Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Off the beaten path family activities near West Yellowstone and Big Sky , Montana...

We're all about the lesser known areas of the place we call home. Those types of places locals take the family for a Sunday drive. There is no reason you can't check them out either on your Yellowstone Vacation, often times way more fun for kids than Yellowstone itself!

Lewis and Clark Caverns





To this day I remember fondly of the trip I took here with my then 4 year old daughter. She loved it of course and whether or not you have been in caverns before it's a great place. About 2 hours from both Big Sky and West Yellowstone. It takes a couple of hours so prepare the younger ones appropriately.

Here is what the Montana Travel site says:
"Lewis and Clark State Park is Montana's first and best-known state park featuring one of the most decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. Naturally air conditioned, these spectacular caves lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites are electrically lighted and safe to visit. Above ground, a self-guided nature trail provides opportunities to understand the natural surroundings.

Also available is 10 miles of hiking trails, 40-space campground, 3 camping cabins, tipi, picnic sites, firewood, flush and vault toilets, showers, group use area, RV dump station, grills/fire rings, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking water, and a food/beverage and gift concession. Pets are allowed if on a leash and under control.

The cabins are disabled accessible and sleep 4 comfortably (maximum occupancy is 6 people) - double bed, set of bunk beds and room for a cot. Plumbing, kitchen facilities, bedding and linens are not provided. Please bring your own sleeping bag or bedding, towels, cook stove, etc. There are electric lights and plug-ins - you may bring your own coffee maker. A table and 4 chairs are provided and a picnic table and fire ring are located outside each cabin. Shower facilities are located nearby.

The park is open year around, but guided tours are conducted daily only between May 1 and September 30. The park has two visitor centers, interpretive displays and evening programs presented during the summer months. The site encompasses 3,000 acres at an elevation of 4,300 and 5,600 feet. Golf course and museums are located nearby in Three Forks and Whitehall.

Campground and cabin reservation toll free: 855-922-6768



You will be spellbound by the Caribbean blue waters of the North Shore of Cliff Lake. Bring your swim suits! About an hour from West Yellowstone, the lakes are a rare sight and offer a great place for a 1/2 day of family fun and picnicing. Locals love this place so expect some crowds on the weekends but during the week it's perfect. Fishing can be good and boat rentals are available. If you do rent boats you will need to travel to the North end of the lake to see the blue waters or take the road to the campground and play around there. Bring snacks and drinks...

From visitmt.com
"Cliff and Wade Lakes sit on a geologic fault that formed a chasm that filled with water; cliffs surround much of the lakes' shorelines. Cliff Lake is the larger and somewhat more isolated of the two. Wade Lake is more easily accessible and receives more use; it's spring-fed and stays partly ice-free in the winter. Both lakes support many nesting raptors. Look for prairie falcons, bald eagles, and osprey. Do not approach or disturb nesting birds. Waterfowl and beavers are common on both lakes. In winter, Wade Lake is a good place to see river otters and occasionally trumpeter swans. Larger mammals frequently seen include elk, deer, and moose, which are even more numerous and visible in the winter. Cliff Lake offers some exceptional canoeing, especially in the remote coves; canoes and lodging available at Wade Lake Resort (406) 682-7560. Hikers can learn something of the flora, fauna, and geology of the area on a 0.7 mile interpretive trail connecting the Wade Lake and Hilltop campgrounds. A newly developed spawning channel is an excellent place to view rainbow trout. The lakes also can be a great place for cross-country skiing in the winter."

Insiders Tip: for a slightly more PG13 experience go see the Brewery Follies in Virginia City



Saturday, September 6, 2014

Fun places to eat in Big Sky and West Yellowstone!

We've heard it a thousand times, " It's so hard to plan a vacation to Yellowstone online."  We know, we are tourists too and you never know what you are getting into until you are actually in town and figure it out.   Fear not!  We are here to help.  Let's look at some fun dining options that you will want to be sure to hit.

Big Sky, Montana

The 320 Ranch - For the western experience this is the place.  Every Wednesday you take a horseback or wagon ride to a wonderful riverside bbq.  We won't get to detailed but just know if you do it, you'll have a great time.  On Monday's at the 320 Ranch there is a $15 all you can eat bbq featuring live music, beer and more.  Popular with the locals for good reason, the setting can't be beat. Kids will love the playground nearby and some of the local ranch kids are usually running around playing with the visitors as well.

Buck's T4 Lodge - This is the number one restaurant in Big Sky on Trip Advisor.  Famous for it's wild game dishes and fun mix of cocktails the service is always great too.  This is a good place for a special dinner.  It is a little more on the higher end of the price scale for their signature entrees, but a $10 burger can be had.  An arcade in the back keeps the kids happy.  Check it out online.  Conveniently located next to Geyser Whitewater Expeditions in Big Sky, Montana.  Our favorite is the Red Deer.


The Gallatin Riverhouse Grill - Our buddies bought this place not long ago and instantly created what is probably the busiest restaurant in town.   Focused on BBQ, it is not only economical but the highlight is the riverside view.  There are horseshoes, games, ping pong and a volleyball court to keep the little ones entertained.  Try the Riverhouse Margarita!


The Bunker at the Big Sky Golf Course - Big Sky's best kept secret.  This is a great place for lunch or dinner if the weather is such that you can eat outside.  Nothing fancy but good food and one of the best decks in Big Sky to eat.

West Yellowstone




Yellowstone Aerial Adventures
The most economical and definitely the most fun place in West Yellowstone for lunch or dinner is Yellowstone Aerial Adventures.  You're here for the fun but the food is great too!   One of the countries largest zipline adventure parks is right here in town.  Check it out, it is the most fun in town!

The Taco Bus
Check it out, it is on Main Street and offers gret mexican food in a food truck style school bus.


Cafe Madriz
If you like Tapas or have never tried Tapas, check out Elena's Cafe Madriz.  Top rated and the most sophisticated dining in town.  She has a great wine list too!

Friday, September 5, 2014

Horseback Riding in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is an awesome place, period.  One of our favorite adventures is a horseback ride in the North West corner of the park.  Devoid of the crowds found in other areas, this is your own private Yellowstone. This year Geyser Whitewater started offering an adventure package that offers a 1/2 day horseback ride in Yellowstone with lunch and then an afternoon of rafting Yellowstone's best whitewater on the Gallatin River near Big Sky, Montana.  It is a wonderful day for families.  Imagine riding through open meadows and tree lined ridges  always with the chance of amazing wildlife views.  There are no geysers to be seen but this an area not to be missed.  The ride meets only 25 minutes North of West Yellowstone and then it is a short 25 minute drive North to Geyser Whitewater in Big Sky.  Your day will begin around 9:00 a.m. and you'll be done rafting about 5:00, just in time for dinner.

Helpful Tip : If you are staying in West Yellowstone, the 320 ranch is located on the way back for a convenient place for unforgettable dinner. 

Call Geyser Whitewater Expeditions at 800.914.9031 or visit www.raftmontana.com for more info.


Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Visiting Yellowstone in the Fall

Our favorite time of the year!  The crowds are gone, the mornings crisp and daytime temps are often in the high 60's and 70's.   There is plenty to see and do.   The seasonality of the towns surrounding Yellowstone mean some business's might be closed for the season but in general everything you need will be available through October.  Lodging is plentiful in all the local towns so no need to stress about a place to sleep.  West Yellowstone or Big Sky are our favorite towns to base a visit to Yellowstone.

Besides Yellowstone, activities that are still available in September and into October include hiking, zipline trips, fishing and great hiking.  The Grizzly Discovery Center in West Yellowstone is an informative stop for those interested in the local bear and wolf scene.  On weekends, the Zipline Adventure Park in West Yellowstone is open through September for those with an adventurous spirit. www.yellowstoneparkzipline.com

Our favorite easy walks around Yellowstone this time of year include the boardwalk around Old Faithful,  Lone Star Geyser, the trip to see Grand Prismatic Spring and Harlequin Lake just inside the Park from West Yellowstone.  For more adventurous hikes check out the book "Best Day Hikes in Yellowstone" readily available at many stores in the area.

If you have ever wanted to go fishing, this is the time to do it.  Many consider this the best time of the year.  Guided trips on the Madison are our favorite and can easily be booked in West Yellowstone or Big Sky.  Contact Gallatin Riverguides or Grizzly Outfitters in Big Sky and Arrick's in West Yellowstone.

Unfortunately, this fall, if you are staying in Jackson, Wyoming, getting to Old Faithful will be problematic because of road construction.  http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm .

Questions?  Call 406-995-4989 we can help you plan your visit anytime of the year.





Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Best Family Day in Yellowstone!

http:/www.yellowstoneparkzipline.com

The number one comment we hear about visiting Yellowstone is "too much driving..." Well ,we agree! Fear not however, Yellowstone is awesome and you don't have to spend the day driving all over.  With kids or teens in tow especially, make it fun, not a chore.  We know how confusing it is trying to plan a Yellowstone vacation sifting through endless information about the area online.  Take our advise though and use the suggested itinerary below to plan your visit.  The kids will love it so much you might get a parent of the day award!

Day 1: From Big Sky or West Yellowstone:
Grand Prismatic Spring. If you are heading south down the main loop road, just look for a turn off/parking area on the right hand side of the road, just south of Midway geyser basin 

Use this day to see the Old Faithful area and get a lay of the land.  Old Faithful is a mere 30 miles from West Yellowstone and an hour and half from Big Sky.  Highlights include Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, swimming in the Firehole river (bring swimsuits and a towel) and a stop at the coolest zipline adventure park around. On your way to and from Old Faithful you will also see enough mud pots, geyser's, waterfalls and animals to make the vacation.  Throw in a stop at the zipline adventure park in West Yellowstone and you have a day every family will love.  Use the suggestions below as a guideline, mix up the order,
do them backwards, whatever seems right to you but we'll guarantee some hassle free fun!

Drive from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful: 
MAP

On the way stop at Midway Geyser Basin and Biscuit Basin to check out the thermal features.   Midway basin is the start of the walk to Grand Prismatic.  Find the high ground for a nice view of Grand Prismatic.

Drive to Old Faithful and do the walk along the boardwalks around the back side of Old Faithful. Observation Point is a short, moderate side hike here that affords you some cool views of the Old Faithful area.

Grab Lunch and an ice cream at the Old Faithful Inn.

Swimming in the Firehole River!
Head back towards West Yellowstone.  It's the heat of the day now and the kids might enjoy a dip in the Firehole River.  There is a designated swim area here and it's fun with families.

Return to West Yellowstone and head to the Zipline Adventure Park in West Yellowstone. You will have several hours of fun here and it could easily end up being the highlight.  You will also find food here for a late snack or dinner, known to be the most economical and less busy than anywhere else.

Day 2: From Big Sky or West Yellowstone:
It's nice to mix things up a bit.  Use this day to go whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River in Big Sky, go zipline, take a horseback ride or hike.  Other activities include renting stand up boards or canoes on the Lake in Big Sky.  One call to Geyser Whitewater and you can arrange every activity in Big Sky or West Yellowstone and get the best value on adventure packages in the area. 800.914.9031
www.raftmontana.com
Day 3: From Big Sky or West Yellowstone:
Let's head back to Yellowstone today.  Drive from West Yellowstone to Yellowstone Falls.
Check out the Uncle Tom Trail.  After you have explored the Canyon area head back towards West Yellowstone and stop at the Norris Geyser Basin or any of the other sights that look interesting on the way.  This is about 4 hours of driving round trip from Big Sky and 2 and half hours from West Yellowstone. You will get back to West Yellowstone in the mid afternoon having seen a plethora of Yellowstone Sights.  If you have it in you, I would recommend a stop at the Playmill Theater in West Yellowstone. 

West Yellowstone dinner tip:  The Taco Bus. 



Monday, July 21, 2014

Thank you for joining us!

Thank you to everyone who has been rafting and ziplining in Montana with us!

http://www.raftmontana.com

Yellowstone Zipline Adventures

Our new Zipline Adventure Park in West Yellowstone only opened 3 weeks ago in West Yellowstone Montana but has quickly become the most popular family activity in town.  Featuring the countries only self navigating ziplines and 50 adventure ropes course elements, there is truly something for everyone.  Be sure to check it out if you are visiting Yellowstone Park this summer. When you call ask about our Rafting and Zipline Park package and you will save $22 per person off the regular rates!