowded . Everyone was friendly, and there were places to pull to the side of the trail to pass/be passed. The Squish slept for part of the hike, but was definitely more alert this time! He really enjoyed watching the trees and bushes right to the side of the trail. There weren't many non-carrier spots on th...

HIKE : Poo Poo Point MILEAGE : 3.8 miles roundtrip ELEVATION GAIN : 1760 feet SEASON : late Spring PARKING : small lot, 30 cars maximum--no easy access alternate parking options. You. Will. Be fighting for parking on weekends and/or all days in the summer THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND : You will not find solitude along this hike, no matter the season. It's steep, but short. If you take it easy, it's manageable by most. There are para-gliders often in the summer, or the obscure nice days in the off-season(s). No water sources, most of the time. MORE INFO :https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/poo-poo-point-chirico-trail 05.19.2019 The Squish is 2 months old Hike #4 This is arguably my favorite local hike. If not my favorite, then my most familiar. I did this hike no less than15 times in the year 2018. Honestly, it was only a matter of time before we shlepped The Squish up it. Now that he was becoming more aware, it was the perfect time! We had to wait a while to ge...

HIKE : Lake Serene (option for an addition 1.0 mile (roundtrip) and +500 ft gain to Bridal Veil Falls, 1.7 miles in) MILEAGE : 7.2 miles roundtrip ELEVATION GAIN : 2000 feet SEASON : late Spring (wildflower season!!) PARKING : pretty decent-sized parking lot, with additional parking along the road THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND : It is not likely you'll find solitude along this hike, unless hiking at obscure times, or maybe in the winter. There are stairs, and stairs, and more stairs, on this hike! A majority of the trail is shaded, but it is a workout, so while you may be warm, be mindful of the lack of sun, and chilly breezes for babies/kids not hiking! MORE INFO : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lake-serene 05.11.2019 The Squish is 8 weeks old Hike #3 "I always forget how hard this hike is, until we do it again." Aaron started out carrying The Squish, but at the first breastfeeding/diaper-changing break, we realized Aaron was sweating enough that it wa...

HIKE : Sage Hills Trail (options for 1-15 miles roundtrip) MILEAGE : 4.0 miles roundtrip (for us) ELEVATION GAIN : 1000 feet SEASON : late Spring (wildflower season!!) PARKING : one lot has only 4 spots (the one we parked at) There are also 2 other lots (both small) THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND : There are no trees, so no natural shade coverage is null, unless there are clouds forecasted (not likely for this trail). We used sunscreen, after getitng the OK from our pediatrician. We went on a weekend during peak season, and didn't feel like there were that  many people; although, that could be due to the small parking areas, also. Solitude is definitely felt on this trail.  There aren't many places to naturally pull off of the trail and have lunch. We found one, ate lunch, breastfed the baby, and changed a diaper. But it wasn't the most comfortable. MORE INFO :  https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/sage-hills 04.28.2019 The Squish is 7 weeks old Hike #2 We were real...

HIKE : Wallace Falls Trail (options for lower, middle, upper falls) MILEAGE : lower falls (4.0 miles roundtrip), middle falls (5.0 miles roundtrip) , upper falls (5.8 miles roundtrip) ELEVATION GAIN : 1000 feet SEASON : late Spring PARKING : decent parking lot; however, in peak season (summer, free State park days, nice spring/fall days) expect to have to search/wait for a spot. THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND : Wallace Falls state Park is out near Gold Bar, which tends to be a little colder than city temps. Paired with the fact that babies/kids aren't going to be moving and keeping warm like we are when carried, layering is super important. at the lower falls, there is a shelter with picnic benches, perfect for eating lunch and/or breastfeeding . It's often crowded, and solitude is hard to come by, so either be perfectly fine breastfeeding in public (go, mom!) or bring a cover if it makes you more comfortable. MORE INFO :  https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/wallace-falls ...