Yellowstone and Grand Teton Adventure

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With the United States opening up a bit and my two teenage high school girls and one son in college struggling, it was time for some serious adventure and family time.

I decided the Wild West was just what we needed!  Time to unplug a bit and really get back to what’s important - family.

Here is a bit of our family itinerary; what worked, what maybe I would do differently and some helpful tips.  Let my experience help you plan your next adventure.

Day 1

We flew into Jackson, WY and our hotel had a shuttle that could pick us up at the airport which helped save on the extremely high rental car pricing in that area.  Keep in mind it is a small airport and small town.  Our flight was delayed a bit and we were lucky to get a taxi but it was $70, luckily our hotel reimbursed us.  

Our hotel was in a great location with stuff on the premises for all of us to do and close enough to walk to town, but they also had a shuttle to take you into town and/or pick you up.  We got to explore the town and take in some local favorite cuisine and do a little shopping.

 

Day 2

Our tour guide picked us up at our hotel in the late afternoon in an open sided safari vehicle (it had clear roll down windows if the weather turned).  We were ready to see the animals of Grand Teton National Park at dusk.  Binoculars were provided as well as a scope the guide uses to find those camera shy animals.  We had an amazing night seeing all sorts of wildlife including Moose, Pronghorn, Bison, Beaver and Mule Deer.  Many were so close we didn’t need binoculars.  Best of all, the kids were loving the adventure, the animals, and I got to see smiles I had not seen in a while.  Everyone was engaged and no one even reached for their electronics.  It was a great night!  We returned back to our hotel in the early evening to rest up for an early morning.

 

Day 3

We got an early start in a closed van with all our belongings to begin our road trip adventure.  Our breakfast was provided along with snacks and water.  Everyone was excited and comfortable and the kids already loved our tour guide, Neil, who would be with us for the duration.  He was amazing!  We headed back into Grand Teton National Park to observe the early morning stirring of the animals and see Signal Mountain, Jenny Lake, Oxbow Bend, and Moulton Barn on Mormon Row to name a few.  From there we headed into Yellowstone to see Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Hayden Valley.  Some animals we saw today were Black Bear (a few including a mother and cubs), Bison, Elk, Mule Deer, Moose (including mother and calf) and Bald Eagles.  We ended our Day in Cody, WY and went to the Cody Rodeo, a must see!

 

Day 4

We got an early start leaving Cody, Wy to begin our Yellowstone wildlife and Scenic Upper Loop.  We got breakfast and saw the Buffalo Bill Center and continued on to Chief Joseph’s Scenic Byway through the Shoshone National Forest and the Absaroka Mountains, Picnic at Clarks Fork at YellowStone River, and Dead Indians Pass.  We got to see Black Bears, Wolves (and pups), Beaver, Badger, Elk, Bison, Bighorn Sheep and Pronghorn.  We ended the day at Cooke City, MT.  Literally one of the cutest towns I have ever seen and probably the best ribs and chili we have ever had.

 

Day 5

Our final guided tour day did not disappoint.  Heading back towards Wyoming we explored Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley and the famous Yellowstone Geyser Basins.  We walked around Mommoth Hot Springs, Fountain Paint Pots, Mud Pots, Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Springs.  We saw more Wolves, Rams, Fox, Bison, Swans and Bald Eagles. It was a busy and beautiful day!

 

Day 6-7

After our guided tour, I booked us two nights at a glamping area on a river to rest, play games, and explore some of the area on our own.  We rented a car and I am not sure I would do that again but it helped us at the time.  It was a great time for everyone to re-tell stories and for my kids to obsess over our tour guide, who was so knowledgeable and whose life was a real adventure - he really did make quite an impact on their lives.

We hiked up to Phelps Lake as we headed back to Jackson and got a little too close for comfort to a young Black Bear, luckily a Ranger was there to move everyone along.  We had an amazing dinner at a Thai place in Jackson and got ready for an early flight back home to Atlanta.  

It still brings tears to my eyes how amazing this trip was and how it made us feel like ourselves and a strong family unit again.  I would not do this trip without a guided tour, they know what to look for and where to go.  

 

If you are looking for a Yellowstone and Grand Teton adventure please call me @ 610-357-6526 or email me at p.cohen@cruiseplanners.com so I can help you get started.