Bodhi Bennett's 300 Miles of Family Hiking Before Age Two, Plus Tips

Before his second birthday, Bodhi Bennett had covered more than 300 miles (about 483 km) of mountain trails in California with his parents, Shannon and Blake, much of it riding in a backpack carrier. The family's photographs of lakes, rocky paths and lakeside camps went viral in 2015 and became a small inspiration for parents who want to keep hiking after a baby arrives.

The Bennett family's hiking story

Shannon, then 27, and Blake started early: they took Bodhi on his first camping trip when he was just five days old. From then on, trips into the California mountains became part of family life, and the miles added up on foot and in the carrier. When their story was shared in 2015, Shannon was expecting the couple's second child.

The pictures show the full range of a family hiking day: Bodhi holding a parent's hand on a rocky overlook, riding high above an alpine lake, scrambling on a sloping slab and resting in a hammock among the trees, often with the family dog close by.

Hiking with a baby: carriers, heat and sun

The carrier is the most important piece of kit for hiking with an infant, and it pays to choose one carefully and adjust it before leaving the car. Grand Canyon National Park rangers add some practical advice for warm days:

• Avoid long hikes with infants under three months old.
• Front carriers pass body heat to the baby; check often for overheating, and remember that a very quiet baby may be too hot.
• Do not drape blankets over a carrier for shade. Clip an umbrella to it instead, and use a hat and sunscreen.
• In hot weather, hike before 10 am or after 5 pm and cool the child by dampening their hat or clothes.
• Pack water, formula or electrolyte drinks, spare socks, nappies, wipes and a sealable bag to carry out rubbish.

Hiking with toddlers: pace and trail choice

Once a child wants to walk, the rules change. REI's family-hiking guide suggests keeping trails under about five miles and building up gradually as children grow. Choose routes with something interesting early on, such as a rock pile, a stream or a meadow of flowers, and favour firm dirt over loose gravel for new walkers. Let children help set the pace, bring plenty of snacks and expect the walk from the car to the trailhead to take longer than you think.

Hold a toddler's hand on narrow paths and near drop-offs. Rangers also suggest giving small hikers their own drinking pack with a spout, so they can sip often without stopping.

Making time outdoors a family habit

What makes the Bennett photographs appealing is less the mileage than the routine: a lakeside stop, a tent pitched by the water, a shared view at the end of the day. Short, regular outings near home build the same habit, and the big mountain trips can follow as children grow. Keep a camera handy for the small moments too, such as muddy boots, a favourite hat or a hand on a warm rock.

For more family perspectives, explore the Born Wild outdoor collection. At the other end of the age range, Albina Foisy’s snowy roadside moment is another lovely reminder of how much joy the outdoors brings.

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