Yellowstone National Park Travel Forum

My family and I are excited to visit Lake Yellowstone and the park in mid July. I have a 3 year old, 5 year old, and 7 year old traveling with my wife, and I and we are looking for fun and adventures in your region. We will be in the area for 2 days and are looking for trip ideas that will enhance our experience. We want to use our time in the best possible way, and are an adventurous family looking for the best use of our time. I am looking for your input on anything and am looking for detail suggestions on the following areas: 1- best places to visit 2-best family hikes 3-places to eat 4-best places to water river rafting (company to recommend) 5-best scenic horse rides that are family friendly (company name) 6-best places to fish or guide to recommend (what do we need for gear and equipment) 7. unique shops or places of interest 8. places to rent bikes and places to ride them. 9. any other ideas you can suggest : )

It's been a very long time since we visited, but here is the official Yellowstone web site in case you don't already have it. If you go thru the links there's quite a bit of info. http://www.nps.gov/yell/

ps. Talking to the kids and setting their expectations before the trip is also helpful.

Many VTers have tips on Yellowstone National Park including myself. But, I have to give the credit where due. I followed the tips of a fellow Vter, KimberlyAnn, who has just about everything you would want to know on Yellowstone. Check her pages out at: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/3d935/dc5a0/

www.yellowstone.national-park.com

But let's make certain I understand your question: you want to do hiking, rafting, horse rides, fishing, shopping, biking; as well as seeing the sights of the place -- and you've given yourself TWO DAYS to do all, with three young children in tow? I wouldn't recommend less than THREE DAYS just to see the sights in this area (no less than a day at the Grand Tetons), even without children to slow you down! I strongly suggest you either (1) GREATLY reduce what you plan to do or (2) give yourself a couple more days at the Yellowstone area. Believe me, there is NO PLACE where your time would be better spent than at Yellowstone.

One minor thing to mention, just in case nobody else does so -- make certain that your children (and you!!) understand that the animals in this area are WILD, and may decide to attack at ANY time. Every year some idiot parents have their child get close to a bison or moose or deer or bear, in order to get a photo; and the animal responds by charging. If any animal is reacting in ANY way to you, then you're TOO CLOSE! Just back away.

I actually will be in the Park a longer period but staying at Lake Yellowstone for for only 2 nights.

We've been staying / traveling throughout the park since '91.
Lake Yellowstone is actually one of the places we will overnight at along the way but, have found that, amongst all the other places to visit in Yellowstone, it is one of our least favorite.
Canyon/Mammoth and of course, Geysers (Old Faithful) being a better draw for activities.

As others have mentioned, 2 days is hectic for all you're wishing to see/do.
I've answered in some more detailed answers in your Jackson post (almost identical to this one), I can assume you basically pasted/copied your question.
As it applies here, I would drive up to Hayden Valley (if you're not already planning on spending time in Canyon) and view the buffalo herds.
Additionally, hike Tower Falls area.
The hike down is a breeze but, be prepared, The climb up is murderous!

Food here at Lake Yellowstone Lodge is amongst our favorite in the park, next to the Old Faithful Inn.

When in Yellowstone, of course you have to see Old Faithful, as it is the most famous of all the geysers. It is a nice one, but there are a few I like better. Be sure to go in to the Old Faithful Lodge and look around. It is the most outstanding log structure I have ever seen. Besides the Old Faithful geyser basin, the Norris geyser basin is nice. If possible, see Eucinas geyser erupt while in Norris. It use to be very regular, but isn't anymore, so this may be difficult. One of our very favorite geysers is Great Fountain, which is located on the Firehole Lake Drive, although this is a hard one to catch. (My Yellowstone Pages have this geyser featured as the opening Intro photo.) You can get an estimate of when Great Fountain might erupt at the Old Faithful Visitor Center. Be sure to see the Canyon area and it's falls. Artists Point is my favorite look out point, and a must see view. Inspiration Point is also very very nice. If you have enough time Mammoth Hot Springs area and Tower Falls are also very nice to explore, although I can't remember how far you have to walk to see Tower Falls, so I don't know if this would work with a 3 year old.

If you want to eat out in a nice restaurant the old log lodge at Old Faithful, the Lake Hotel, and the lodge at Mammoth all have excellent restaurants, although they are somewhat pricey. I can't remember if they have a children's menu—I need to remember to check this out! If you want to eat in any of these, make your reservations well in advance as they are popular.

Horseback riding trips in the park require that children be at least 8 years old. However, there may be other park tours that would fit your family better. Check out this link to see what is available, and if you see something you like, I would recommend reserving ahead of time if possible, as July is a crowded time in the park: http://www.travelyellowstone.com/Summer-Tours-&;-Activities-199.html

The main park loop road is 142-miles in size, so try to figure out what you want to see and do, and make a plan using a park map to save yourself as much driving as possible. Go to this link for a park map: http://www.nps.gov/archive/yell/interactivemap/

WILDLIFE: You will see wildlife all over the park, please do not hold up traffic staring, pull over to view the animals. Do not, however, get out of your car, and try to sneak up to get that close-up photo. We have folks injured every year, and most simply did not obey the rules. Our favorite wildlife viewing area is Lamar Valley, which is the northern most road that runs from Mammoth to the Northeast Entrance. Unless you are going to be in the park for a number of days, this would probably be too out of your way. And of course, when I say this is our favorite place, this only means we have the best luck there, not that we always see large herds, wolves, or bears.


Do come with light weight and heavy weight clothing. It can be warm or cold, even in July, and it may change from day to day.

As travelgourmet mentioned, I have a lot of pretty detailed information on places to eat, see, stay, etc. on my VT Yellowstone pages. (Thanks Larry)

Have fun, but keep your children near you at all times, and don;t let them run ahead or wander without you.The park is beautiful, but dangerous in many ways. Stay on the paths near the geysers, be careful of the water temps- both hot and cold-remember that the animals are wild, not tame, make noise when you hike, stay together and get the kids bear bells, and always let someone know where you are hiking and how to get back.

The main restaurants are expensive, try breakfast as your least expensive meals, stores and snack shops are great for sandwiches and snacks, the kids might enjoy the Jr. Ranger programs, bikes can be rented at most of the hotel/service complexes. Check with the Rangers for family friendly activitites, and consider a night with the stars program. Good Luck