Family Adventure in Two Great American Parks

A possible, beautiful itinerary for you

1. Natural Powers

   Arrival in Jackson, Wyoming. Seat-belts strapped, and the kids all set-up with entertainment for the road, you set out towards Yellowstone. The freedom of the road has always been your calling, something you wish the kids shared with you. As you penetrate into the great outdoors, you glance in the rear view mirror, and to your surprise you’re met with a cavalcade of jaw-dropped visages. The kids have put down the tablet of their own accord. Such is the power of the Northwest. As you arrive at Yellowstone, you head to Old Faithful, and, true to her name, the geyser puts on quite a show. Not a bad start.

2. It’s All in the Attitude

   Your guide meets you early in the morning. She leads you to the highlights, the geothermal features, and the canyon of Yellowstone River. When she sees you’re game, she lets you in in a couple of secrets and shows you spots where you can appreciate the wildlife and enjoy a picnic with your family. Everything tastes better after a morning out. You and the kids feel quite at home. As you arrive back at the hotel, the legs are tired, and you wonder if it’s been perhaps a bit too rough on the kids. Their smiles tell otherwise. They fall asleep the moment their head hits the pillow. A good day’s work.

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Freedom

Having knowledgeable guides is wonderful, but it’s America after all, and the freedom to explore is paramount. Today you take a free day, so to speak. However, your guide did hook you up with some intel. You head to Hayden Valley, where you spot beats, elk, wolves, and the American bison, that great protagonist of the west. Then, you head for Lamar Valley where the wildlife is as abundant as in the previous spot, if not more. You spot a pack of wolves running in the bottom of the valley. You feel imbued by a sense of wonder, and feel powerfully the call of the wild.

Scenic Road Trip

Back on the road, you head to the Grand Teton National Park. On your right, you get a full view of Teton Range, the characteristic peaks that give name to the park, and a classic in American mountaineering.

Gourmet Chuckwagon

Early in the morning, after a breakfast in the proper western style, you head out for a tour of the Teton’s outstanding wildlife. Buffalo and antelope paint a brilliant picture of the outdoors, and you understand why these herbivores have sparked the imagination of pioneers and adventurers for generations. In the evening, you are treated to a Western classic: a chuckwagon dinner. It is magical being out here, next to the fire, telling stories and listening to the mellow country tunes.

Rapid Whitewater Photography

You’ve seen Snake River before, in the photographs of Ansel Adams. There is a great significance in this amazing river. The adventure begins in a low key. You float gently downs the waters and admire the scenery. Then, all hell breaks loose ― in a good way. Whitewater rafting in Snake River is great fun for the kids, and, even if barrel-canoeing down Bear River is more your style, you have to admit you are beginning to enjoy the hard pounding of your heart against your chest.

Hiking for Understanding

You have experienced the Great Yellowstone area in the past few days, but you could use a bit more knowledge. There is no better way to become acquainted with nature than to hike through it. Your guide takes you to some truly wonderful trails, and explains the finer details of the flora, fauna, and unique geology of the region. When you depart in the afternoon, you are left with a deeper appreciation for nature, the kids have become enthusiastic naturalists, and you all have bonded as a family, which is another great western tradition.