I have small children, and would like to take them into "wilderness" areas (i.e. national forests) for light duty day hikes. Is this actually possible, or are the demands too great? Ages are 4 - 10. My aim is to get them into quiet, peaceful and remote environment and develop a healthy love and respect for the outdoors.

We live in SoCal, and are sick of concrete trails, and signs exhorting us to protect the gnats by not swatting at them.

Travel plans in the foreseeable future are CO, UT, and AZ. Any tales or experiences, or advice welcomed though.