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Yellowstone & Grand Teton Family Adventure – End of July

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Day 1: Arrival in Bozeman & Drive to West Yellowstone

Morning: Land at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, pick up the two rental SUVs and grab a quick breakfast in downtown Bozeman. The drive to West Yellowstone (≈1.5 hrs) offers scenic views of the Gallatin River.

Afternoon: Check‑in at the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone, then explore the historic town square and visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center for an up‑close wildlife intro.

Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at the Wild West Pizzeria and settle in early for a restful night before park exploration.

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Day 2: Lower Loop – Geysers & Hot Springs

Morning: Drive the Lower Loop, stopping at Old Faithful to witness its iconic eruption, then wander the surrounding geyser basins.

Afternoon: Head to Grand Prismatic Spring and take the short hike to the overlook for the best color view, followed by a quick visit to Midway Geyser Basin.

Evening: Return to West Yellowstone for a relaxing evening; consider a dip in the Boiling River (seasonal) if water levels permit.

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Day 3: Northern Yellowstone – Mammoth & Norris

Morning: Depart early for Mammoth Hot Springs, strolling the terraces and spotting bison grazing nearby.

Afternoon: Continue to Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most dynamic area in the park; the family-friendly Steamboat Geyser watch is a thrill.

Evening: Drive to the park’s interior and check into Canyon Village Lodge, then enjoy a ranger‑led campfire program.

**Day 4: South Loop – Canyon & Lakes**

Morning: Explore the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, walking both the North and South Rim trails to see Upper and Lower Falls.

Afternoon: Picnic at Yellowstone Lake and rent a kayak for a short paddle; kids will love spotting loons and eagles.

Evening: Head back to Canyon Village for dinner; optional night sky viewing at the Hayden Valley overlook.

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Day 5: Travel to Grand Teton – Jackson Hole Arrival

Morning: Depart Yellowstone via the scenic John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, arriving in Jackson Hole and checking into The Lodge at Jackson Hole.

Afternoon: Stroll the charming Jackson Town Square, admire the iconic antler arches, and explore local shops.

Evening: Dine at a family‑friendly restaurant such as Snake River Brewing and enjoy a sunset walk along the Jackson Lake shoreline.

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Day 6: Grand Teton Adventures – Hikes, Rafting & Horseback

Morning: Hike the Jenny Lake Loop (3 mi, moderate) with a possible boat ride across the lake to the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

Afternoon: Experience a guided white‑water rafting trip on the Snake River (Class II–III), suitable for teens and adults.

Evening: Wrap up the day with a horseback riding excursion through the valley’s sagebrush meadows, followed by a casual dinner at the lodge.

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Day 7: Return to Bozeman & Departure

Morning: Leisurely drive back to Bozeman, stopping at Madison Junction for a quick snack and souvenir shopping.

Afternoon: Return the rental cars, explore downtown Bozeman’s Montana State University campus and the Montana Museum of Art & Culture if time allows.

Evening: Catch your flight home after a memorable family adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Old Faithful – 2 hrs – $35 (park entry for 8)
  • Grand Prismatic Spring – 1.5 hrs – $0 (free with entry)
  • Mammoth Hot Springs – 1 hr – $0
  • Norris Geyser Basin – 2 hrs – $0
  • Grand Canyon of Yellowstone – 3 hrs – $0
  • Yellowstone Lake kayak rental – 2 hrs – $120
  • Jenny Lake boat shuttle – 1 hr – $80
  • Snake River white‑water rafting – 4 hrs – $960 (≈$120 per person)
  • Horseback riding (Grand Teton) – 2 hrs – $720 (≈$90 per person)
  • Lodging (6 nights total) – $3,200 (average $200/night for two rooms)
  • Meals (average $30 per person per day) – $1,680
  • Rental SUVs (7 days) – $1,050
  • Gas & park fees – $400
  • Total Estimated Cost: $9,060

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Grand Teton for a full-day Mountaineering or wildlife photography tour, or a day in Bozeman to explore the Gallatin River with a guided fly‑fishing outing. If you need to shorten the itinerary, consider skipping the kayaking on Yellowstone Lake and combining Day 5 and Day 6 activities in Jackson (e.g., swap rafting for a shorter hike) to finish in six days while still hitting the highlights.

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