Family Grand Canyon Backpacking

Right after Christmas, we decided to take a quick backcountry trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. We had only been to the Canyon once before during our COVID summer roadtrip, but had never ventured more than 2 miles down the Bright Angel trail. We flew to Phoenix and drove a rental car toContinue reading “Family Grand Canyon Backpacking”

Scout Packrafting Boquillas Canyon

Austin Troop 33 has a rugged tradition of heading to West Texas every January over MLK weekend for a mini-high-adventure. This year, we were back at Big Bend NP. The national parks rules and regulations increase the complexity of scout adventures in Big Bend. For this trip we needed to obtain a “Special Use Permit”Continue reading “Scout Packrafting Boquillas Canyon”

Family Rafting Adventure on the Lower Salmon River

This summer, we took our first family multiday rafting trip. We were not lucky enough to pull a lottery ticket, so we went on the Lower Salmon from White Bird, Idaho, to the confluence with the Snake River, where you don’t need a stinking lottery ticket to have fun. Rafting is an equipment-intensive sport. LivingContinue reading “Family Rafting Adventure on the Lower Salmon River”

Family-Friendly Backpacking in Big Bend National Park

Just after the New Year, the Smith family went on a two-night backcountry trip to the High Chisos in Big Bend National Park. This was our first family desert trip, and it was a lot of fun.  Most Big Bend backpacking trips are challenging because you must carry your own water. There are a fewContinue reading “Family-Friendly Backpacking in Big Bend National Park”