OutGrown

Go Take a Hike

  2. Share
OutGrown Admin OutGrown Admin
0 0

Go Take a Hike: A Three-Generation Tradition of Hiking the Sabino Canyon

By Karen Francis-McWhite

I distinctly recall a time in my childhood when the most contemptuous thing I could think of saying to another person was, “Go take a hike!” At that time, having never been on an actual hike, I am sure it was just an expression I’d heard someone spit at another person in a Saturday morning cartoon, or after school special. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before that “curse” faded from my lexicon because I learned that a hike - even a grueling one wished upon my “enemies” - can be a gift. 

Hiking became something I did with friends, my Girls Scouts troop, and eventually with my Mom. Our hikes bore more in common with sauntering than with peak-bagging. We even flirted with a ranger-led snowshoeing excursion in the Sierras during one of our winter roadtrips. And many of the trails in other times of the year were paved or at least groomed with interpretive signs or historical sites. There was always laughter, and huffing and puffing, and satisfied joy. It was in those outdoor spaces where we came to experience each other in more conversational, playful, and grace-filled ways.

When our two generations eventually became three, Mom and I continued our outdoors journey and introduced Zora to it at a young age. 

There are places whose presence in my life seem as endemic to my person as my own two feet. I have no memory of when I first encountered them.

They have always simply been part of my world and very much a part of me. The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in Tucson, Arizona is such a place. It feels like I have known that Canyon for much longer than the fifteen years Mom has lived in Tucson; I was born in Arizona, after all. Even Mom does not remember when we first began to explore it. Shortly after my first Covid vaccination shot in March, I found myself looking forward to two things: (1) going to Tucson to see (and hug) Mom for the first time in a year and a half; and (2) hiking Sabino Canyon with Mom and Zora. 

Hiking as a family, especially a three-generation family, means the hike is more of a vessel for conversation and creating memories, rather than a set destination to be achieved in order for the hike “to count.”

In our Sabino Canyon tradition, we have always mixed riding the tram up the canyon while listening to the history and naturalist narration, and walking most of the way back down. 

A Hiking Tradition

The first time we hiked this gorgeous desert riparian canyon together, Zora alternated between nodding off in her stroller, and toddling at a sprint downhill (good times šŸ˜³). Other times, the Canyon became a backdrop for our family photos. And it’s landscape is ALWAYS the subject of my attempts at photography. Last month, our visit was more leisurely than usual. It was midday, and thus hotter than when we usually have gone to the Canyon.

Nevertheless,  Zora tempered her tweendom and channeled the little girl who likes to leap-frog among the rocks by the low-flowing creek, while Mom took care not to twist an ankle or knee, and I closely scrutinized the underbrush to look for birds, and monitor for cougars and snakes. Thankfully, neither Zora nor Mom slipped, and I got to fan-girl a cardinal and a hummingbird. Though we did not see any mountain lions or snakes, there was one lizard sighting that nearly gave Mom a heart attack as it scurried out of the road, into the neighboring bush.  “That wasn’t really a hike. It was more of a walk,” the Tween would later quip. The child I once pushed through the Canyon has now become the pace-setter. “We all walk our own hike,” I reminded her… and myself.

My hike was punctuated by photo stops with blooming ocotillo and saguaro cacti. Mom’s hike was the chatter and conversation with her only grandchild. And Zora’s hike … was hot. … But also “kinda fun,” which I claim as a win. As I always do, when we go to the Canyon, I declared that next time, we should come back and make a day of it - if some of the pools are high enough and flowing enough for us to take the occasional dip. But there was no doubt that we would be back. After all, it’s just what we do. 

We learn a lot about each other when we take a hike. We witness the awe in each other’s eyes … and sometimes the irritation.

There are a lot of photo stops (Zora says “too many”). Always there’s the realization of what our bodies can still or finally do. And there is the grace we grant each other to experience and appreciate those epiphanies.

A Chance to Anchor and Clear my Head

A few nights later, we went to the other side of town and explored the Tucson Mountain Park, a little before sunset. It was the day after the Chauvin verdict was announced and I felt a powerful yearning to “go take a hike” and clear my head, anchor my heart, and remind myself that “Yes, with determination, we can and WILL do hard things.”  The trail we came across was more rugged than the Sabino Canyon tramway, thus requiring that we take greater care of each other, and of our foot placement. Zora - as sure-footed as ever - skipped up the trail like a mountain goat despite wearing Merrell sandals. Mom did not let her upcoming 70th birthday stop her from carefully and determinedly gaining elevation. And I found myself left nearly speechless by the rugged beauty so that, more than once, I shed a grateful tear.

Eighteen months of separation made it necessary to re-anchor ourselves with each other. Go take a hike. Returning to Sabino Canyon was a rekindling of family tradition. Go take a hike. I was anxious and befuddled. Go take a hike. I did and it calmed and centered me - a mother, playing outside with her mother, encountering a new experience with our Mother Earth.  What was once a curse has become a benediction. Go take a hike.  

ABOUT OUTGROWN

OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonproļ¬t that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental beneļ¬ts of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their ļ¬rst steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, beneļ¬t from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org 

 

EDITORS NOTE:

We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.

But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

 

Comments

To view comments or leave a comment, login or sign up.

Related Content

0
What Is the 10 Minute Walk & Why Your City Needs It
Have You Heard About the 10-Minute Walk Initiative? Suppose you believe that access to parks and green spaces improves physical and mental health, especially during times of crisis, or that life simply feels better when nature is close by. In that case, you are already aligned with the vision behind the 10 Minute Walk Initiative. Photo by Monique Vargas What Is the 10 Minute Walk Initiative? The 10-Minute Walk Initiative is a nationwide effort to ensure that everyone in the United States has safe, easy access to a quality park within a ten-minute walk of home by the year 2050. This is not just a goal for green-friendly states like California or Colorado. It is a promise for every city, every neighborhood, and every family. Want to know if your city is part of it? Visit the 10 Minute Walk website to see if your mayor has signed on. If you do not see your city listed, you can do what some of our community members have done: sign up for updates and learn how to get involved. You may even be able to encourage your local leaders to take part. If you are part of the OutGrown community, you already know our roots go back to the Hike it Baby movement and its guiding value: Leave No Family Behind. That means no matter your pace, parenting moment, or personal identity, you belong here. Whether you are changing a diaper, feeding your baby, managing a meltdown (yours or theirs), or just starting, we will not leave you behind. But here is the hard truth: Some families are being left behind simply because they do not have access. Parks are too far, sidewalks are unsafe, and transit is unreliable.  That is why OutGrown supports the 10-Minute Walk Initiative. Ensuring every family has access to nature is the first step in building an inclusive and equitable future outdoors. OutGrown exists to be a hub of tools, stories, and support for families with babies and young children who want to grow up outside, together. Learn more about our mission and how you can be part of it at WeAreOutGrown.org. About OutGrown OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to ensure that every family, especially those with babies and young children, can experience the benefits of time outside. Since our grassroots beginning in 2013, we have supported more than 300,000 families with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country. We believe nature belongs to all of us from the very beginning. That means creating opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting families in finding their way outdoors, whether that starts with a stroller walk, a community outing, or a quiet moment under the sky. You can learn more and explore our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org. Editorā€™s Note Thank you for reading. At OutGrown, we believe content should offer more than information. It should create a connection, support real-life caregiving, and reflect how families grow together through nature. Everything we share is made with care by our team and volunteer community. If this piece inspired you or helped you feel more confident in your outdoor journey, we invite you to support our work by donating today. Your contributions help us keep resources free and accessible to all families. Please remember that the experiences and tips shared in this article are for general information only. They are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or safety advice. Always consult with a qualified provider if you have specific concerns or questions. We are glad you are here. We are growing something meaningful together
0
5 Tips for Trail Cleanup Safety
Trail cleanups can be a powerful way for families to give back and connect with nature at the same time. With little ones in tow, safety and simplicity are key. Whether joining a group event or picking up trash on your usual stroll, this guide offers practical tips to help make your next cleanup effort safe, age-appropriate, and meaningful for everyone involved. Winters can be hard on trails. Many will need both cleanup and maintenance come springtime. You can contact your local or state park system to see if they have anything planned, or you can plan your own trail cleanup hike with your Hike it Baby branch! Hike it Baby offers lots of information on organizing a trail cleanup, and safety is a consideration when participating in a trail cleanup. Some of these things may seem like common sense, but itā€™s always nice to double check your preparedness whenever you try something new (or for the first time in a while). 5 Tips for Trail Cleanup Safety 1. Bring proper cleanup supplies Certain supplies will come in handy during a trail cleanup. This would include gloves, trash grabbers and bags. Itā€™s a good idea to have the littles carry the trash bag instead of picking up trash. They may not know what they should and shouldnā€™t touch. 2. Work in pairs or groups Sticking together and staying in communication with the organizer are very important. Make sure you have a charged cell phone or walkie-talkie with you. A compass could also come in handy if you're off the beaten path. Make sure someone knows exactly what area your group will be working in. Check in often with the organizer and stay close to your partner or group. Or, if you're hosting the hike, help the group stay together and communicate the meet up locations and times. 3. Bring your normal safety supplies All normal hiking injuries can occur on a trail cleanup. In fact, after winter, the trail will likely be in worse shape than usual, so be prepared. Make sure you pack your typical first aid kit, plus plenty of water and snacks. 4. Give the kiddos simple tasks The concept of trail cleanup is super important to share with our kids beginning at a young age as it teaches them to be stewards for our trails and parks. Itā€™s even better to reinforce as they get older. That being said, not every trail cleanup is organized with young children in mind. If attending a hike organized by another group or parks department, speak to the cleanup organizer before deciding whether or not you will bring young children. Make sure there will be tasks suitable for their age and ability. With supervision and proper gloves and grabbers, tiny people are great at holding trash bags, spying trash, and they love to use trash grabbers! Older kids can also be great to pair with younger kids. If hosting your own hike, make sure you communicate what supplies to bring and provide safety tips during Welcome Circle. 5. Use caution Don't ever touch anything sharp or lift anything too heavy. While you will typically feel totally awesome after participating in a trail cleanup, you might not if you cut yourself and get an infection. After winter, there could be trees or large branches across the trail. Donā€™t try to be the hero and lift something too heavy on your own. Even professional bodybuilders use a spotter to lift. Bring a notepad with you and document anything you canā€™t handle. Then give this list to the trail cleanup organizer so that the proper crew can address it. (Or, if you're hosting, contact the parks department with the information.) For toddlers and little kids, have them spot the trash ("I spy!") instead of picking it up. This will ensure they aren't picking up anything dangerous or unsanitary. What are your safety tips for trail cleanup? Have a question about safety while participating in a trail cleanup? Leave a comment or a question below! Read More: 11 Tips for Safety on Trail 3 Trail Safety Tips You Must Know Photos by Vong Hamilton. Hike it Baby hikes are hosted by volunteers who have no professional training and are not experts to guide families on hikes. They are people who want to raise a generation to love the outdoors and they accomplish this by facilitating outings for all to join. Our tips are gathered from collective experience. As with any physical activity, please be sure to check with your healthcare provider and other experts when hiking with your children. About OutGrown OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to ensure that every family, especially those with babies and young children, can experience the benefits of time outside. Since our grassroots beginning in 2013, we have supported more than 300,000 families with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country. We believe nature belongs to all of us from the very beginning. That means creating opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting families in finding their way outdoors, whether that starts with a stroller walk, a community outing, or a quiet moment under the sky. You can learn more and explore our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org. Editorā€™s Note Thank you for reading. At OutGrown, we believe content should offer more than information. It should create a connection, support real-life caregiving, and reflect how families grow together through nature. Everything we share is made with care by our team and volunteer community. If this piece inspired you or helped you feel more confident in your outdoor journey, we invite you to support our work by donating today. Your contributions help us keep resources free and accessible to all families. Please remember that the experiences and tips shared in this article are for general information only. They are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or safety advice. Always consult with a qualified provider if you have specific concerns or questions. We are glad you are here. We are growing something meaningful together.
OutGrown
Powered by Cause Machine. All rights reserved.