Hike: Crabtree Falls
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1109 feet
Terrain: Stairs, Muddy, Rocks, Rooty
Blake had the day off from work and we decided that morning we wanted to take the kids hiking. It was a clear day in the mountains which makes for beautiful views. We decided to take the kids to Spy Rock. Blake and I hiked Spy Rock 6/9/2020 and didn’t have the best views due to the weather. We pile the wolf pack in the car and head to Spy Rock. When Blake and I hiked, we parked in the parking lot at the Montebello Fish Hatchery and this is where went with the kids. Unfortunately this parking area is now closed to the public and is private property. The trailhead sign remains. Signs up at the trailhead state to hike to Spy Rock via the Cash Hallow Trailhead. With the new parking area being further away than we wanted to go, we decided to take the kids to Crabtree Falls.
For those without a National Park Pass there is a $3 fee to park at the trailhead for Crabtree Falls. Once we got to the trailhead, we all had lunch before the hike.
The hike to the base of the falls is all paved and fairly flat. This also allows for ADA and strollers to access the view of the lower falls.
As we were about to continue up the trail Ethan spots a Ringneck snake. Of course all of the kids were excited to see the snake.
We continue up the trail, checking out all of the viewpoints of the falls. Crabtree falls are a series of cascading falls and unfortunately cannot be captured all in one photo. There are however, 5 platforms to capture amazing views of the falls.
We made it to the top of the falls after completing a series of switchbacks and lots of stairs. The hike is a very steep hike and we were very proud of all of the kids. Especially Austin, being only 5 years old.
There are no views of the waterfall from the top, you do get gorgeous mountain views. We met a bunch of really friendly dogs at the top as well. One dog was in training and had never been around children before and our kids were great with the dog and the dog just loved the kids.
On the way back down the trail the kids all go through the bolder cave on the side of the trail.
We made it back to the trailhead about 2.5 hours after we started out hike and took our pictures. Extremely proud of the kids for completing the hike.
Before heading home we stop by Blue Mountain Brewery for dinner. The kids love this restaurant and say it is one of their favorites. They love that they can run around outside before and after dinner.
Nic of Time - Travel 