Empowering Kids Through a 70-Mile Backpacking Adventure

A long-distance journey through the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California created lasting lessons and memories.

When you start calculating how many summers you have left with your kids before they leave the proverbial nest, it can put you in parenting overdrive as you question whether you’ve prepared your brood with all the necessary skills and experiences for life.

The Journey Begins

To teach my boys resilience and self-sufficiency, and to have a wilderness-heavy family bonding experience that they would remember well into adulthood, we backpacked nearly 70 miles on the John Muir Trail, a long-distance romp through the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Some days were toilsome as we climbed up and over peaks, far above the treeline, with sore bodies, blistered feet, and weight on our backs. Yet, the moments when we stopped for a glacial dip in a remote lake or made it to our camp just as the sun dipped below the horizon were outright blissful.

Lessons in Resilience

The lessons we wanted to impart to our boys centered around the notion of “peaks and valleys.” While difficult and trying times will certainly come, they’ll never last forever—the clouds will part, the rain will stop, and the sun will shine again. You can achieve more than you think you can; you can do hard things.

Deciding to embark on a backpacking trip such as this isn’t a decision made lightly. We spent months planning our routes, dehydrating food, and gathering equipment we’d carry on our backs. Additionally, we chose a charity to support, ultimately raising $5,600 for Parkinson’s disease research. My older son got certified in Wilderness Medicine, a skill that he ended up using on the trail to help his little brother when he hurt his finger. We also prepared by practicing our gear on weekend trips.

Emotional Highlights

Emotional souvenirs, permanent imprints in my mind, include seeing my middle son, Sage, with all his gear on, ready to go, as he eyed himself in the hotel mirror before heading out the door. Sun hat: check. Hiking poles: check. I could sense he was more eager than anxious. This same son grew more confident on the trail, often hiking ahead and enjoying his own mini solo adventures.

Overcoming Challenges

Every time we passed someone on the trail, including a wild-eyed man who went by the trail name of “Two Socks,” remarks were made about how amazing it was that our youngest son, Kai, was backpacking on this demanding trail at just 11 years old. Not only did he carry 16 pounds on his back, but he also faced the challenge of keeping pace with his older brothers, who were always well ahead. Thus, he had to develop the mental fortitude to persevere despite the physical hurdles.

My older son, Bridger, was initially hesitant about this quest. He was concerned about missing his friends back home and facing the challenges of camping in the wilderness. However, he is a natural outdoorsman, and despite his initial doubts, he embraced the experience. Midway through the trek, after his phone battery died, he caught his first fish and cooked it for us, achieving a tangible victory.

Mustering the determination to tackle daily summits on the John Muir Trail is challenging for anyone, even without children in tow. We not only had to motivate our boys but also mitigate danger by hiking early to avoid rain and affording plenty of time to reach our next campsite.

Reflections on the Adventure

As we reached the top of Donohue Peak on the eastern border of Yosemite National Park, we celebrated our accomplishment. However, it wasn’t long before dark clouds gathered, and rain began to fall. From our research, we understood the risks of being exposed above the treeline during a lightning storm. When we saw a more experienced Pacific Crest Trail hiker setting up her shelter, we recognized it was time to make a quick decision. We opted to prioritize safety and began our descent cautiously.

At home, I roll a heart-shaped rock that Kai gave me on the trail in my palm. I reflect on how, even after a long day of backpacking, my boys assisted in various tasks like setting up tents, gathering water, and cooking meals. I remember gazing at the star-filled sky that night, feeling a surge of gratitude. The memories of passing through stunning landscapes, encountering wildlife, and even having a close encounter with a bear remind me of our shared adventure. Ultimately, these experiences fostered connections beyond the common challenges of daily life.

Spending time in nature has a way of slowing down time, allowing for meaningful connections. Soon, my boys will transition into adulthood and step out of my protective wing, but I cherish these lasting memories, hopeful they will embrace adventure as they create their own lives filled with passion and curiosity.