Recently, my 17-year-old son and I took a week-long hiking vacation together. We planned it as a getaway from the everyday noise — a full reset, just the two of us immersed in nature. Each day brought a new trail, a new view, a new conversation. We traveled to Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. The only internet access we had was at the Airbnb each night, otherwise, there was no screen time or schedule to follow. It was just us, eating PB&J sandwiches in the middle of the woods, looking out for bears (WE SAW ONE!) and taking in amazing views.
As we took off into the woods each day, following the map on All Trails (my favorite app!), it always is a reminder how healing and humbling nature is. The first day we were immersed in 2000+ year old Giant Sequoias, hiking 6 miles while being aware there could be a black bear around every corner. Despite that, it was incredibly peaceful. Days 2 & 3 took us into the heart of Yosemite, hiking hard trails over large rocks & boulders, all ending with incredible views (and very sore legs). We hiked to the bottom of El Capitan and stared up at this 3200’ high granite wall and wondered how in the world Alex Honnold climbed it free solo, meaning without gear (check out the movie by clicking here). Our last hike took us into “desolation wilderness” in Lake Tahoe – more rocks, more climbing, more amazing views. We totaled 31 miles of hiking and 6,800 feet of climbing, not including just regular walking around. And oh year, we took a rest day from hiking to go kayaking & hanging out at the beach at Lake Tahoe.
Maybe my idea of a vacation is warped, yet even though it was very active, it was just what we wanted.
We talked. We were quiet. We laughed. We learned. We pushed ourselves. We bonded even more. And we talked about next year – where should we go? I wonder how many more vacations like this I have with him, as in two years high school will be over and who knows what that will bring. But I know for now that he really loves these trips, seeing the country and experiencing new adventures together.
Here are a few lessons we learned on the trail:
- Slow down. You don’t have to rush to get to the top. Sometimes the best parts are in the middle — the wildflowers, the hidden streams, the shared snacks.
- Be present. He doesn’t remember everything nor listen to everything I say, but he remembers how this trip made him feel. Time together, uninterrupted, is everything.
- Push through. When the trail got steep and it was harder on me, my son waited & encouraged me. Years ago, it was the other way around, I waited for him. Not anymore.
- Remember the conversations. The things I heard from my son included: this is so much fun; words can’t describe this; you’re the best; we can do this; we did it. It brings out a side of him I don’t normally see, except when we are in the middle of the deep woods. It makes my eyes fill with tears of joy.
- Celebrate the little wins. Every mile, every funny moment, every hug, every fart on the trail (not by me!) — it all matters.
Nature has a way of reminding that life doesn’t need to be complicated to be beautiful. We are making memories that neither of us will forget.
If you’re ever wondering what kind of vacation to take with your child, I highly recommend getting outside and hiking. It doesn’t have to be a national park. It doesn’t have to be hard. Just pick a path, walk it together, and let nature do the rest. The best souvenirs are the stories & memories you’ll carry with you forever.
