Don't Miss an Opportunity to Hike with Your Grandkids

I want to talk about something a bit more personal today. I suppose it would be under the topic of “leaving a legacy”. It’s not part of your estate. It’s not anything tangible. But it is something of value that can be passed directly from one generation to the next.

If you have grandkids or maybe other younger people in your life, I urge you to never pass up an opportunity to hike with them. For those who can’t or don’t hike: Don’t miss an opportunity to spend one-on-one time with them in nature. 

The window to share these moments opens quietly, and before you know it, it closes, and you may never get another chance.

It’s Not the Miles, It’s the Moments

When experienced hikers think of a 'hike,' our brains often jump to gear, distance, elevation gain, and vista views. We think about logging miles, climbing summits, and having the right gear to do it all.

When we step onto the trail with a grandchild, we have to throw that mindset right out the window. Because it’s no longer about those things; the prize changes.

A child has little understanding of what a mile is or how much work 1000 feet of elevation is. But when they stop to inspect a unique bug or plant, balance along a fallen log, and throw rocks into a creek - it becomes an experience in the wild; it’s exploring; it’s a whole different world. This isn’t time staring at a screen playing a game or helping grandpa with some chores. It’s more special and memorable than that. 

When we go on a hike with young ones who have never really experienced nature, it’s good to slow down to make room for moments, for those first-time experiences they will never have again. And when we do that:

• We give them room to develop curiosity and experience nature's wonder. 
• We create a memory directly connected to grandpa or grandma.
• We also help open their mind to how incredible the trail is when we stop measuring it against big goals.

You won't find this in a textbook or on a screen. These are forever moments. These are what will become part of your legacy.  

Passing On the Unspoken Lesson

The magic of hiking with grandkids isn't just about showing them trees, rocks, and views. We also teach without speaking a word. They watch everything we do.

• When you pack out a piece of trash someone else left, they learn stewardship. 
• When you stop at an intersection to check a map, they learn preparation and awareness. 
• When you take a breath at the top of a hill and appreciate the view, they learn how to be present.
• When you stop to make room for those coming up the trail, they learn trail etiquette.
• When you greet every hiker you pass along the trail and wish them a good hike, they learn about community. 

They won't remember much if you’re preaching at them, but they'll definitely take mental notes when they see you respecting nature and other hikers. And they’ll also remember how safe and confident they felt with you on the trail.

Tips for a Successful Trail Day with Kids

When you plan a trip with your grandkids, here are three quick ground rules to make sure everyone has a blast:

1. Let them set the pace: Let them lead the way whenever it's safe. It gives them a sense of ownership and keeps them engaged. For more technical parts of the trail, you may want to lead so they can watch and learn how to navigate difficult terrain. 

2. Pack double the snacks: Food on the trail is half the fun. A simple snack break on a flat rock can turn into the highlight of their day.

3. Leave plenty of time for 'detours': If they want to spend twenty minutes looking at a bird’s nest or skipping stones, let it happen. The destination isn’t the point.

I went on a short hike with my youngest grandson recently. We went up a couple of small mountains in the foothills near my house. We had a little snack along the way. We enjoyed a couple of views of the city. We admired rock formations. On any other day, that trail is a short 4-mile mini-workout for me. But on that day, as we were heading back to the car, he told me - unsolicited - it was the “best day ever” and that we should do this every time he comes to visit. That was a win! 

The Legacy We Leave Behind

Years from now, our grandkids won't remember the exact trail name or how many miles were on the sign. But they will remember the smell of pine trees, the sound of water, the taste of trail mix, that rock outcrop, and the feeling that their grandparent cared enough to share those moments with them.

So next time you're heading out—or planning your next weekend outdoor trip—reach out. Bring them along. Make the time. You'll never regret a single mile you shared together. And you’ll give your grandchild a treasure they can keep forever.