Hiking with children

[phxprincess25]

Hello everyone! I'm brand new to the hiking community. I moved here a few years ago and have a 2 year old. I was wondering if anyone could direct me to some hikes that are compatible for 2 year olds. He loves being outside and I would love to introduce him to hiking as I used to before I got pregnant with him. I would appreciate any and all information you have. Thanks and here's to happy hiking!

[Daryl]

I've taken kids on west fork before and they loved it.
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[windymesa]

phxprincess25:

Most 2 year olds aren't motivated to hike long distances... or drive long distances to get to a good hike. The best thing I have found for this age group is to get a backpack kid carrier. The kid carrier is a great compromise... you get to cover some country, and the kids love to ride in it (and usually fall asleep in it), and when you stop to rest, they can get out and play in the dirt, and dink around looking at things, or chase grasshoppers. They are not very goal oriented, so I would avoid the Rim to Rim Grand Canyon hikes . Little kids love to explore and learn about thier new world... so I have taken the less than 5 year olds to, for example.. the Bonito Campground near the Sunset Crater visitor center, and let them hike off trail, and let them go where ever they want to go and explore. They are quite fancinated by discovering new things at that age... elk droppings, rocks, leaves, bugs, etc... take along a bug container. You are thier mentor, and it is their age of discovery, so keep them off of the trails some... trails are the interstates of the wilderness, and are quite boring. For a more remote experience, camp in the forest a mile or so off your access point, and let them explore from this camp without the confinement and conformity of trails. Slow down to thier pace, and enjoy them and what they will teach you, they are 2 years old only once.

windy

[Shawn]

The poet speaks.
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

[MikeInFHAZ]

there are dozens of hikes that work for kids. A two year old should have no trouble at Canyon Creek, Aravaipa, West Fork, or any other handful of riparian (and I suggest this because there are numerous interests... frogs, bugs, butterflies, birds, and water) areas close to Phx.
Our firstborn's hike was into Barbershop canyon while using a Moby Wrap and I carried the pack.
His second backpack is going to be Aravaipa from the west end and we are also bringing the little sister.

I suggest looking at HAZ (hikearizona.com-see the menu bar labeled "navigation" then under "perks", click on "novice hikes"- that is a good start.) or purchasing a book about hiking with children, as there are several either based on the subject or including additional commentary. Here's one for ya: short hikes
and even not specific to AZ but full of tips: outdoor tips
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