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Send a ComplimentHometown:
SF, California, United States
About Me & My Family
I'm a mother
3 Kids 0-8 years old boys and girls
3 Kids 0-8 years old boys and girls
When we travel, good food and adventure always abound. Our family loves to push the limit of what we can do with children. Our mantra has always been - have kids, will travel. However, this doesn't mean I'm unlike most frantic moms before a trip. Wanting adventure and being a control freak can sometimes be a lethal combination.
Our Family's Travel Personality
adventurous, independent, spontaneous
We Just Got Back From
Northern California and Oregon
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
Hawaii
A Place We'd Love To Visit
New Zealand, Argetina, Brazil, Eastern Europe, Cambodia
Favorite Vacation Memory
Climbing Machu Picchu with a 4 month old infant in a slight and having all the locals stop us to ask what happened to his feet which were all bundled up. They just couldn't believe it wouldn't be bow legged.
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
Getting to the airport on our way to Scotland with my 15 month old and discovering that my husband's passport had expired. Instead of rebooking all of our flights, we decided that I would do the first leg of our journey on my own with baby. Unfortunately, we had not packed for me to be flying by myself. I could bearly walk to the runway with all my bags and a 15 month old who would get distracted by everything along the way. He then proceeded to sleep only 1 hour of the entire 11 hour journey (red-eye). It was pretty miserable.
Websites I Like:
Kid-friendly Summer Trip Along the Eastern Sierras
California is a state of diverse landscapes and the Eastern Sierras has some of California's most spectacular landscapes. The main attractions along the Eastern Sierra's Scenic Byway is the stretch of Hwy 395 between Bridgeport in the north to Lone Pine to the south. As you make your way over Hwy 395, you'll find stunning views of snow capped mountains to the west and barren wild lands and volcanic sites to the east. Many interesting adventures await families who love the outdoors and who are curious enough to explore down a few dirt roads. To experience many of the stunning sites of the Eastern Sierras, it's best if your kids are over 5 years old so they can do some hiking on their own and you can engage in cool discussions about the interesting geological sites you'll encounter.
100 Main Street
Bridgeport, California
Comment:
If you need to spend a night somewhere in the northern end of the Eastern Sierras Scenic Byway, Bridgeport is a town with a few motel type accommodations. It's only 30 minutes north of Bodie State Historic Park along Hwy 395. There aren't any luxury accommodations anywhere nearby either in Lee Vining or Bridgeport, but Walker River Lodge has clean and comfortable motel style rooms.
reviewed on: May 31 2011
"More than a motel"
Upon driving up to Walker River Lodge, you might think it's just another motel. But what you will find in each room are very comfortable beds, recently renovated bathrooms, and rooms that generally feel clean even though the decor is somewhat dated. However, the choices for lodging in Bridgeport and Lee Vining (a town just south along Hwy 395) are mostly typical motels. As far as motels go, Walker River Lodge is definitely above average. Some of the rooms and suites even have a lovely river front view.The prices are above what you'd expect to pay for a motel room in a small town though. That's why I'm not giving it 4 stars. The breakfast was a typical continental breakfast. The pool was clean but small and right by the road. Loved the free Wifi. The service was fine, but don't expect to get any solid recommendations on what to see or where to eat nearby. Do your own research.
This is no luxury accommodations, but might be one of of your best options as a family when visiting the Bodie State Historic Park.
Jack Sawyer road
Bridgeport, California
Comment:
reviewed on: June 01 2011
"Kids had a fantastic time...but..."
I'm a little torn about how many stars to give Travertine Hot Springs. Our 5 and 8 year old boys had a really good time here. They have never seen a hot spring before, much less bathe in one. But what was the real clincher for them was being able to stomp in the mud pits nearby then jump into the hot springs. Every mom's nightmare, right? But they had soooo much fun. I find it hard to rate any place that result in uncontrollable giggles anything less than 4 stars. What is it about boys and mud anyway? Nonetheless, I did have some reservations about this attraction.Now, let me set your expectations straight. The notion of "hot spring" may bring to your mind luxurious pools of crystal clear waters at a 5 star spa, but at Travertine Hots Springs, what you'll find are a few undeveloped pools that have been built over time by various people. Some of the pools are clearer than others, but at the bottom of most, is gray clay mud. That means that the pools were more of murky gray color. I guess you can say it was natural. Not too inviting to me, but that didn't seem to bother our 5 and 8 year old boys in the very least. In fact, they had a very good time smearing mud all over dad proclaiming "Mud baths are good for your skin daddy!"
The view from Travertine Hot Springs is absolutely breathtaking. From the various pools, you'll be soaking to views of the stunning Sierra Mountain Range. I have no idea why no one has developed these hot springs into a luxury spa yet.
There are a few pools you can soak in at Travertine Hot Springs. The first is located right in the parking area. This one is the clearest of all the pools because it has been lined with cement so there is no mud in the pool. There is also a picnic table next to the pool. However, the water in this pools was really hot. Too hot of kids for sure. The next set of pools are accessed via a dirt path. It is in a lovely setting with views of the mountains. There are 4 pools right next to each other, but these are undeveloped and muddy. The water temperature here was just right. There is another pool about 50 feet further down that is hardly used because it's the most muddy. Finally, if you keep walking beyond the muddy pool down into the canyon, you'll come upon the final pool which has clear water. However, it is still undeveloped and water can be rather hot too. So, take your pick.
This is a clothing optional hot spring area. While most people had bathing suits on, there were also a good number of people who didn't, so depending how you feel about exposing your kids to this, you might care or not care. I felt a little uncomfortable and had to remind our 8 year old not to stare. I don't think he's ever seen anyone else but his parents naked, so this was a strange experience for all of us.
226 Main
Bridgeport, California
Comment:
Bridgeport is a town with a few restaurants. If you're here during lunch of dinner, Rhinos Bar and Grille serves up a good quality American fare with lots of kid-friendly selections.
reviewed on: May 31 2011
"Good typical american fare"
Rhinos is a small town bar and grill that serves up some good quality burgers, pizzas, salads and sandwiches. It's typical American food, but done well. We had a burger, a roast beef sandwich and cripsy chicken salad. Everything was delicious although nothing fancy. The roast beef was juicy and tender, the salad greens were fresh, and chicken was crispy but tender. The kids were very happy with their burger. Best of all the price was very reasonable. The atmosphere was pretty family-friendly and the service was cheerful and fast. If you're in Bridgeport, you'll have a good meal at Rhinos.
State Route 270
Bridgeport, California
reviewed on: May 31 2011
"Very interesting but can be tough with young kids"
Must husband and I have long wanted to visit the ghost town of Bodie. Today, we finally made the trip with our 5 and 8 year old boys. We thought it would be a wonderfully educational experience for them. We had read up a little ahead of time about the town to get them interested. Our 8 year old was intrigued, but our 5 year old really didn't care too much for it. As we approached Bodie, we were stunned by the beauty of the area, but also by the barrenness of the land. Walking through the old streets of this abandoned mining town filled with homes and stores, some still filled with furniture and goods made me feel like I was in an old western movie. The old school house was still filled with desks, books, maps, and a chalk board with math sums written on it. The general store had shelves stacked with goods from over 50 years ago including an old bottle of Lea and Perin sauce that looked exactly like it does today.
The ranger led talk was excellent. The stories that were told really brought the town alive. Our 8 year old listened with rapped attention. We didn't sign up for the mine tour because we didn't think our kids would last that long, but would really have loved to. The self-guided tour through the remaining buildings of the town of Bodie was fine for the adults but as our 8 year old pointed out, the whole Bodie experience would have been so much more engaging if we were on a guided tour with someone telling us stories of this historic town as we walked through it's streets.
There is a lot of walking involved, so if you're bringing a young child, make sure you have a backpack carrier or a stroller. The streets are all dirt roads and some areas can be a little boggy, but you'll make it to most of the sites even with an umbrella stroller. However, beware that the weather conditions at Bodie can be harsh and unpredictable. In the summer months, the area can be very hot. Brings lots of water as there is hardly any shelter. Bring picnic foods and snacks as there is no where to purchase food once you start heading down state route 270. In addition to the heat we were very surprised by the gusty strong winds that made an otherwise very pleasant 60 degree day feel more like a cold 40 degree day. The wind was almost unbearably strong. I was bundled up in my ski jacket and gloves and I was still uncomfortable in the howling wind. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen for everyone. The sunglasses help to keep sand from flying into your eyes.
If you're thinking of visiting Bodie, I would recommend waiting till your kids are a little older and do some reading up ahead to get them engaged with the culture and history of the Gold Rush era.
1 Visitor Center Drive
Lee Vining, California
reviewed on: June 14 2011
"Fantastic view and great interpretive exhibits"
A stop at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor's Center is a must just to take in the view of the entire Mono Lake area. From it's perch above Mono Lake, you'll see how the lake is shrinking, how wild dust storms sweep constantly over the area. You can even spot a few tufa towers.The interactive interpretive exhibits did a fantastic job of explaining why Mono Lake is so salty and showing the unique life forms that are able to thrive in this hostile environment. Our 5 and 8 year old loved touching the different types of Tufa towers and learning about how these bizarre petrified springs are formed in Mono Lake. Mom and Dad were just as intrigued.
Plan on spending the 20 minutes to watch the film "Fire and Ice" at the Visitor's Center because it gives such a fantastic overview of how the area formed, the unique ecosystems that exist in this environment, and the changes that are occurring as a result of the California aqueduct system that is draining water away from the basin into the LA area.
After our visit, we were able to have a much better appreciation of the sites we saw around Mono Lake. So, make a stop to the visitor's center your first stop in the area.
Hwy 120 South Mono Lake
Lee Vining, California
reviewed on: June 14 2011
"Very unique formations"
If you're a geology buff, you'll be in heaven when you visit the South Tufa State Reserve located on the south end of Mono Lake. There is a loop trail from the parking lot that takes you through some of the most spectacular tufa towers that have formed in Mono Lake due to calcium deposits that have accumulated over time around underground springs at the bottom of Mono Lake. We learned from our informative trip the Mono Basin Visitor's Center that Tufa Towers are petrified springs that form under water due to a chemical reaction that occurs when underground spring water encounter the salt water of Mono Lake. The tufa towers form under the water until they get so large and strong that they can exist above water. As you meander through the oddly shaped tufa towers, you'll feel like you're walking on some strange Star Wars planetAt some points along the trail, you're able to get to the shores of Mono Lake and see the strange greenish turquoise colored water. The waters of Mono Lake are more salty than ocean water and has been dubbed the Dead Sea of California. Similar to the dead sea in the Mediterranean, Mono Lake is fed by streams, but has not outlet. During some seasons in the year, the surface of the water is covered in a special fly larvae that migrating birds love to feast on. So be forewarned if you have a bug or bird phobia.
The trail is easy for kids to walk on, but do prepare them ahead of time that they are to stay on the trail at all times and not clamber on the enticing Tufa Towers. On the day we visited, the entire basin was hit by gusty winds that made the short trek a little uncomfortable. If not for our ski jackets we just happened to have that day, we would all have been miserable.
Hwy 120 South Mono Lake
Lee Vining, California
reviewed on: June 14 2011
"Cool pumice rock is so cool!"
The Panum Crater is an easy nearby stop if you're already in the area to see the South Tufa Nature Reserve. it can be reached via a dirt road off Hwy 120 east, you'll see a small sign pointing it out. It's just a short walk that the kids can easily manage to the rim of the crater. Then another short trail allows them to walk right up to the volcano's plug. If your kids have never been inside the center of a volcano's crater, this is the perfect opportunity. Also rather amusing for the kids is the pumice rocks and bounders that are littered all over the crater that are so light that kids can lift big hunks of rock very easily. (Great photo opp) We had fun talking about why these rocks are so much lighter than other types of rock.On the day we were in the Mono Basin area, it was incredibly windy. We could barely make it to the rim of the crater. If you visit, make sure you are prepared with different types of clothes including a wind breaker for everyone and sunglasses to shield your eyes from the bright sun as well as flying sand and rocks.
Hwy 158 June Lake Loop
Lee Vining, California
Comment:
June Lake Loop is a scenic detour that you should at least drive through during your tour of the Eastern Sierras. The loop will take you past 4 different alpine lakes with views to die for. In particular, if you're visiting in the fall, you'll be thoroughly impressed by the display of colors that the Aspen trees burst into. We were amazed that the moment you veer off Hwy 395, you trade dessert shrubs for tall pines trees and rivers and lakes that will tempt you to dip your toes in. If you do have the time, consider spending a day or two exploring the area. There are upscale resorts, rustic accommodations and campgrounds in the area. Try your hand at some fly fishing, do some hiking, and even get in some horseback riding.
1 Minaret Road
Mammoth Lakes, California
Comment:
Even in the summer, a stop at mammoth mountain during your trip along the Eastern Sierras is well worth a stop. It's the most developed area in the Eastern Sierras where you can find luxury lodging, great restaurants and supermarkets. If you're lucky, there might be some ski slopes still open if it's still early in the summer. Mammoth Mountain village is quiet in the summer months, but it's a pretty spot to hangout.
During the summer, check out the giant climbing rock with a variety of routes. If golfing is your thing, you can hit a few holes at California's highest altitude golf course Sierra Star Golf Course. You'll love the view of snow-capped peaks in every direction, winding mountain streams, lush wildflowers, fairways lined with Jeffrey pines and towering red firs and the occasional white-tailed deer – you won't find a more stunning golf course anywhere. The Mammoth Mountain Gondola is also open during the summer months where you can enjoy stunning views of the area's spectacular peaks. Best of all, this is a great area to base yourself for exploring the outdoor marvels of the Eastern Sierras during the summer if you'd prefer to come back to luxury accommodations at the end of the day.
50 Hillside Dr
Po Box 388 Mammoth Lakes, California
Comment:
Located at the base of the Gondola for Mammoth Mountain, the Westin Monache is a blissful place to stay during the summer where you can get a great deal on 5 star accommodations. It sure beats paying almost as much for a motel in some of the smaller towns. If fishing has got you hungry for some sushi, the WhiteBark Restaurant located in the Westin serves up some fresh sushi and unusual rolls. Best of all, during the summer, they sometimes offer half price sushi.
reviewed on: June 15 2011
"Why stay anywhere else in the Eastern Sierras?"
The Eastern Sierras is a landscape of unparalleled beauty, but there are really few places outside of Mammoth Lakes where you will find luxury accommodations like those offered at the Westin Monache. PERFECT LOCATION
The Westin Monache is not just located steps from the Mammoth Mountain Gondola and all the conveniences of the attractive Mammoth Lakes Village. If you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of the Eastern Sierras during the summer months, but want to come back to some pampering in the evenings, the Westin Monache is really a perfect base. To the north, Bodie State Historic Park is just over an hour’s drive away, while Mono Lake is just half an hour. To the south, you could be exploring some cool volcanic geological sites like Hot Creek and Benton Hot Springs, while minutes away you’ll find picture perfect lakes, world class trout fishing, stunning landscapes like Devil’s Postpile National Monument, and some of the most lovely horseback riding trails.
REALLY COMFORTABLE ROOMS
Our one bedroom suite at the Westin Monache was perfect for our family of four. A separate room for mom and dad, meant we all had one of the best nights of sleep on their truly “heavenly bed”. Now, I have to add that I’m in my third trimester of pregnancy and finding a comfortable sleeping position in an unfamiliar bed isn’t always the easiest thing, but I slept like a log. It was such a welcomed repose after a full day of hiking outdoors and chasing after our 5 and 8 year old boys. And in true Westin style, our room was squeaky clean. For those with babies, you may request a crib and you’ll actually get a crib, not just a pack and play. The smaller than normal crib probably won’t fit a big toddler comfortably but it had a nice comfy mattress and fit nicely in the corner in our room so there was still space to move around easily. Kudos to the staff for even thinking of putting on plug covers over the power socket next to the crib.
The living area in our suite had a very comfortable pullout couch, a dining table, fireplace and even a kitchenette complete with a two-burner stove, plates and cutlery. Although you may be paying a little more for your room, you could potentially be saving on eating out. The kitchenette would have been perfectly adequate for preparing a simple breakfast or dinner in the room. If your kids are anything like mine, the last thing they want to do at the end of full day of exploring or heavy activity like skiing is to sit still at a restaurant and wait for their meal to arrive.
WARM OUTDOOR POOL WITH LOVELY VIEWS
The fitness center and pool area both have beautiful views of the snow-covered mountains beyond the grand old pine trees surrounding the property. The heated outdoor pools included a kiddie pool for little ones, a hot spa to soothe tired bodies, and a regular pool. As soon as our kids laid eyes on the pool from our room, they were begging to jump in even though it was probably 50 degrees outside. And yes, we did concede to a relaxing soak after dinner in the hot tub after dinner. It felt magical sitting in the steamy tub gazing at the shadows of majestic pines and the faint glow of snow covered mountain peaks.
KIDS CLUB LOOKED FUN
The Westin Monache also has a kids club on premises where kids can be dropped off for a few hours of fun while mom and dad enjoy a few drinks or dinner together. In the summer, the kids club is only open Friday and Saturday, but during the high season it’s opened everyday from 4-9pm. There is every imaginable craft supply, some fun games and toys. The atmosphere was clean and really cheerful. Unfortunately, the kids club was not open during our visit, so I can’t comment on the staff. But our 5 and 8 year old seemed to like the environment when we got to peek inside for a few minutes.
COVERED PARKING
We found the service very friendly throughout our stay. I would definitely recommend the Westin Monache for a family who loves the outdoors, but wants to come back to some pampering and a good night’s rest. Oh and did I mention that the parking is in a covered underground garage, so you don’t have to go out into the cold during the winter season to get in and out of your car? It also means you won’t have to shovel your car out of the snow.
AWESOME SUMMER DEALS
During the summer, you can strike some amazing bargains at the Westin Monache. Their rooms go for as little at $145/night, which is less then half their winter rates. So, why stay anywhere else when exploring the Eastern Sierras during the summer?
DISCLOSURE: This review is based on a complimentary stay at Westin Monache in Mammoth Lakes. I received no other compensation. The hotel did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view. These opinions are entirely my own.
Devils Postpile National Monument
Oakhurst, California
Comment:
A truly unique geological phenomenon of black basalt pillars. Easily accessible for families along a .4 mile trail. This is a must see site if you're visiting the Eastern Sierras. It's only accessible in the summer months and definitely check if the road are open if you're traveling early in the summer.
Devil's Postpile National Monument
Oakhurst, California
Comment:
If you're up for a slightly longer hike when visiting Devil's Postpile, extend your hike by an additional easy 2.5 miles to see the beautiful Rainbow Falls.
Hot Creek Hatchery Road
Mammoth Lakes, California
reviewed on: June 14 2011
"Great short detour to see a cool volcanic site"
Hot Creek Geological Area is a short detour off Hwy 395 along the Eastern Sierras Scenic Byway. The signage isn't the best once you turn off Hwy 395, so follow the directions here on Trekaroo carefully so you don't get lost. You'll have to drive a short distance on a dirt road as is the case for so many of the sites on the Eastern Sierras, but it's a really interesting site especially if your kids haven't been to Yellowstone before. From the parking lot, you'll see the big hot spring bubbling steamy hot water into a turquoise, blue, green and white pool nestled at the bottom of the river carved canyon. The short walk down the canyon is easy enough for kids and as you make you way down towards Hot Creek, you'll see that the hot spring that is pouring into Hot Creek has turned the creek a strange color of deep blues and greens.
The creek is fenced off and there are lots of signs warning you not to walk past the fences, so make sure you keep your kids behind the fence. This is a cool volcanic feature that will get you talking about how the core of the earth is hot and how bodies of water are hidden underground and how they can get heated up and bubble to the surface.
Hot Creek Hatchery Road
Mammoth Lakes, California
reviewed on: June 01 2011
"Quick stop that kids will love!"
You might not really think that a stop at a fish hatchery is worth a stop, but considering that it's on the way to the Hot Creek Geological Site, it's definitely worth the stop to see the thousands of trout spawning and hatching here at the Hot Creek hatchery. Again, it's not one of those sites that you get to see everyday and it's interesting for that reason. Some interesting things to point out - the thin wires that are strung across the top of the pools to prevent birds from feeding on the baby fish and fish eggs. The kids were also amused watching the baby fish swimming up stream within the pools and jumping upwards from one pool to the next as if they were skipping over whitewater the wild. It was cool to get up close to these fish who are much more elusive in the wild.
1 Sherwin Creek Road
Mammoth Lakes, California
Comment:
Even the youngest kids can get their first taste of horseback riding at Sierra Meadows Ranch.
CA-190
Death Valley, California
Comment:
Although Death Valley is worthy of it's own visit, if you're planning to spend a whole week or more exploring the Eastern Sierra's, you could probably include Death Valley in your trip. The summers are incredibly hot in Death Valley, so including Death Valley in your trip plans is best for a spring or early summer trip. The top sites within Death Valley that will fascinate your kids include the amazing Sahara Dessert type sand dunes at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Scotty's Castle, Titus Canyon, and
Highway 190
Death Valley, California
Comment:
If you plan to stay overnight in Death Valley with kids, you'll be more comfortable indoors then camping. In the winter, spring and fall, the temperatures at night are very cold. In the summer, the day time temperature is really quite unbearable.
