Kid's First Trip Suggestion, Sierra Neva da

“Any suggestions for a first trip I can take my 8-year old son on in the Sierra? West/East side doesn't matter--we're coming from Ventura County. Preferably a destination with lake or river. I'm thinking 2-3 miles one way is about max for him.”

“I took my son for his first few trips to Emigrant Wilderness, out of Pinecrest (Hwy. 108). Gianelli or Crabtree trailheads. Good stuff within a few miles from the TH.”

“One westside suggestion - hike from Hidden Falls in Mountain Home State Forest up to Long Meadow just inside the Golden Trout Wilderness. Probably about 2 miles with a little elevation gain but nothing too strenuous. Wilderness Permits are easy to get. You'll be hiking along the Tule River in a giant sequoia grove most of the way. Good fishing and you can also go wading/swimming in the river. Contact the Springville Ranger Station (559) 539-2607 for a permit!”

“Also Cathedral Lakes in Yosemite is about 3 miles from the trailhead but it is a pretty steep trail in places.”

“Weaver Lake in the Jennie Lakes Wilderness, Sequoia Natinal Forest is about 3 miles in I believe. No wilderness permit required!”

“My ex-girlfriend's six year old sasquatchy daughter turned out to be a got the meaning, forward leaning, trail cleaning hiking machine!

Kids can do.”

“Before you know it, you'll have one of these....

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“Thanks BowlderMan. I've been into the Emigrant myself, but I think we'll look for a shorter drive for the first excursion. Great pictures! I hope my guy becomes as enthusiastic about it as yours has!”

“Thanks BearCrossing. Your tip is the second time I've heard about the Hidden Falls area. I think we may check that out.”

“I always went to the eastern side of the Sierra from Lancaster. I think it would be closer from Ventura country also. I would think about a closer trip like to Mt. San Gorgonio. I would also think about a trip in the San Gabriel mountains, which is much closer.

2-3 miles would not get you to the nice in the Palisades, or the Cottonwood area. there are nice lakes that close out of South Lake, but that makes it a long drive.

For a really easy hike, no elevation gain, but long drive, go to Saddlebag lake near Tuollumne meadows, take the boat across the lake, and hike to a nice lake at 10,000 in less than a mile, and no elevation gain.

Another easy hike to a nice lake, start at the Onion Valley trailhead on the east side of the Sierra, and hike to flower lake or another very close lake. That would be the closets easy hikes for you on the East side, but I don't know what the permit requirements are there these days.”