outdoors family

Backpacking the Beautiful Little Lakes Valley Trail (Near Rock Creek)

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Little Lakes Valley in the Eastern Sierras is one of the most beautiful hikes in the high sierra and one our favorite backpacking hikes in California with kids and for beginners. This beautiful hike follows along a creek, passes several pristine alpine lakes and offers gorgeous scenery without too much hard work. This is almost … Read more

Camping with Kids: 7 Fantastic Tips for a Successful Trip

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People say that you cannot go camping with kids. That it will be a nightmare. It’s dangerous. No one will sleep. Yes, I won’t lie, camping with kids is a lot of work and more challenging than without children, but if you plan accordingly, take your time and enjoy the wonder through your child’s eyes you will have a wonderful time. And even if you don’t, they will! Follow these tips for your next camping trip and you will be well on the way to a successful camping with kids experience.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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The Old West Revisited in Philipsburg Montana with Mining, Hiking & More

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Montana is known as a nature lovers paradise and the treasure state, but what it also holds dear are traditions of the past. In Philipsburg Montana you can not only experience beautiful scenery, but also life in an old western town now dubbed as a ghost town full of a rich history worth exploring.  If you only have time for one adventure on your Yellowstone or Montana vacation, this is the place to go! 

Here you can go sapphire mining, stroll through an old ghost town mining camp, go fly fishing and so much more. The adorable town lined with antique storefronts and shops make Philipsburg a picturesque start to any adventure in the state.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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Guide to a Mojave National Preserve Camping Trip

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Thinking of a Mojave National Preserve camping trip? If you read our post on Exploring the Mojave Preserve, you might remember that the basic premise for this park is a place for self discovery, adventure and exploration. This extends to where you will stay as well. Given that there is no town anywhere nearby and the park itself does not provide any accommodation options, camping is essentially the only option if you wish to really explore the park rather than just driving through.

Researching for our first visit to Mojave felt daunting as there seemed to be little information or photos on where to stay. Therefore, I thought I would outline some of the possible options for camping in the Mojave National Preserve that we came across during our visit.

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Guide to Channel Islands National Park (with Kids)

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Guide to Channel Islands National ParkCalifornia is home to 28 national parks and sites scattered throughout the state. From the iconic Half Dome in Yosemite, to the desolate in Death Valley and the big trees in the North at the Redwoods, there is no shortage of vast beauty in California’s parks.

One of the last few remaining parks that we had yet to visit in Southern California was the Channel Islands National Park off the Ventura County Coast. Being so remote, accessible only by boat or small plane, it is one of the least visited national parks in the state and country. As such, it has been left largely undisturbed for much of it’s history, showcasing a pristine coastal Mediterranean ecosystem.

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National Parks with Kids: A How To Guide

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America’s national park system is one of the greatest assets we have in this country, and is often the most underutilized. Growing up I never stepped foot in a national park. I didn’t even know anything about them until I fell in love with Ansel Adam’s photography in high school. But even then it seemed … Read more

Camping at Malibu Creek State Park

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Malibu Creek State ParkMalibu Creek State Park is a favorite weekend destination for hikers and bicyclists throughout the Los Angeles area. It also happens to be the closest campground to downtown LA, which makes its a great camping destination for families looking for an adventure without the drive. Upon first glance, it looks a bit bland, especially if you arrive in the parched summer months. Granted, it’s not as glamorous as nearby Leo Carrillo, but it does offer some great trails, guaranteed animal sightings and outdoor adventure for families. There really is much more than meets the eye with camping at Malibu Creek State Park.

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