Our Summer Alaska Adventure
For the 4th year in a row, we have been so lucky to spend a week of our summer with friends who live in Texas. My son, being an only child looks forward to this week with his two buddies
Category: outdoorfamily
10 Unexpected Life Lessons From My 11 Year Old on the John Muir Trail
A few years ago, I hiked 180 miles of the 211+ mile John Muir Trail (JMT) with my 11 year old son. The JMT runs through the Eastern Sierra mountains in California, starting from Yosemite Valley to the summit of
Backpacking the Rae Lakes Loop: Everything You Need to Know
Backpacking the Rae Lakes Loop in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI) is one of the best multi-day backpacking trips you can do in California. This is an awesome and challenging backpacking route – perfect for backpackers looking for
Hiking the John Muir Trail: Everything You Need to Know for 2025
More than 1,500 people attempt to walk the entire John Muir Trail every year. A bit more than half of them succeed in a good year, with less than a third making it through in a year with natural challenges
Backpacking In California: 23 Amazing Spots You Must Visit
Our two favorite things to do in the outdoors in California is hike and camp. Why not combine the two with a backpack camping trip? We know camping in Southern California is very popular with families to couples and folks
The Best Hiking Gear for Kids Who Love Adventuring
One of the things we have done as a family almost from day 1 was hike together. Through many years and hundreds of miles of adventuring on easy toddler hikes to epic backpacking trips, we have narrowed down the best
Antarctica Cruise Review: Antarctica21 Cruise with Adventure Life Travel
Antarctica has been on the top of my dream wish list for decades now. But honestly I didn’t think I would ever have the opportunity to visit because I just didn’t know when I would have the tens of thousands
Hawaii with UnCruise: A Unique, Off the Beaten Path Adventure
What is the best way to see Hawaii? In the past I would have told you that it was by car and/or foot – our two favorite modes of transportation. However, after our recent small ship sailing with UnCruise Adventures,
Where to Find Snow Near Los Angeles That Kids Will Love
Are you looking for the best places to find snow near Los Angeles? So were we! Now we have found all the best places in Southern California to play and share them here with you. The beauty of living in
Rebun And Rishiri Islands: Japan’s Unbelievably Unique Northernmost Islands
Do busy intersections, white faced geishas and red torii gates flood your mind when you think of a trip to Japan? That is the common thought of the country, however, there is so much more to discover in Japan when
Seeking Out the Beauty of Mammoth Lakes Fall Colors
Did you know that you can find fall colors in California? While New England wins hand down for the best fall colors, those of us on the west coast can also cash in on this fall favorite. Mammoth Lakes fall
13 Amazing Things to Do in La Fortuna Costa Rica (+ Arenal)
If you are going to Costa Rica it is my guess you will make a visit to the adventure capital and want to find out all the top things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica! With an abundance of
15 Amazing Things to Do in Big Bear – Summer Edition
Often only thought of as Southern California’s place to play in the snow, there are a ton of great things to do in Big Bear throughout the year. As the heat of the summer sets in, Big Bear is the
The Most Useful 3-5 Day Backpacking Packing List
Are you planning your first backpacking trip (or your 100th) and looking to get your backpacking packing list sorted? You have come to the right place. I am a super list maker and love sharing my lists with others! After
Hiking & Backpacking the Epic Big Pine Lakes Trail in California
Big Pine Lakes Trail in California is one of the most beautiful hikes you can do in the United States. Whether you are day hiking or backpacking Big Pine Lakes, the view once you reach the glacial lakes will take
Bay Harbor Lodge Key Largo | Terrific Cottages That You Will Love
If you are looking for a unique place to stay on a Florida Keys road trip that is full of character and charm, then you must check out Bay Harbor Lodge Key Largo also known as Coconut Bay Resort Key
13 Affordable But Spectacular Things To Do In Page Arizona
Are you heading to Arizona? If so you must visit the little town that has blown up in recent years. There are so many things to do in Page Arizona that you will need to plan a few days to
Ultimate Guide to the Best Hiking in Los Angeles (2023)
Would you ever have guessed that hiking in Los Angeles is *the* thing to do here? We were so surprised to learn this when we moved here 9 years ago. Traffic, yes. Celebrities, of course. But hiking? Yes! it is
Yosemite in Winter: Everything You Need to Know to Visit California’s Most Popular Park (2023)
Yosemite National Park is one of our favorite places in California to visit in spring and summer. However, visiting Yosemite in winter is even more magical if you are up for the adventure. After tons of visits to Yosemite throughout
Best Kids Ski Gear for Warmth & Comfort on the Slopes
Coming from Southern California, we are wimps when it comes to the cold. Through our years of ski trips, we have come up with a great list of the best kids ski gear to keep the littles warm and comfortable