My daughter is graduating in early May from U.S. Naval Academy Prep and we want to have our last family vacation before she enters Annapolis, MD Naval Academy.  She wants to see California Red Wood Forest and at least a National Park, such as Yellow stone.  If you are merely a suggestion guide, then maybe we should fly out rent a car and drive to Red Forest, then fly to yellowstone?

Congratulations to your daughter on her graduation from NAPS! For a memorable last family trip before she begins her journey at the Naval Academy, a combined trip to the California Redwoods and Yellowstone National Park is an ambitious but rewarding choice.

The Best Way to Travel: Fly-Fly vs. Driving

The distance between the Redwood National Forest (Northern California) and Yellowstone (Wyoming/Montana) is roughly 1,000 miles (a 16–18 hour drive) across mountainous and desert terrain.

• Our Recommendation: Fly into Northern California, then take a connecting flight to Yellowstone. Driving will consume 2–3 full days of your vacation on highways that offer less scenery than the parks themselves.

Phase 1: California Redwoods (3–4 Days)

To see the tallest trees on earth, you should target Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California (near the Oregon border).

• Fly Into: Arcata-Eureka (ACV) or Medford, OR (MFR). Alternatively, fly into San Francisco (SFO) if you want to drive up the scenic Highway 101 (approx. 5–6 hours north).
• Must-See Spots:
  • Fern Canyon: A lush wall of ferns (seen in Jurassic Park).
  • Lady Bird Johnson Grove: An easy, iconic loop through old-growth giants.
  • Avenue of the Giants: A 31-mile scenic drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
• Early May Weather: Expect misty, cool temperatures (50s–60s°F). It is the tail end of the rainy season, so the forest will be incredibly vibrant and green.

Phase 2: Transition to Yellowstone (4–5 Days)

Early May is "shoulder season" in Yellowstone. This is a magical time for wildlife (baby bison and grizzly cubs!), but you must navigate road openings.

• Fly From: ACV or SFO to Bozeman, MT (BZN). Bozeman is the most reliable airport for early May as the North Entrance is open year-round.
• Road Opening Dates (Projected for 2026):
  • West Entrance: Opens mid-April. Access to Old Faithful and the geyser basins is typically available.
  • East Entrance: Opens May 1st. Access to Yellowstone Lake.
  • South Entrance (from Grand Teton): Opens May 8th–10th.
• Yellowstone Weather: It will still be winter-like in high elevations. Expect highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s. Pack heavy layers.

Sample Graduation Trip Itinerary

1. Day 1: Fly into ACV (Eureka/Arcata), rent a car, and head to Trinidad, CA for coastal sunset views.
2. Day 2: Hike Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach (permit required for Fern Canyon).
3. Day 3: Explore Jedediah Smith Redwoods (Stout Grove) or the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
4. Day 4: Fly from ACV to Bozeman, MT (BZN) via a hub like Denver or Salt Lake City.
5. Day 5: Enter Yellowstone via the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT). Visit Mammoth Hot Springs.
6. Day 6: Drive down to Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring (weather permitting).
7. Day 7: Wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley (best place for wolves and bison calves in May).
8. Day 8: Depart via BZN for your flight back to the East Coast.

Practical Expert Tips

• Permits: Fern Canyon and certain groves require advanced permits during peak windows. Check the NPS website 2–3 months out.
• Car Rentals: Be prepared for high one-way fees if you drive between CA and WY/MT. It is usually more cost-effective to do two separate rentals (one in CA, one in MT).
• Lodging: Book Yellowstone lodging (like Old Faithful Inn) immediately, as May openings sell out fast despite the cold weather.
• Pack for Two Seasons: You will need rain gear for the foggy Redwoods and heavy winter coats for snowy Yellowstone mornings.