We love to hike, so when our grandchildren visited last year, one of our goals was to introduce them to the love of hiking. The tricks we discovered were to be prepared, build enthusiasm, deliver the promise and keep it fun.
Choose the Right Trail
With our grandchildren ages 6 and 8, choosing the right trail was crucial. Kids naturally love water, so an ocean view was a critical part of our selection. We drove to the overlook at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and chose the Razor Point Trail. It was the perfect choice with wilderness paths leading to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean atop lofty cliffs with miles of gorgeous coastal beach. Surrounded by stunning sandstone formations, the Reserve offers multiple winding trails of varying lengths lined with picturesque pines, desert succulents and wildflowers. Located north of picturesque La Jolla, Razor Point is relatively short and easy, ideal for little legs.
Plan the Hike
The time of day is important for any hike, but because ours was in July, we chose a morning outing before the temperatures spiked. California has a wonderfully temperate climate, but the sun can be direct. We slathered on the sunscreen, donned our sunglasses and brought hats. Comfortable tennis shoes that offer firm footing are a must. So, we left our flip-flops at home!
Provisions
Hiking is great exercise, and kids are like baby birds. They need to be fed often. Great hiking snacks include cheese crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, trail mix and energy bars. Pack what your little tykes like. Just be sure to ration the snacks to have plenty for the return trip. We passed ours out when the kids needed a rest before continuing the adventure. Water in a real canteen was a big hit and we took a few drink boxes as an added treat.
Equipment
Don’t forget binoculars. If you have more than one pair, bring them, otherwise you will be the referee for time-sharing. Binoculars bring land and sea creatures into closer view. A pocket field guide or handout illustrating the local flora and fauna help little ones identify and learn things along the way. A small flashlight was great for additional exploration. Snapping photos with a digital camera added the element of a photo safari, giving the kids the ability to instantly capture many special moments. A small first aid kit rounded out the equipment list for unexpected scrapes, falls or blisters.
The Big Day
Now the fun part: the hike itself. For younger kids, role-playing helps make the hike a magical and unforgettable experience. With our grandchildren, we assigned one to be the scout, the other the ranger. The scout forged ahead on the lookout for trail markers, land and sea creatures and other assorted dangers like pirates, Indians and desperados. The ranger watched our backside, ever alert that we were not being followed by any dangerous elements. Additional roles could include game warden (wildlife discovery and identification) or medic. Outfitted with the necessary equipment, the kids eagerly assumed their roles with enthusiasm. Before we knew it, they were taking the lead, branching out, and leaving the slowpoke adults in the dust. Super excited to explore and find the next rock or hill to climb, they made fascinating discoveries and found the best views.
The closer we got to the ocean, the more excited they became. The pod of dolphins swimming past our vantage point became the crowning moment of the hike. Thank goodness for that second pair of binoculars! Their joyful moments throughout the adventure were immeasurable. By the end of the journey, the kids were tired, hot and dusty, but proud to proclaim their accomplishment. We did it! And months later, they still reminisce about that hike: the views, their roles, the entire experience. One we will never forget as well.
Ready to plan your hike? Here’s a list of San Diego’s best hiking trails.
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Noreen L. Kompanik is an independent travel writer, photographer and San Diego resident. She has a passion for travel, cooking and especially her family.
Published: April 2015
