The mountains are calling – only not from my backyard.

I live smack dab in the middle of a big city (Los Angeles) and I work full-time. Making time for outdoor activities is certainly challenging. I usually have to drive a good distance in order to get to trails I want to explore. Of course, I do have a couple parks in my area that allow me to do quick and easy hikes with the kids.

While I am grateful to have these near me, my true love is the mountains. I love the elevation gain and the change of scenery. I long for hikes with landscape views of greenery and with fresh air.

My golden state may offer it all, but enjoying the outdoors comes at a cost: the cost of drive time, the cost of gas, and the cost of my energy. If you work full-time like me and live in a crowded city, then you know the last thing you want to do on the weekend is sit in traffic. But when hiking is your passion, you simply have to.

For me the cost is worth it, not just to satisfy my personal love for hiking, but my nephew’s also. I cannot deny my sweet boy when he tells me, “I wanna go hiking, Auntie”. That one gets me every time, so I make sure we take up space outdoors regularly.

Planning: Leave Room for Mistakes

I have found that my key to making our hiking adventures a reality and getting away from the city lies in mild, but solid planning. My planning process goes something like this. Find a hike on my All Trails app a few days before. Invite my crew and see if I have any takers. Then, count down the days.

That’s a general look at how things go. When you have baby or small kids there are a few more details involved. Regardless, I make the key points in my hiking plans the where and the when. Otherwise, I stay away from rigid plans, because trying to stick to them might zap me of more energy.

Once I have a plan, I need to make sure we’re prepared. I try my best to leave the carrier stocked with the necessities. For my nephew, that means having pull ups, wipes, food, water, and a change of clothes on hand. Always double check. Definitely be prepared, just don’t stress about it.

As children grow and develop they meet new milestones, have new interests, and we see their personalities blossom even more. Of course all that comes with new challenges - even on the trail, which means some extra planning.

My recent dilemma has to do with whether or not my two-year-old nephew will walk or use his carrier. Now that he is older and more independent, he wants to run and walk more on the trail. I love watching him explore on his own, but once he taps out I am left to carry him. Therefore, when I research a hike, I try to determine if it’s one he can handle on his own, or if we need to bring the carrier.

Making the Drive

For us, it takes an average travel time of 1-2 hours one way to get out of the city and into nature. I like to start early and allow for my nephew to sleep on the way home. When stuck in traffic I know I do not want to have a fussy, irritated toddler in my back seat. Snacks are a great distraction. Who cares about the cracker crumbs, just sweep them out when you get home.

My nephew loves to read books in the car, play with small toys, and sing. We will blast toddler music if it keeps him happy. Most successful though - dare I say it - bring the tablet. My nephew loves his iPad. We have some parental controls, so I know whatever he looks at is child-friendly. For me the most important thing while we’re in the car is that he is safe in his seat. We do what we have to do to keep it that way.

Bottom Line: Just Do It

Don’t waste time over-thinking something as simple as going outside because you live in a big city, have small kids, or you are tired. I know these struggles well, but I never regret doing what I love. Hiking allows me a short time to recuperate and to feel free. And it gives my nephew an outlet for wonderful adventures.

So, keep it simple. Choose a hike that catches your eye. Load the kids in the car and make the drive. Leave room for mistakes. Laugh. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

And, most importantly, allow nature to liberate you for just a moment.

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Brandi Small

Brandi shares her love of the outdoors with others by leading hikes for the organization Women Who Hike. She also loves to take her favorite hiking partner, her two-year-old nephew, on adventures. Follow Brandi on Instagram: @brandihikes