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| 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:
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| 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.
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| Swimming in the Firehole River! |
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
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.
