Arrive in Big Sky and collect your rental via Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport or the local town center; take a relaxed scenic drive along Lone Mountain Trail to familiarize yourselves with the valley and spot your first mountain views. Stop for a hearty brunch at The Corral—order pancakes or a bison breakfast burrito—to fuel up and chat with locals about current trail or road conditions for the week ahead.
Check into your lodging (consider a slope-side condo at Big Sky Resort or a cozy cabin in Meadow Village) and unpack leisurely so everyone can settle before the trip’s adventure tempo picks up. Head out for an easy acclimation walk on the Ousel Falls Trail — the 1.6-mile round trip is family-friendly, offers wooded scenery and a pretty waterfall, and is a great chance to stretch legs and test winter layers and boots.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Horn & Cantle (inside Montage Big Sky) or a casual family meal at Marsh Creek Pub, sampling local trout or comfort fare while planning the next day’s scenic drives. Finish the night with hot chocolate by the fireplace or a short stargazing session—Big Sky’s dark skies make for impressive constellations, a calming way to cap off arrival day and get excited for Yellowstone ahead.
Start the day with breakfast at Mountain Pine Coffee & Bakery in Meadow Village, grabbing fresh pastries and locally roasted coffee before heading up Lone Mountain for panoramic viewpoints. Drive the scenic Big Sky Loop toward Spanish Peaks and stop at the Lone Peak Expedition base area to take the scenic chairlift (or a short, family-friendly hike if conditions allow) for sweeping valley and ski-area vistas that help everyone get their bearings.
After a casual picnic lunch from Big Sky Deli, explore the gentle, interpretive trails at Ousel Falls County Park again or choose the longer Beehive Basin approach for a moderate, snow-dusted walk if the group is up for it; both offer excellent wildlife- and birdwatching opportunities. If anyone wants a low-key cultural break, pop into the Big Sky Community Library or visit the Big Sky Farmers Market stalls (seasonal) and hot-spot boutiques in Meadow Village for local crafts and map tips for the Yellowstone drive.
Warm up with a family-style dinner at Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro or Marsh Creek Pub, savoring comfort dishes like elk meatloaf or hearty pasta while comparing photos from the day’s lookout stops. Finish with a short twilight stroll around the Meadow Village pond or a cozy game night back at your lodging, enjoying hot drinks by the fireplace and a final clear-sky preview of the stars before an early start toward West Yellowstone tomorrow.
Depart Big Sky after an early breakfast at The Corral or Mountain Pine Coffee, then enjoy the scenic 1.5-2 hour drive toward West Yellowstone, watching the landscape shift from alpine valley to wide sagebrush and pine. Stop at the Madison River overlook or Hebgen Lake pullout for a quick photo and to stretch legs — keep an eye out for mule deer and bighorn sheep along the highway as you approach the gateway town.
Check into your West Yellowstone lodging (consider the Explorer Cabins or Kelly Inn) and head to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center for an engaging, family-friendly introduction to the park’s wildlife; the live animal exhibits and keeper talks are perfect for curious kids. Afterward, stroll downtown Main Street to pick up last-minute park supplies at Yellowstone General Store and enjoy a casual lunch at Wild West Pizzeria or Ernie’s Bakery & Deli before prepping for an early Yellowstone start tomorrow.
Have an early, warming dinner at Running Bear Pancake House or the Three Bear Lodge restaurant, sampling hearty comfort food while reviewing tomorrow’s Lower Loop route and road/weather notes from the park website or visitor center staff. End the night with a relaxed walk to the West Yellowstone Visitors’ Center to grab maps and park thermals, then return to your room for hot chocolate and an early bedtime to be ready for a full day inside Yellowstone.
Head into Yellowstone early from West Yellowstone to beat crowds and search for wildlife along the lower loop, keeping binoculars ready for elk and bison in Hayden Valley on the way to the geyser basins. Spend the first hours at Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin—time an eruption, walk the boardwalks among steaming pools and colorful thermal features, and pop into the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center for exhibits and eruption schedules.
After a picnic lunch at the Fountain Paint Pot area or in the Old Faithful picnic zone, continue down the Lower Loop to the Midway and Lower Geyser Basins to see Grand Prismatic Spring from the boardwalk and, weather permitting, the overlook on the Fairy Falls trail for the best photos. Drive on to the Upper and Lower Falls viewpoints in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone—Artist Point and Lookout Point deliver dramatic canyon vistas and cascading waters that make a memorable family photo stop.
As daylight wanes, loop back toward West Thumb and West Yellowstone, watching for wolves or elk at dusk along the Madison and Gibbon River corridors and stopping for a warm meal at the Old Faithful Inn dining room or the Lake Hotel if timing allows. Return to your West Yellowstone lodging with photos and stories from the day, review tomorrow’s Upper Loop plan over maps and hot drinks, and get an early night for another full day in the park.
Set out early from West Yellowstone or your park lodging to enter the Upper Loop and make the most of golden morning light at Artist Point and Lookout Point in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; spend time at both overlooks to compare dramatic views of the Lower Falls and the carved canyon walls. Keep binoculars ready along the drive—elk and mule deer often graze near the canyon rim—and pause at the Canyon Visitor Education Center for interpretive exhibits and trail recommendations if you want a short hike like the Brink of the Lower Falls walk.
After a picnic or a warm lunch at Canyon Village, continue north toward Lamar Valley for one of the park’s best wildlife-watching afternoons; scan the meadows for bison herds, pronghorn, and (with luck) wolves or coyotes at a respectful distance. Stop at Slough Creek or Soda Butte for short walks and excellent photo opportunities, and pop into the Fishing Bridge area if you’d like a lakeside break before the evening wildlife push in Lamar.
Remain in Lamar Valley into dusk when animal activity often increases—park staff and fellow visitors can tip you to recent sightings—then slowly head back toward your West Yellowstone base, savoring last glimpses of the valley’s wide-open skies. Wind down with a hearty dinner back in town at a family favorite like The Buffalo Bar or Ernie’s Bakery & Deli, trade spotting stories over hot drinks, and get a good night’s rest before the scenic drive to Grand Teton tomorrow.
Depart West Yellowstone after an early breakfast and enjoy a scenic, roughly 2.5-3 hour drive south along US-191/US-287, stopping at the Lewis Falls pullout and near Hebgen Lake for quick photos and to watch for elk along the roadside. Enter Grand Teton via the southern John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway and pause at the Moose-Wilson Road junction or the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center to collect park maps, check trail conditions, and orient the family to where the Tetons will reveal themselves.
Spend the afternoon exploring iconic Teton viewpoints: stop at the Snake River Overlook for that classic Ansel Adams-style photo, then continue to Oxbow Bend and the shaded picnic area at Jenny Lake for a relaxed lunch. If conditions and energy allow, take the short, family-friendly Lakeshore Trail around the Jenny Lake area or ride the shuttle boat across the lake (seasonal) to the base of Hidden Falls for dramatic mountain-and-water vistas that contrast nicely with Yellowstone’s geothermal landscapes.
As daylight softens, drive the scenic Teton Park Road toward Signal Mountain for panoramic sunset views over Jackson Hole and the valley below, then check into lodging in Jackson or nearby Moran and freshen up. Enjoy a cozy dinner at Dornan's or the Signal Mountain Lodge restaurant featuring local fare, compare wildlife sightings from the day, and settle in for an early night — tomorrow you’ll have a full day to explore more trails and lakes in the Tetons.
Wake up early for golden light on the Teton Range—head to Oxbow Bend and the Snake River Overlook for classic reflection shots and quiet wildlife viewing as elk or moose often feed near the water at dawn. After a hot breakfast in Jackson or a picnic by the lakeshore, walk the easy Lakeshore Trail at Jenny Lake (or take the seasonal shuttle boat across the lake) to reach Hidden Falls and the base of Inspiration Point for sweeping mountain-and-water vistas.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the south end of the park: drive to Leigh Lake or String Lake for gentle, family-friendly shoreline rambles and lunch with a view, or choose a short hike on the Taggart Lake Trail for a 3-mile round-trip that rewards you with mirrorlike lake reflections and quieter trails. Pop into the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center or the Jenny Lake Visitor Center to browse exhibits and local maps, then enjoy a warm snack at Dornan’s in Moose while recounting favorite photo stops from the morning.
As daylight wanes, take Signal Mountain Road for a sunset panorama over Jackson Hole and the Tetons—Signal Mountain’s summit pullouts are perfect for a final family photo and a brief stroll to stretch legs. Return to your Jackson or Moran lodging for a comforting dinner at a local favorite (Dornan’s Chuckwagon or the Blue Lion are great options), sip something warm by the fire, and pack jackets and binoculars for tomorrow’s drive into southern Utah.
Leave Grand Teton/Jackson early and enjoy the long, scenic drive south toward Utah, stopping for a leg-stretch and coffee in Pocatello or Idaho Falls; the route unfolds from mountain valleys into high desert, so watch for changing light and roadside geology. Pause at the historic Lava Hot Springs or a roadside pullout near the Bear River Range for a quick picnic and to let kids run while the landscape transitions toward red-rock country as you approach the I-15 corridor.
Cross into southern Utah and detour off I-15 for a red-rock introduction at Snow Canyon State Park near St. George, where simple family-friendly walks like the Sand Dunes or Petrified Dunes give dramatic, accessible views without a long hike. Continue toward your chosen base (St. George or Cedar City) with a photo stop at the Hurricane Cliffs overlook or the Quail Creek Reservoir viewpoint to soak in orange cliffs and sandstone outcrops, then check into lodging and freshen up for an evening stroll.
Take a relaxed dinner in St. George—try Cliffside Restaurant for sunset views or Painted Pony for family-friendly Southwestern fare—then enjoy a short, twilight walk at Pioneer Park to admire hoodoos and chance evening star visibility away from city lights. Spend a quiet night reviewing options for tomorrow’s national-park choice (Arches/Canyonlands via I-70 or Zion via US-89/I-15), comparing driving times and trail ideas so the family can agree on the best park adventure.
If you chose Moab, start early with coffee and pastries at Eklecticafe before heading into Arches National Park to walk the short, iconic Delicate Arch viewpoint trail or stroll the Windows Loop and Double Arch boardwalk for dramatic sandstone formations in the soft morning light. If you opted for Zion, depart from St. George or Springdale and drive into the canyon, parking near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to take a family-friendly walk along the Riverside Walk or the lower Emerald Pools trail while enjoying towering sandstone walls and early wildlife sightings.
In the Moab route, picnic at the Devil’s Garden or at the overlook for Balanced Rock, then cross the Colorado River into Canyonlands Island in the Sky for Mesa Arch at midday—its framed view is perfect for a family photo and a short, easy hike. On the Zion route, after a boxed lunch in the canyon, consider the scenic shuttle up to Springdale viewpoints and an easy hike to Weeping Rock or a relaxed walk through the Narrows’ entrance (if water and conditions allow), soaking in narrow slot-walls and layered canyon colors.
Return toward Moab or Springdale in the late afternoon to catch golden-hour light—stop at Dead Horse Point State Park for sweeping vistas if in Moab, or drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway for scenic overlooks and the Checkerboard Mesa viewpoint if in Zion—then enjoy dinner at a local favorite (Moab Brewery or Bit & Spur in Springdale) and compare photos from the day over warm drinks. Wind down with a short twilight stroll near your lodging, packing layers for the cooler desert night and confirming tomorrow’s drive to Las Vegas so the family is rested and ready.
Depart southern Utah after a hearty breakfast—grab coffee and breakfast sandwiches at a local favorite like The Coffee Pod or a fast bite from a deli—then enjoy the scenic drive down I-15 toward Las Vegas, watching the landscape transition from red rock canyons to Mojave desert. Plan a mid-morning stretch stop at the Virgin River Gorge or the Littlefield Historic Ranch for quick photos and a chance for kids to run around before the final leg into the valley.
Arrive in Las Vegas in the early afternoon and check into your family-friendly Strip hotel such as Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, or the Mirage; drop luggage, freshen up, and head out for a relaxed lunch at an on-Strip spot—try Mon Ami Gabi at Paris for patio views or the Reef Buffet for variety. Spend the afternoon exploring low-key, family-friendly attractions: walk the LINQ Promenade and ride the High Roller observation wheel for sweeping city views, or visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay for an engaging, climate-controlled experience that contrasts nicely with the outdoor drives of recent days.
As night falls, immerse the family in the Strip’s spectacle: stroll past the Bellagio fountains and catch a choreographed show, wander through the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes and watch the gondoliers, then enjoy an early dinner at a kid-friendly but memorable restaurant like Giada or Buddy V’s. Cap the evening with a sweet treat from a famous bakery (like Carlo’s Bakery) or a relaxed casino-side lounge while the kids enjoy a light show or hotel atrium—then return to your hotel for a good night’s rest before tomorrow’s leisurely morning and drive toward Southern California.
Sleep in a bit and savor a relaxed breakfast on the Strip — try the buffet at Bellagio or grab espresso and pastries at The Henry — then take a final stroll through the LINQ Promenade or across to the Bellagio Conservatory for last-minute photos and souvenir stops. If the kids are up for one more attraction, ride the High Roller for a gentle aerial view of the valley before checking out and loading the car for the drive west.
Depart Las Vegas after lunch and head southwest on I-15, stopping at the Mojave National Preserve overlook or the historic town of Baker for a quick stretch and a photo by the World's Tallest Thermometer; pack snacks and a playlist to keep the drive lively. Time permitting, detour to the shady oases of the Kelso Dunes or Peg Leg Smith Ledge for a short walk, otherwise push toward Barstow or Victorville to refuel and enjoy an early dinner at a family-friendly spot like Idle Spurs Steakhouse or Peggy Sue's 50s Diner.
Continue the final leg into the Los Angeles area, aiming to arrive before nightfall to settle into lodging and prepare for graduation festivities the next day; check into your hotel in the LA basin or near the campus and unpack for a smooth celebration morning. Finish the night with a laid-back family dinner at a nearby casual restaurant or order in for a low-key evening of packing graduation outfits and reviewing the next day’s schedule, ensuring everyone gets an early, restful night.
Arrive in the LA area and check into your hotel (consider a convenient campus-area option like The LINE in Koreatown or a family-friendly chain near the university). Start the day with a relaxed breakfast at a nearby café — République or Sqirl are great for groups — then finalize graduation logistics: confirm parking/pass details with the campus events office, press and iron outfits in the hotel room or use the hotel’s valet laundry, and gather diplomas, cameras, and any celebratory items.
Head to campus in good time to attend any pre-ceremony family photos and check-in lines; pick a scenic spot for portraits—University lawns, campus landmark steps, or a nearby arboretum—so you have formal shots before the ceremony. Enjoy a celebratory lunch with the grad at a classic local spot (e.g., the Original Farmers Market stalls, or a reserved table at The Ivy if you want something special) and take a short celebratory walk to soak in the moment and swap travel stories from the road trip.
After the ceremony, celebrate with an early evening dinner at a memorable Los Angeles restaurant that suits the family vibe—try Perch for rooftop views, Bottega Louie for lively family dining, or a relaxed seafood meal at Water Grill. Cap the night with graduation desserts (a slice from Porto’s or a celebratory cake ordered ahead) and a final toast back at the hotel, then pack for departure or plan extra LA sightseeing if you’re extending the trip.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (rental pickup) | $60-$150 per day for SUV rental (Dec); $0-$50 shuttle/taxi if not driving |
| Lone Mountain Trail (scenic drive) | Free |
| The Corral (brunch) | $12-$25 per person |
| Big Sky lodging (slope-side condo or cabin) | $200-$600 per night (varies widely; Dec ski season higher) |
| Ousel Falls Trail | Free; parking $0-$10 depending on lot/season |
| Horn & Cantle (Montage dinner) | $30-$70 per person |
| Marsh Creek Pub (casual dinner) | $12-$30 per person |
| Mountain Pine Coffee & Bakery (breakfast) | $5-$15 per person |
| Lone Peak Expedition (scenic chairlift) | $20-$60 per adult (seasonal/availability dependent) |
| Beehive Basin approach (moderate hike) | Free; parking $0-$10 |
| Big Sky Community Library / Meadow Village shopping | Free to browse; souvenirs $5-$50 |
| The Corral (breakfast repeat) | $12-$25 per person |
| Drive Big Sky → West Yellowstone (Madison River overlook / Hebgen Lake stop) | Gas $20-$50 depending on vehicle |
| West Yellowstone lodging (Explorer Cabins / Kelly Inn) | $100-$250 per night |
| Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center | $15-$25 per adult, $10-$15 per child (approx.) |
| Wild West Pizzeria / Ernie’s Bakery & Deli (lunch) | $10-$20 per person |
| Running Bear Pancake House / Three Bear Lodge (dinner) | $10-$25 per person |
| Yellowstone National Park (Lower Loop: Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin) | $35 per vehicle for 7-day park pass (standard, 2025 estimate) + gas |
| Old Faithful Visitor Education Center | Free with park entry |
| Fountain Paint Pot / Grand Prismatic Spring (boardwalk + fairy falls viewpoint) | Free with park entry |
| Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (Artist Point / Lookout Point) | Free with park entry |
| Old Faithful Inn / Lake Hotel (dining) | $15-$40 per person |
| Yellowstone National Park (Upper Loop: Lamar Valley, Canyon Village) | Covered by $35 vehicle pass + gas; optional guided wildlife tour $100-$250 per person |
| Canyon Visitor Education Center | Free with park entry |
| Slough Creek / Soda Butte (walks and viewing) | Free with park entry |
| Drive West Yellowstone → Grand Teton (Lewis Falls / Hebgen Lake stops) | Gas $30-$70 |
| Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center | Free |
| Snake River Overlook / Oxbow Bend / Jenny Lake (photo stops) | Free; boat shuttle across Jenny Lake (seasonal) $10-$20 per person roundtrip |
| Signal Mountain (sunset viewpoint) | Free with park entry |
| Grand Teton lodging (Jackson or Moran) | $150-$450 per night (Jackson higher) |
| Jenny Lake Lakeshore Trail / Hidden Falls | Free (boat shuttle extra as above) |
| Leigh Lake / String Lake / Taggart Lake (short hikes) | Free with park entry |
| Drive north-south to Southern Utah (stops in Pocatello / Idaho Falls / Lava Hot Springs) | Gas $60-$120 + snacks/meals $20-$60 |
| Snow Canyon State Park (Sand Dunes / Petrified Dunes) | $10 per vehicle day-use fee or similar |
| St. George / Cedar City lodging | $80-$200 per night |
| Pioneer Park (hodoo views at twilight) | Free |
| Moab route (Arches: Delicate Arch viewpoint, Windows Loop) | $30 per vehicle for Arches 7-day pass (2025 est.) + parking; guided tours $60-$150 pp optional |
| Canyonlands Island in the Sky (Mesa Arch) | $30 vehicle pass if separate park; often combined with Arches pass depending on NPS rules |
| Dead Horse Point State Park (overlook) | $10-$20 per vehicle day-use fee |
| Zion route (Riverside Walk, Lower Emerald Pools) | Zion shuttle free in peak season; park entrance $35 per vehicle 7-day (NPS estimate). Shuttle access may be required seasonally |
| Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway / Checkerboard Mesa | Free with park entry |
| Drive to Las Vegas (Virgin River Gorge, Littlefield Historic Ranch) | Gas $30-$70 |
| Las Vegas Strip hotel (Mandalay Bay, MGM, Mirage) | $120-$300+ per night (weekend/season variance) |
| High Roller (LINQ observation wheel) | $20-$40 per person (day vs. night pricing) |
| Shark Reef Aquarium (Mandalay Bay) | $25-$35 per adult, $20-$25 per child |
| Bellagio Fountains / Venetian Gondola (sightseeing) | Fountain show free; Gondola rides $30-$55 per person |
| Las Vegas → Los Angeles drive (Mojave Preserve / Baker) | Gas $30-$70 + snacks/meals $10-$40 |
| Barstow / Victorville stop (dinner) | $10-$25 per person |
| Los Angeles lodging (The LINE or campus-area hotel) | $150-$400 per night depending on location |
| Graduation day campus logistics (parking pass, photos) | Parking pass $0-$30; photos $0-$50 (professional or souvenir prints extra) |
| Celebratory meals in LA (Original Farmers Market / The Ivy / Perch / Bottega Louie) | $20-$75 per person depending on venue |
| Porto’s or celebratory cake | $15-$60 depending on size |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $3,200 - $9,200 (total estimated range for a family of 4 for 12 days) |