My Boys First Backpacking Trip (Colorado Bend SP, Nov 2-3, 2023)
Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2023 5:11 pm
Well, I guess I'll start.
I took my 2 youngest boys, 12 and 7, on their first true backpacking trip November 2nd-3rd. We went to Colorado Bend SP and camped for a night in the River Backpacking Area primitive sight.
It was an easy hike, little less than a mile but we hiked everything in, no cheating. I had them carry their own food and water and we spread their gear across them both, I only helped a little.
We had tried to do the same a few week prior but I had over estimated the hike to Gorman Falls. See, the plan was to check out the falls then hike to our camping spot. It was too hot and they boys were over it by the time we got back to the truck. 2.5 miles on rocky terrain. It was worth it though, the falls were somehow still running and it was nice and cool by the water. This time I decided to just hike in to our camping spot then we could do some exploration.
Somehow I managed to book the day before they close for a week for drawn hunts AND it was Thursday so we had the entire backpacking area to ourselves, all 8 spots were vacant.
So, we hike to R3, our campsite, in less than 30 mins and set up. The boys were sleeping together in my Litefighter 1 man tent, they're still small enough and I pitched a plow point per usual. We sat down, drank some water and went hiking. The boys chased a few armadillos, climbed some trees, tested out walkie talkie ranges and explored the river.
After all that it was nearing dinner time so we all had some Mountain House Lasagna and Meat Sauce meals, hot chocolate and hung out till it about 9pm when we all laid down.
The weather was perfect, high in the low 60s and a low that night in the low 40s. I let them use my 30⁰ Enlightened Equipment quilt and before we knew it the sun was peaking up over the Colorado River cliffs.
Dad made an "oof" and forgot breakfast but I had some candy, close enough. More hot chocolate and we pack up and hike out.
They handled it great, the 12 year old, Wessley, said he wants to do it again so I'm all excited and bought him a good backpack, an Osprey Talon 36 S/M. I'm already planning trips, I've been waiting 12 years for this.
Anyway here are some pics
I took my 2 youngest boys, 12 and 7, on their first true backpacking trip November 2nd-3rd. We went to Colorado Bend SP and camped for a night in the River Backpacking Area primitive sight.
It was an easy hike, little less than a mile but we hiked everything in, no cheating. I had them carry their own food and water and we spread their gear across them both, I only helped a little.
We had tried to do the same a few week prior but I had over estimated the hike to Gorman Falls. See, the plan was to check out the falls then hike to our camping spot. It was too hot and they boys were over it by the time we got back to the truck. 2.5 miles on rocky terrain. It was worth it though, the falls were somehow still running and it was nice and cool by the water. This time I decided to just hike in to our camping spot then we could do some exploration.
Somehow I managed to book the day before they close for a week for drawn hunts AND it was Thursday so we had the entire backpacking area to ourselves, all 8 spots were vacant.
So, we hike to R3, our campsite, in less than 30 mins and set up. The boys were sleeping together in my Litefighter 1 man tent, they're still small enough and I pitched a plow point per usual. We sat down, drank some water and went hiking. The boys chased a few armadillos, climbed some trees, tested out walkie talkie ranges and explored the river.
After all that it was nearing dinner time so we all had some Mountain House Lasagna and Meat Sauce meals, hot chocolate and hung out till it about 9pm when we all laid down.
The weather was perfect, high in the low 60s and a low that night in the low 40s. I let them use my 30⁰ Enlightened Equipment quilt and before we knew it the sun was peaking up over the Colorado River cliffs.
Dad made an "oof" and forgot breakfast but I had some candy, close enough. More hot chocolate and we pack up and hike out.
They handled it great, the 12 year old, Wessley, said he wants to do it again so I'm all excited and bought him a good backpack, an Osprey Talon 36 S/M. I'm already planning trips, I've been waiting 12 years for this.
Anyway here are some pics