Tag: 2013

Ding and Dang Canyon, San Rafael Swell, Utah

Just an hour past Little Wild Horse Canyon trail head is the trail head to a less popular but very fun hike – Ding and Dang Canyons.  These canyons are similar to Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyons; they have interesting rock formations, close canyon walls and beautiful red and white sandstone. The difference in these is that more technical climbing is required since more obstacles block the canyon floor.

Now, Where Are We?

The tots and I started off with approximately half a mile of walking in a rocky wash. From there we took an offshoot of the trail into what we thought was Ding Canyon.

Now, I won’t say we got lost, because technically we knew where we had come from, but we weren’t exactly sure where we were or where we were going. We just knew the canyon was cool, the weather was fine and the tots were enjoying themselves, so we continued on.

The trail wound through shale like rock walls, every few feet made more exciting by the need to scramble over and around boulders and bushes. Lizards darted around our feet with almost every step and the air was perfect in the shade of the jagged canyon walls.

The Final Climb

The highlight of our hike was the final steep climb to the crest of the canyon. The surface of the rock we hiked was pocked and white, reminding me of a foreign planet. Big E led the way on this section, even when the angle of the path was intense. When we finally reached the summit I was awed by his determination to make it to the top, even though I doubted he could do it. He exceeded my expectations.

From the top we could see the entire valley, rivets of far off canyons denting the landscape. It was a beautiful view, well worth the trip and whether we were officially in Ding Canyon or not it was a great hike.

Trail Info

Rating: 3 stars
Difficulty: Very Difficult, but worth it
Length: 1.5 miles, Loop is approximately 5.5 miles
Tips: Don’t fall. Jagged rocks do not make comfortable landing sites.

Little Wild Horse Canyon, San Rafael Swell, Utah

One of my favorite hikes in Southern Utah is Little Wild Horse Canyon. It’s an eight mile loop when you connect it with Bell Canyon and boasts a slot canyon with honeycomb rock and high, tight walls in some places. I had hiked there before but this time I brought the tots so my expectations were quite different.

Getting There and What to Where

The turnoff to Little Wild Horse Canyon is just two miles outside the entrance to Goblin Valley State Park. Turn right when you see the sign and follow the paved road to the trail head five miles in. The first half mile of the hike is getting to the mouth of the canyon. It’s flat and exposed so bring lots of water. You’ll know when you make it to the canyon itself when you run into this:

There’s not an easy way around this chauk stone and climbing over it would have been impossible without the help of my friend Hannah who went on the trip with me. Since we had the tots and little g in the pack, she scrambled up and then hefted my kids over. 

Rocks, Rocks and More Rocks

Little Wild Horse Canyon offered lots of opportunities for Big E to dig in the sand, throw rocks, and climb the rock walls. Some of the sandstone rocks can even make marks on the red rock walls, however there was a posted sign asking not to do this which we all saw as we walked out of the canyon. 
Little g also enjoyed the rocks, collecting small fistfuls and delivering them to me with a look of pure joy on her face. She did great in the pack, but most enjoyed running around with Big E and Hannah’s son, trying to climb up rocks twice her size.

We followed the trail for about a mile, decent hiking for tots who were already tired from playing with Goblins all morning. We left while it was still fun, to avoid the complaining that accompanies tired, hungry kids. Overall Little Wild Horse Canyon was a fun, flat hike that me and the kids thoroughly enjoyed.

Trail Info

Rating: 3 stars
Difficulty: Moderate, flat for the most part but some scrambling over rocks required
Length: 1 mile, total hike loop is 8 miles
Tips: Drink lots of water and have your tots wear tennis shoes. We often stopped to get pebbles out of sandals.

Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

In honor of National Trails Day yesterday, the tots and I visited Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. The white sandstone contrasted beautifully with deep red rock in the landscape around the park, evoking a welcoming yet desolate feel.
Continue reading “Goblin Valley State Park, Utah”

Baby Bjorn vs. Moby Wrap vs. Kelty Kid Carrier

UPDATED APRIL 2018 Which kid carrier is right for you? In this post I compare the Baby Bjorn, Moby Wrap and Kelty Kid Carriers.

One of the most important piece of gear a Mountain Mom or Dad can own is a baby carrier. I have camped and hiked with my kids starting at just four months old, but the only way to do that is to have a dependable baby carrier to use.

So many great kid carriers are out there including soft structured carriers, baby wraps, hiking backpacks and more. The three kid carriers I use most – the Moby Wrap, Baby Bjorn and Kelty Kid Carrier are reviewed here, but I also like the Onya Baby NexStep Baby Carrier that Onya sent me to review.

You can see all the gear my family uses and loves at mountainmomandtots.com/gear.

But which is best?

Moby Wrap

This is my FAVORITE way to carry really young babies ages 0 to 6 months old. I was given one as a baby shower gift and LOVE it.
When the tots were brand new, day one to six months, they loved using the Moby Wrap because they could curl up in the fetal position. I loved it because it kept baby close but still allowed me to move my arms.
You can use it to support baby on the front, side or back and the Moby Wrap is super comfortable once you practice how to get the fabric wrapped correctly.
I’ve used it through out my tots infancies and toddlerhoods. My friend once even carried her exhausted six-year-old in the wrap for a short trek from Disneyland to the car.

BONUS: There are lots of adorable colors and styles and the Moby Wrap is really affordable compared to other kid carriers out there.

Cost: $49.99

Moby Wrap Pros

Newborns maintain fetal position
Expands as child grows
Baby close to body
Versatile baby positioning
Under $50

 Moby Wrap Cons

Restricts baby’s movements – great for newborns, can be annoying for babies 8 months and older
Awkward placing baby
Putting on wrap requires practice
Long fabric can drag on ground when

Baby Bjorn

When Big E and little g were between two and eight months old, the Baby Bjorn is the carrier I would most often choose. It was quicker to put on than the Moby Wrap and hands free, once I figured out how the straps worked.
Plus Mountain Dad would actually use the Baby Bjorn. The tots loved it.
Cost: Between $79.99 to $189.99

Baby Bjorn Carrier Pros

Comfortable
Easy to place baby
Freedom of movement for mom
Baby can be forward or backward facing

Baby Bjorn Cons

Front heavy at times
Baby can only be worn on front
Straps confusing at first
Baby slobber on folded front
The Kelty Kid Carrier is designed specifically as a hiking pack, not just a baby carrier. It’s been great for my kids between six months old until almost three. However with toddlers it’s always been hit or miss if I could convince them to get in the thing. Two-year-olds tend to have minds of their own, y’know?
What’s great about the Kelty Journey Kid Carrier s the support for the adult’s back. It fits like a very large backpack, with hip straps and a sternum strap to help distribute the extra weight of carrying baby to your base.
The other awesome aspect of the Kelty is the extra storage and stable kick stand. With other kid carriers, it’s always tough to ALSO carry snacks, diapers, and water bottles. With the Kelty, that’s no problem at all, in fact our model has a detachable mini backpack that’s perfect for that headstrong toddler that wants their OWN pack.
 WARNING: All backpack child carriers should only be used if baby can safely hold up their heads.
DISCLAIMER: The model I have is the FC3 which has since been replaced by the Kelty Perfectfit Series.

Kelty Perfectfit Kid Carrier Pros

Great features: detachable mini pack, child view mirror, sun shade
Adjustable for child and adult
Stable kickstand
Allows for hiking with toddlers

Kelty Perfectfit Kid Carrier Cons

Heavy when fully loaded
Awkward to place on back without help
Digs into shoulders
Cost
Whichever pack you choose to use, I hope to see you on the trails soon.
See you in the outdoors!
~Mountain Mom
PLEASE NOTE: I was given no financial compensation for this review. These are the baby carriers my family purchased or were given at baby showers or as hand-me-downs.
HOWEVER the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking them I receive a small payment. Please do so! I’m saving up for backpacking gear for the whole family.