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5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County: Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby

5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County: Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby

Tracking PixelSince we moved about six weeks after our son Hudson was born to live in the UK for a year, I was pretty lean with the baby products I purchased. But there was one thing I knew I couldn’t live without – a great baby carrier. While Hudson was young, I carried him everywhere in my Ergobaby (thanks to them for sponsoring this post); over the narrow cobblestone sidewalks in our temporary hometown of Cambridge, England, and all through Europe as we were taking as many trips as our schedules would allow.

Hudson is now 2.5 years old and we’ve since moved back to California. But, I still use my Ergobaby when we travel and on shorter hikes here in Southern California. Hudson can probably run faster than I can, but his little legs still get tired after a few miles. That’s why I was so excited to partner with Ergobaby to try out the new Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh baby carrier for our upcoming adventures.

Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby: 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County | Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh
Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby: 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County | Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh

What I love about the Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh

I purchased my Original Ergobaby back when Hudson was still a tiny baby because I appreciated the ergonomic design (it helps the baby sit in both a comfortable and hip-healthy position) and, after trying a few carriers, it felt the most comfortable to me. The Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh baby carrier still touts the ergonomic and comfortable design but has a few features that I love for our hikes and other outdoor activities.

Cool Mesh Paneling – This new Ergobaby uses mesh paneling wherever possible, making it cooler for both Hudson and me. We’re definitely warm-weather people, and we’re either hiking in sunny, warm Southern California or somewhere more tropical, so every little bit helps when we’re trying to stay cool!

Four Carry Positions – I usually carry Hudson on my back when we’re hiking. If he falls asleep I can easily switch the carrier around so he’s strapped to my chest and I can make sure his head is supported. My son is a little tall for the forward facing out or hip positions, but those would’ve been great options when he was younger.

Super Lightweight –This carrier provides enough structure and support while being incredibly lightweight. If I’m going to be carrying a toddler for a few miles, I need the weight to sit on my hips (not shoulders). It makes such a big difference not to have to carry extra weight from a bulky carrier. Plus, Hudson will hike at least a portion of the trail, so I like that I can fold up the carrier and put it in my backpack without adding much weight.

Made to Carry up to 45 lbs – Even while being lightweight, this carrier is made for newborns up to toddlers weighing 45 lbs. Hudson is coming up on three years old, but I’m planning on using this carrier for at least another year. I can easily adjust the straps to make it more comfortable for both Aaron and me. Plus, the bottom support is adjustable with Velcro straps, which means I can slide them out to create a larger seat area for Hudson. This carrier is so versatile and built to last!

Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby: 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County | Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh

Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby: 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County | Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh

Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby: 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County | Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh
Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby: 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County | Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh

Grab your Ergobaby Carrier and check out these family-friendly hikes in Orange County

1 Moro Canyon in Crystal Cove State Park

It’s no secret that Crystal Cove is our favorite beach in Southern California, but the wilderness area on the other side of the Pacific Coast Highway has great hiking trails too. Hike up Moro Canyon and loop back to the parking lot for a 2.85-mile trail with breathtaking ocean views.

2 Red Rock Canyon in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

After hiking two miles (four miles round trip) through the oak groves of Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, you may think you’re in Southern Utah instead of Southern California. This Red Rock Canyon of exposed red sandstone is particularly beautiful at sunset when the rocks glow with the pink tones of the setting sun.

3 Holy Jim Falls Trail in Corona

This 2.9-mile out-and-back trail crosses Holy Jim Creek several times before reaching a 20-foot waterfall. Though the waterfall itself isn’t very impressive, the hike is beautiful and mostly shaded. The length of the trail can vary depending on road conditions; we went the night after it rained and the last mile of the drive to the parking was closed down, making it 5 miles round-trip.

Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby: 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County | Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh

4 Top of the World in Laguna Beach

From the Top of the World viewpoint in Laguna Beach, gaze out across the deep blues of the Pacific Ocean and down Orange County’s stunning coastline. There are a number of trails that connect here to the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, so this hike can be a choose-your-own-adventure. Or, you can simply hang out to enjoy the view or visit the nearby playground.

Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby: 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County | Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh
Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby: 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County | Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh

5 Buck Gully Trail in Corona del Mar

Nestled in the seaside neighborhood of Corona del Mar, this 4.5-mile out-and-back trail crosses a small creek running through the gully. The trail is relatively flat, fairly narrow, and a fun place for kids to explore!

Note: This post is sponsored by Ergobaby, a brand I’ve loved using for over two years.


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AD Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby: 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County | The new Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier All-In-One: Cool Air Mesh has become our go-to for our favorite hikes around Southern California. The cool mesh paneling makes it lightweight and breathable. It's perfect for these 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County, California. Plus, it carries from infants to toddlers in four different carry positions! #orangecounty #california #ergobaby
AD Exploring Southern California with Ergobaby: 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County | The new Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier All-In-One: Cool Air Mesh has become our go-to for our favorite hikes around Southern California. The cool mesh paneling makes it lightweight and breathable. It's perfect for these 5 kid-friendly hikes in Orange County, California. Plus, it carries from infants to toddlers in four different carry positions! #orangecounty #california #ergobaby

 

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