Takin' Zyla Camping

We wanted to take Zyla camping, but with so much to do having a 1 year old, we had to wait until July to do it. We definitely wanted to take her to one of our favorite spots in Great Basin National Park. We left after work on Friday knowing that it was at least a three hour drive. It felt longer, though as we had to stop a couple times to break it up for Zyla. By the time that we got into Great Basin, it was already dark. 

So we went to Baker Campground which was the lowest elevation. We drove around the entire campground and found zero available sites. We were pushing 9pm at this point without too much of an option. So I decided to break the rules. We went down to Grey Cliffs which was a group campground. We camped in the A loop with other campers who seemed to be doing the same thing. Jacqueline wasn't sure about it, but with a 1 year old, I was ready to take whatever punishment to get her some sleep. I got the tent set up and the ladies went into the tent. Zyla slept in her pack and play which took up over half of our 3 person tent. Once we were all settled in Zyla, fell fast asleep. Her tired parents followed her quickly. We awoke in the morning to a smiley face who rolled over happy to see her parents there. We were a bit weary from an uncomfortable night crammed in the corner of the tent. Mom got Zyla some food while Dad got us prepared for the day. We drove a short distance up the rest of the road to the parking lot as we wanted to hike to Baker Lake. It was a long trip, though, so we did not know if we were going to be able to make it. Zyla was able to tell us pretty quick that we were not going to make it as she was not enjoying the backpack. She tried really hard to sleep, but could not with the design of the backpack. After a while she got frustrated and was not enjoying the scenery much until we gave her part of a leaf. We were able to make it about 2 miles before we had to turn around, but it was too bad Zyla would not cooperate because the green trees, flowing creek, and perfect temperature was very enjoyable. We got back to the car and drove up the road. This gave Zyla a good chance to sleep. After having lunch at the Wheeler Peak Trailhead, we went up the trail. Jacqueline wanted to go to a lake and Stella Lake was the closest one. Zyla was so much happier this time around, especially when we filled her hands with leaves from trees. The lake was only a mile, so needless to say, we did not have it to ourselves which we would have if we would have made it to Baker Lake. Still Zyla liked playing by the lake, but not getting in the lake water. We had to head back, though, as Jacqueline had to work the following day. This time Z would be able to get a much longer nap as the 3 hour plus ride back to Zion would be ample. We learned some valuable lessons from this trip. The first was that we needed an alternative to the pack and play. We found it with the pea pod. 

The next was that we needed to use the super expensive backpack rather than the Kelty pack so Z could sleep. The transition would be made in the future, but the first time around was definitely a complete success.