A Family Adventure to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Tour the state Capitol building, learn about the history of the Mormon church in Temple Square and visit the Clark Planetarium. All of these are free to visit and easily accessible from the train in a half-day.

We chose an RV, but whatever your mode of transportation, this part of the country is perfect for a road trip. Drive two and a half hours to the breathtaking Bear Lake, Idaho.

Renting bear spray is a necessity to keep with you at all times as grizzlies find their home in the area.

Continue your journey with a stop at the Oregon Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho. If you look along the way, you will see road signs for the Oregon Trail/Lewis and Clark expedition and can even see wagon wheel tracks still intact.

End the day in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Stop by the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center and Elk Refuge. The staff are very helpful so you can navigate the ever-changing weather in the area while also offering safety tips and personalized recommendations for hiking. Jackson Hole is a quaint ski resort town and perfect for an evening stroll.

Grand Teton National Park is only 20 minutes away, but you will want to take in every moment. I highly recommend making reservations in advance for a boat tour of the stunning Jenny Lake. There are plenty of places to hike and enjoy a picnic. Don't forget your bear spray!

At the end of the day, head to the south entrance of Yellowstone to be ready for the next day's adventure.

Yellowstone is a big loop that is about 100 miles long. The terrain can vary wildly from one area to the next within the park. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a highly recommended area.

Lamar Valley is well worth the extra driving and ends at the Northeast entrance. It’s a wildlife paradise. Buffalo, bears, antelope, deer and moose abound. Photographers are everywhere waiting to capture the perfect moment. Stopping to watch a herd of buffalo cross or a mama grizzly with her cubs is commonplace. Just keep your distance and follow all safety precautions.

Overnight in Cody, Wyoming.

If you choose to come to Cody, Wyoming, you can enjoy rodeos, mustang tours, chuckwagon dinners or The Buffalo Bill Center. This is a great places to spend several hours and learn all about life in the wild west. The other activities are seasonal.

Drive through southern Montana to visit the charming town of Bozeman and don't miss the local hot springs, ending the night in West Yellowstone. There are several restaurants and hotels. It is also a great home base if a long driving tour is not your speed.

Finish the trip by driving the other half of Yellowstone and then heading back to Salt Lake City to rest before flying out.

As you can see, this trip is highly involved and took a lot of planning. If this trip or another National Parks trip is something you've dreamed of doing, I'd be glad to help you put together a customized experience that will save you time so you can focus on the fun!