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Hands-On Learning Adventures. Guided learning activities that add a dose of adventure to your homes

27/11/2023

Spectacular Lake Tahoe has gotta be top 5 on any California travel list.

30/05/2023

Some places never get old!

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area in Auga Dulce California

⭐️ Check this place out in full bloom!

⭐️ This is the best time of the year to go, check out all the Hespero Yucca Whippeli also called Our Lords Candle!

Things you must see:
❤️ Grinding stone and prictograph replicas
❤️ Walk the Geology trail
❤️ ABOVE ALL ELSE....climb all the rocks!

Rock angles are mostly walkable, so easy for the whole family!

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16/05/2023

Coyote Gulch: Where bloggers failed me. Coyote Gulch

Trip we took: Hurricane Wash to Crack in the Wall
I don't take researching a trip lightly. I want to know the nitty gritty of it so my family and I can be prepared. I travel everywhere with my kids and husband.

Every blog and video I saw about the tip looked good and fun. (which I agree it is)

ALL RECOMMENDATIONS SAID:
The easiest route was Hurricane Wash to Crack in the Wall.
This would save the best views for last.
Hurricane Wash is boring, it would ruin the end of the trip, so do it first.
The trail leads you right to the sand dunes.

THE TRUTH
Crack in the Wall does have an amazing view. But don't save it for last!
To get to crack in the Wall you will travel almost 2 miles UP sand dunes. (in the heat, carrying a large full backpack!)
You will use most if not all your water just on the trip up the sand dunes. Then still have to walk through partial sand for 2 miles to your car after getting up crack in the wall.
The trail up the dunes is not obvious, these sand dunes are covered in plants. If you miss the trail, you will end up crossing a scary slanted cliff area. (NOT good with kids)

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
Start at Crack in the Wall! Use fresh feet and excited beginning of the trip energy to cross the partial sand 2 mile hike to crack in the wall.
Take in the view.
Bring 30 ft of rope to lower backpacks down crack in the wall.
Hike about 2 miles DOWN sand dunes! Lots easier.
The view continues the whole way down.
When you reach the canyon bottom follow the trail to the LEFT!
Enjoy all the water cliffs and arches! Hike about 7 miles to a split in the canyon. Canyon that goes to the left of the river is Hurricane Wash. Following the river will lead you to Red Well Trailhead.
Hurricane Wash is still beautiful, just dry, and a mainly flat hike. (Lots easier after 2 days of hiking!)

📸 1-3 Sand Dune
📸 4-8 Hurricane Wash

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02/05/2023

Backpacking with kids, Coyote Gulch, UT.
Part 1

Not going to lie, this trip made me feel every emotion. Joy, fear, exhaustion, elation, wonder, worry, anxiety, peace and more.

I'm going to show you the highlights over the next day or two then give you the dirt after. I read many blogs researching this trip and wish someone would have been real in their advice. It would have saved us a lot of tears. (Adult stress and tears, kids are incredibly resilient.)

So let's start with the good!
This is the icon of Coyote Gulch, the Jacob Hamblin Arch.

⭐ As you can see it's big, and beautiful!
⭐ Great spot to spend the night, but everyone else wants to stay there too, so it's not private.
⭐ Fun place to have lunch, a snack, and refill your water.
⭐ Great spot for pictures
⭐ Located about 7 miles from the Hurricane Wash trail head.
⭐ If hiking with kids, 7 miles is a lot in one day, we broke it up and camped at the 5 mile spot where the wash first meets the river.
❤️ Then we saw the Arch on day 2.

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29/04/2023

Can you guess the National Park?

Hint:
🌍 green is vivid here!
🌍 Lots of rain
🌍 Waterfalls galore
🌍 Has its own rainforest
🌍 Lots of amphibians and banana slugs!
🌍Great place for mushroom hunters!

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27/04/2023

Tell me what you think!

Have you ever been to Death valley?

⭐️Check out our first video and blog featuring Death valley!

https://youtopo.com/blogs/destinations/death-valley

Every Thursday we will be releasing another incredible, must see California location!

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21/04/2023

Man among men! Who is he?

This is John Muir. The Father of our National Park System.

🌄 Through his efforts in exploration of our country's wilderness and fight for its conservation we have the ability to explore these beautiful protected natural lands.

🙌 Thank you John Muir, the beauty Yosemite would no longer exist without you!

🌲 Join us in celebrating our National Parks as we kick off National Parks week tomorrow April 22 2023!

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19/04/2023

Hidden Gem Alert!

I lived 15 min. from this gem for three years and I just found out about it!

This is Camarillo Grove Park
⭐️ Its located off of the first exit coming down the grade going into Camarillo.
⭐️ Trail name: Daryl Wagar Trail, just under 1 mile loop.
⭐️ Trail has 2 trail heads one at the park entrance, the other at the end of the parking lot just past the group picnic tables.
⭐️ Beautiful short hiking trail with gentle switch backs.
⭐️ Kids and seniors can do this trail
⭐️ Views of hillsides and groves.
⭐️ Playgrounds and picnic areas.
⭐️ $3 cash entrance fee
⭐️ Interpretive signage along the trail.
⭐️ Bench at the top of the hill to sit and enjoy views

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11/04/2023

Go see the wildflowers!

Antelope Valley CA Poppy Reserve is beautiful right now.

Some of the flowers you will see:
😍 CA Poppy
😍 Goldfields
😍 Blue Dicks
😍 Fiddleneck
😍 Red Maids
😍 Pygmy-Leaved Lupine

Go and tell me, did you find even more?!!

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06/04/2023

Sea Caves and Tide pools!

This is Leo Carrillo State Beach. This is one beach we can't help visiting over and over again!

Why?
⭐ You can wander from cove to cove through Sea Caves!
⭐ Beautiful Tide pools at low tide.
⭐ Trails to walk along the to of the cliffs
⭐ Stairways are available to reach the different coves.
⭐ Lots of sea life
⭐ Lots of rocks to climb
⭐ Great place for a beach day, sand play, and picnics
⭐Good break for surfers

Only down side to this beach
It's not a swimming beach due to rocks in the water.

02/04/2023

Sun is shining.... yeah it's time for the beach!

The weather is warm, ok only 65 ish, but wow the beach is the place to be.

This is Silverstrand Beach in Oxnard CA.

Why go?

This is a beach with a calmer wave break.

Great for beginner surfers. They even have surf lessons and camps in the summers.

Family friendly

Free Parking

Next to a harbor so you can watch boats passing in and out!

This trip came with driftwood on the beach, but with a little imagination... Huts, forts and leantoos popped up everywhere!

27/03/2023

Who loves airplanes?!

This beauty can be found at Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea.

👍 When you explore the Salton Sea make sure to bring enough food and water for the whole day trip. There isn't anywhere for you to go out and eat along this area of the Salton Sea.

Salton Sea gems!
⭐️ Walk among the art structures at Bombay Beach. Drive around the outer homes to find the airplane!
⭐️ Walk around Salvation Mountain.
⭐️ Hike Rock Hill Butte, (a small volcano) 2 miles round trip.
⭐️ Go birding. Watch out for burrowing owls peeking out of artificial burrows and pipes at the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.
⭐️ See the fishbone sand at Salton Sea Recreation Area

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23/03/2023

Do you see Beauty or a Beast

⭐Art comes in many shapes and forms.

🏴‍☠️ This is The Death Ship. It was created by artist Sean Guerrero for the yearly Bombay Beach Biennale.

❤️ New works of art by Sean Guerrero have just been added, make sure to go see them!

❤️ Many works of art have been created to draw attention to the Salton Sea and its need to be saved.

👍 This art challenges the world to find beauty in what is considered waste.

👍 Whether your RVing, camping or day tripping seeing the art of Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea it won't disappoint. youtopo.com

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15/03/2023

She's small yet mighty!

Nature is for everyone, both young and old.

👍 Take your family and friends with you on your next adventure.

👍Remember.... exploring is about the journey, not the destination!

Though we do still love a good destination. 😜

Happy trails.

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09/03/2023

Not just a rock pile.

🌞 Cairns are stacks of rocks made by hikers to help them find their way back from a long hike in a new area.
🌞 Don’t make cairns for fun, only make them if you feel you might need it.
🌞 Hikers can become lost if too many cairns are randomly made just for fun.
🌞 If you find a cairn don't destroy it. A hiker just might need it to find their way.

👀 Hike safely and keep your eyes open for cairns as you explore!

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07/03/2023

❤️ Pure magic!

Who doesn't love a good slot canyon.... with ladders!

⭐️ As its name implies, the ladders of Ladder Canyon make this hike unique.
⭐️ Tucked into a beautiful slot canyon, they allow you to climb up dry waterfalls.
⭐️ Don't let the trailhead fool you, your ladder hike begins by scrambling up a small rock fall to the left of the main trail that leads you into the slot canyon.
⭐️ The trail is sandy and requires good hiking shoes and the ability to climb ladders. This is a fun area for the kids to explore and wander.
⭐️ The high walls and windy turns make the slot section of the hike exciting, and it will seem to go by quickly.
⭐️ The full loop is about 4.9 miles, so you’ll need to bring snacks and plenty of water.
⭐️ You are also hiking in the desert, so plan for the hot weather and don’t hike this area after it has been raining.
⭐️ Check out the weather report before visiting. Flash floods can kill or injure you and can damage the trails and ladders.

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Spectacular Lake Tahoe has gotta be top 5 on any California travel list.

Symbiosis Home Lab

Do you want to learn about symbiosis but can't go to Joshua Tree NP? 🙌 Regardless of where you are, learning can still be hands on and fun! ⭐️ The more time I spend outdoors I'm amazed about how many opportunities I've found to tie in this symbiosis lesson! 🦏 I've taken my kids to the zoo and they'll ask why the rhinos don't have ospreys with them. This gave me a great chance to discuss with them the need (symbiotic relationship) they have in the wild verses the role of zoo keepers in a zoo. 🐝 If you travel anywhere in the Mojave Desert you will see Joshua Trees, or you can tie the lesson in when you see a bee on a flower or a dog scratching itself. Your learning opportunities are endless! 🐕 How would you tie this symbiosis lesson into your life?! Get this Home Lab and more at Youtopo.com Click ❤️ and Follow us @helloyoutopo! #youtopo #youtopoexplorers #scienceisfun

My passion project has come to life! I'll admit I'm a total nerd that even as an adult loves to learn and understand the world around me. I also love travel and exploring. ❤️ So yes homeschooling is my jam and I share this love with my entire family! Now I'm sharing it with you! A resource that gives you what to do and what to teach your kids when you explore! This weeks Explorer......Joshua Tree NP ⭐️ Tips, Hits, and background for traveling to Joshua Tree ⭐️ Learning Lesson: An easy to learn, symbiosis lesson. ⭐️ Learning Activity: Play a game or do an activity to help make the learning topic come to life. ⭐️ Color and Learn pages. Make learning fun by coloring the creatures and landscape of each location and reading the fun little factoids about them. ⭐️ Word Hunt ⭐️ Scavenger Hunt Foldable Booklet with 8 pictures and descriptions so you can take it on the go. ⭐️ Reflection Page to write or sketch things you saw and learned. Includes some thought provoking prompts. ❤️ There are two ways to get it! It comes in two formats at youtopo.com 1) Joshua Tree 12 page PDF or 2) inside the "California Desert Adventures" book THIS WEEK ONLY you can get the PDF for FREE! ⭐️ Tag a Friend that loves Joshua Tree on this post ⭐️ Share this post to your stories! 📩 and I'll DM you a code to get the PDF for FREE! Click ❤️ and Follow us @helloyoutopo! #youtopo #youtopoexplorers #wildcalifornia #discovercalifornia #california #californiatravel #californiatraveltips #roadschooling #teachingmoments #earthschooling #explorewithkids #familes #homeschooladventure #learningfromnature #roadschoolingrocks #roadschoolrovers #suddenlyhomeschooling #digitalnomadfamily #homeschooladventures #1000hoursoutside #exploreoutdoors #familytravels #familytime

Top 10 California Desert Hits

Top 10 desert locations that rock! 🎵 ⭐️ 10 Red Rock Canyon SP ⭐️ 9 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve ⭐️ 8 Ladder Canyon ⭐️ 7 Indian Canyons ⭐️ 6 Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ⭐️ 5 Salton Sea SRA ⭐️ 4 Anza Borrego SP ⭐️ 3 Living Desert Zoo ⭐️ 2 Joshua Tree NP ⭐️ 1 Death Valley NP If you love road trips make sure to check out our new book! 52 California Rockin' Road Trips! at YouTopo.com Click ❤️ and Follow us @helloyoutopo! #youtopo #californiatravel #californiatraveltips #joshuatreenationalpark #visitcalifornia #mojavedesert #TheLivingDesert #deathvalleycalifornia

California Desert Adventures

It's finally happening. Years of hard work, travel and learning all coming together! ⭐️ For years we traveled as a family asking the same question everywhere we went...... What can we learn from here, what makes this place so special? (mind blown emoji) ⭐️ Every time we reached a location I would research and create lessons and activities for my kids to help them connect with each place we visited. It was my not so secret obsession. ⭐️ The Youtopo Explorers: California Desert Adventures is just that, all that we've learned packaged nicely so other people can travel, teach their kids and create lasting memories without having to do hours of research! ⭐️ Each week we'll be highlighting one new location, tips, learning content, and activity from our books starting with the California Desert Adventures! Youtopo.com ❤️ Joshua Tree NP is Coming Tomorrow! Click ❤️and Get your California Desert Adventures book at Youtopo.com 👍 #youtopo #youtopoexplorers #roadschoolingfamily

Christmas Tree Favorites!

Christmas Tree Favorites! Check out our new Rockin' Tree Ornaments! 🌲 Today only get %25 off all your YouTopo Christmas ornaments and products! ⭐️ Enjoy your all your Rockstar favs: Chippy Chipmunk, Abbott the Jackrabbit, Moe the Mink, Grunge Bob and the rest of the YouTopo crew! Collect them all at Youtopo.com Click ❤️ and Follow us @helloyoutopo! #youtopo #youtopoexplorers #christmas2022 #christmastree #christmasornaments #christmascollection

Keeping your memories alive!

Keeping your memories alive just got easier! Now until Nov. 30 get %25 off all your YouTopo Travel favorites! ⭐️ Enjoy your fav. travel books, posters, shirts and more! Get them all at Youtopo.com What fun adventures are in your plans this holiday season? Click ❤️ and Follow us @helloyoutopo! #youtopo #california #californiatravel #blackfriday2022 #blackfriday2022deals

Are you planning a visit to Devils Postpile? If so save this post! This amazing place definitely surprised us! We did so much swimming! The Postpile itself was impressive, but getting to swim at Rainbow Falls was incredible! Then we made a stop at Sotcher Lake because my inlaws recommended it and were surprised to find areas of pumice rock. Pumice floats! So we spent a good chunk of time throwing pumice in the lake them swimming out to get it! It was such a fun day! Things you need to do: Admire Devils Postpile, .4 mile one way (check out the formation from above and below) 💦 Hike to Rainbow Falls from Devils Postpile, 2 miles to the falls. 💦 Swim in the pool and river at the base of rainbow falls. Hike 1.3 miles back to shuttle stop #9 afterwards. 💦 Walk the Sotcher Lake Nature Trail, 1.2 miles trail going around the left side of the lake. The full loop takes you up a tall hill. Just walk the part by the lake. 💦 Swim or play in the water at Sotcher Lake to cool off after all your hiking. Click ❤️ and Follow us @helloyoutopo #youtopo #youtoporockinroadtrips #fourthofjuly #fourthofjulyweekend #independenceday #independenceday2022 #DevilsPostpile #NationalMonument "

The man behind the camera! Happy Fathers Day! ⭐️ Who would have thought that life could be such an adventure. I knew our life would be unique, but thanks to David it's so much more! He's fun, adventurous, my rock, and above all else an incredible father that loves his girls. ⭐️ To all you great fathers out there, keep showing your incredible kiddos how much they are loved. You are amazing! We appreciate all that you do. #youtopo #fathersday2022 #fulltimedad #travelingdad #adventuredad #travelingwithkids

Have you ever seen an Albino Redwood? These trees are rare and also considered a parasite. Look at the leaves, they look just like redwood leaves just in white! 🌲 An Albino Redwood is a redwood tree that cannot produce chlorophyll. Without chlorophyll it can't make its own food (photosynthesis), so instead its roots take sugar from a host redwood tree that it lives on. We've seen two in our travels one in Calaveras State Park and the other in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Click ❤️ and Follow us @helloyoutopo #youtopo #youtoporockinroadtrips #californiastatepark #californiastateparks #humboldtstatepark

River kayaking through giant redwoods! Always best with the ones you love! Make sure to add kayaking the Smith River in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, CA. to your family to do list! The Smith River is the last large natural free flowing river in California. This means there are no dams along the length of the river. It is cold, clear, and rocky, perfect for salmon spawning. The large growing redwoods and other trees keep the river shaded and cool year round, perfect temperatures for salmon. As the Save the Redwoods League says, with “thick redwood forests, banana slugs, a beautiful river, and pollywogs, what more could you ask for?” While your there: 🐟 Kayak the Smith River. (Contact Redwood Rides for a kayaking tour of the river) @redwood_rides 🐟 Hike the Stout Grove trail, .5 mile. 🐟 Hike the Simpson-Reed Grove Trail, .9 mile. 🐟 Visit the estuary where the river meets the ocean to see sea lions and birds. GPS 41.948037, -124.205010 cross streets- Mouth of Smith River Road and Rivers End Road. 🐟 Attend a park Interpretive Activity (summer only) Click ❤️ and Follow us Instagram @helloyoutopo #youtopo #youtoporockinroadtrips #jedediahsmithstatepark #jedediahsmithredwoods #jedediahsmithredwoodsstatepark #smithriverca

Check out the power of the Gunnison River at Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP! I love that you can go and see the incredible views of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP then go and see the river up close! Hike the Mesa Creek Trail 2 miles round Trip down the Gunnison river. Trailhead is located at the Morrow Point Dam parking area. Take the US 50 to Morrow Point Dam Road and follow it to the left all the way to the dam Click ❤️ and Follow us @helloyoutopo #youtopo #youtoporockinroadtrips #grandcanyonofthegunnison #nationalparks #nationalpark #homeschoolingmom #teachingmoments #earthschooling #explorewithkids #familes #homeschooladventure #homeschooladventures #1000hoursoutside #gorving #exploreoutdoors

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