We love to hike especially when it’s green outside. I am so glad that we decided to be a hiking family. It wasn’t always this way. When we went to New Zealand (many years ago) with my husband we did not finish some of the hikes because I never did any long hikes before. Shortly after that we decided to take our children hiking with us because there is so much more you can see when you decide to walk a beaten path. At first we did shorter hikes but then with time we did steeper and longer hikes. I often hear young parents say that they can’t go hiking until their children are older. I totally get it but I’ve learned over the years that if you start them young it can be very enjoyable. With our last two we started taking them on hikes with us since they were less than 1 month old. When they were younger we carried them in a carry backpack. As they got older we carried them less and less. Now they all walk on their own and everyone who passes by us smiles and tells our 8 and 5 year olds that they are doing a great job. I’m impressed with them myself. They walk on trails that some adults struggle. Who am I kidding Flag Hill Trail (our recent hike) they did better than I. They were running up the hill when all I wanted to do was take a break.
We hope to encourage you to start taking your children hiking at a young age.
Briones Regional Park
It has been raining all week and since this was the first glimpse of sunshine we put on our hiking shoes and did what we love most : hiked. Briones Regional Park has 47 miles of trails and 4 lagoons which means that there are variety of wildlife to see. We saw newts and many different kinds of birds here. Cattle roam these hills so while you might not see many others crossing your path you can be sure to cross the path of a group of cattle. They are harmless. We have never been on such a muddy trail as this before and to be completely honest with you, we loved it. I know it sounds crazy but there is something rewarding about a muddy adventure because getting your shoes stuck and dirty always brings lots of laughter if you decided to make the most of it. You won’t want to miss the Mickey tree above a lagoon. There are also plenty of benches to choose from so bring your lunch and enjoy this magical place.
Getting here: Once your on Interstate 80 going west take Interstate 680 South to Highway 4. Then take 4 west to the Alhambra exit in Martinez and follow the signs to the park.
Sunol Regional Wilderness
There are different trails that you can choose from at Sunol Regional Wilderness which is great because that means we will be back soon to explore the others. We usually do one trail when we hike with children. The last thing we want to do is to have our children dread the thought of hiking. We chose to walk up hill on the way up and walk down hill on the way down. We find it’s easier to walk upwards when we still have energy during the first part of the hike. This hike is 1.26 miles one way. At first this hike seemed easy and I was even thinking that we should do another hike but the further we went the steeper it got and while our 5 year old Eve was running, the rest of us could hardly catch our breath. The view at the top of Flag Trail Hill is worth all that work to get up the steep trail. Wow, are the green rolling hills and path breathtaking. It was very windy at the top and we sure felt that the wind could carry us away if we were lighter. We found a spot that was not windy and we choose to eat lunch near wild flowers. Now on this trail you have to go down the same path that you went up on. It was actually harder going down because you want to run down so you are constantly breaking with your feet.
Our ultralight/watertight medical kit is from Adventure Medical Kits
Our Pendleton throw is from Down Lite Bedding.
Our lunchbox is from Yumbox
Do you enjoy hiking? If you have children do you take them along with you? I’d love to hear from you. 🙂
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Daniella
Omg YES I love hiking. My wife and I try to go atleast 3 times a week at the local hiking trails near us. It is so fun and beautiful.
robin rue
What a great place to take the family for a hike. We love hiking and my kids would have a blast there.
Sona Jain
Lovely! I love national parks! They are so fresh and refreshing! I am planning to see a few in my New Zealand trip! Can’t wait after seeing your pictures
Anne
this looks fun. thats one thing I miss here in vegas. I need more trees to see lol! Definitely a great time to bond with the rest of the family!
Laura
This looks like an amazing hike! I love all the wonderful photos you took! If I ever make it up that way I will definitely have to check out those trails! What a wonderful experience for you and your family!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
What a beautiful place to hike! All of those hills, and that luscious green grass. We don’t really have many places to hike where we live, and unless you go in January, it’s just far too hot. But we love to get outside like that when we can!
Allison
How fun! it looks like you had a wonderful time and the photos are gorgeous!
Janel B
Looks like a beautiful place to explore the great outdoors. I bet the kids had fun getting all muddy too.
Kristina
Beautiful pictures! I will have to see if there is a place here I can take my family hiking! It looks like a lot of fun, good exercise and family fun activity!
Jeanine
This would be a fun family outting with the kids. They love the outdoors especially with the warm weather coming!
Ana De- Jesus
I agree. When it comes to things like hikes, doing longer hikes from a younger age will really help them to love and appreciate it x
Elizabeth O.
This is such a beautiful place to spend time with your family and it’s perfect for picnics as well. It’s a great way to just have fun with the kids and catch up with what’s going on in their lives.
Amanda Love
Wow! The view is stunning and the weather is perfect. It’s definitely a lovely place to spend a day in. I think the kids will have so much fun running around and just hanging out.
Jessica Joachim
It has been a very long time since I have been hiking. I used to go with my parents when I lived in North Carolina. I would love to have my kids experience it when they get a little bigger as well.
Jalisa
My husband is t a huge hiker but I love biking. These pictures look like you have had a great time.
Jenny
Such beautiful pictures. I love hiking but we live in FL so we can only truly hike when we go on vacation. Having family adventures outdoors in nature are the best though!
Cindy Ingalls
Hiking is great exercise, but it’s also a fun way to spend time with the family. I love being outdoors enjoying the fresh air and exploring all the world has to offer.
Nikki
Wow, that is such a stunning place to hike! I love all your pictures, makes me want to get out there and explore!
Jean
This looks like a lovely family time! I’ve never really hiked but after reading your post it is definitely something I would like to start to do. Its great that you can do this with your whole family and it is brilliant that you were able to take your children from such a young age.
Nikki Arnold
You have found some beautiful places to hike!! I also started taking my kids hiking young. My 6 year old did a few mile hike this summer with me.
Chanel van Reenen
What gorgeous photos you have! I love getting outside with the family and experiencing nature together. It is so important!
katriza
Wow what a beautiful place to go hiking! Looks like your family had a lot of fun! I love this kind of family bonding! I hope to do a lot of this with my kids this summer 🙂
Heather
Wow, what a fun hike! The green is gorgeous. I’m sure my family would enjoy this too.
Katrina gehman
great photos. looks like it was an awesome adventure! i cant wait to be able to hike again.
Angela Bethea
This is absolutely wonderful! It really looks like you and your family had so much fun on your adventure. Your photos are truly lovely!
HilLesha O'Nan
Beautiful pictures! My family and I enjoy hiking in the warmer months, but I haven’t really done much I get tired and sore so easily due to pregnancy. However, I look forward to doing more in the summer!
krystal
what a great place to take your family to learn about the outdoors! Looks like a beautiful place to visit.