I have planned many a Disney World itinerary (IYKYK) but when our framily (family + friends that are more like family) decided that we wanted to go to Yellowstone National Park I was extremely overwhelmed.
I started doing research and joined some Facebook groups but it honestly just made it more intimidating. I had a general outline of what we would do and was still nervous. However, after arriving, I realized that it was really a lot simpler than I had imagined.
Yellowstone National Park has one main road that is shaped like a figure 8. Each time you come to an intersection there are signs with directions to everything. There are maps available at the entrances and all of the visitor centers. Also, you can now download maps from Google Maps to use offline and we were never without GPS in the park.
Every thermal feature, picnic area, and trail head are marked very well and we found that even in the areas that were crowded, there was a parking solution and park rangers directing traffic and answering questions. Basically, you can't get lost.
My biggest tips:
Wake up early (less crowds, more animals)
Wear layers (the weather changed constantly in June)
If at all possible, stay inside the park (you will waste time driving in and out)
Bring good binoculars & bug spray
Rent bear spray at the visitor centers
Book the Old West Cookout (early)
Possible 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Upper Loop & Old West Cookout (Do these in this order)
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Norris Geyser Basin
Mammoth Hot Springs
Roosevelt Lodge & Old West Cookout - You will ride a horse or wagon through the beautiful Pleasant Valley to the cookout site where you will enjoy cowboy coffee, a steak dinner, live music and a campfire with stories. You also have time to meet and take pictures with the horses. The kids enjoyed some freedom exploring the site and we saw lots of animals, including our only badger sighting!
Day 2 - Lower Loop (you can start at any point and go around the loop)
Mud Volcano Boardwalk
Hayden Valley (lots of animals - bear, elk, bison, deer)
Midway Geyser (Grand Prismatic is located here)
Old Faithful (eruption predictions are posted, go early for a good seat)
Day 3
Sunrise at Lamar Valley (or sunset are the best time for animal viewing)
Billings, MT or Gardiner, MT (depending on which way you are coming from)
As you are driving from one "main area" to another, you will pass many pull-offs. These are well marked thermal features, water falls or trails. The drive around the loops can take as long as you want depending on how many of these places you want to get out and explore. There will also be traffic jams due to the wildlife, so leave yourself extra time if you've booked a tour.
Other Helpful Information
We saw animals EVERYWHERE. Before we checked in on the first day we had driven past bighorn sheep, deer and bison. The lady who checked us in told us about the location of recent bear sightings, but we saw bears throughout the park at all times of the day.
The park got significantly more crowded after 9 in the morning, but even when we had to park farther away, we were able to see everything we wanted to see.
While there is food available at the main areas of the park, the lines can be long and it can be pricey. We packed a picnic lunch most days and pulled off at one of the many picnic areas when we were ready to eat. It allowed more time outside enjoying the views. There is some yummy huckleberry ice cream at the Canyon Visitors Area though!
If you are taking more than one vehicle or plan to separate from your group at all, walkie-talkies are great when you don't have cell phone reception.
Even if you never got out of your car, Yellowstone National Park is beautiful and unlike anywhere else. No matter what you choose to see you will have a great time as a family.
Let me know if you have any questions or comments!
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