5 Things Not To Miss in West Yellowstone

The Zipline Adventure Park

The brand new Zipline Adventure Park in West Yellowstone is a unique attraction filled with high flying surprises. Located right in West Yellowstone, the park is within walking distances of most hotels. It is open until dark so visiting after dinner or day in Yellowstone is quite possible. This is the most economical of all the zipline attractions near Yellowstone and unlike any other offers unlimited adventure. visit www.yellowstoneparkzipline.com for more info.

The Grizzly Wolf and Discovery Center

The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is an AZA accredited Not-for-Profit, wildlife park and educational facility. The Center offers every visitor to Yellowstone a chance to uniquely experience the world of grizzly bears and gray wolves. All the animals at the Center are unable to survive in the wild and serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Located right in town, the center is open 8:30 to 8:30 in the summer and costs about ten dollars. Visit http://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.com/ for more info.

Playmill Theater

After nearly fifty years of the "Finest in Family Entertainment," The Playmill Theatre continues the tradition with three popular hits this summer Les Miserables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The Playmill Theatre provides an experience like no other. The moment you arrive you will be greeted and shown to your seat by members of the Playmill Cast. They will personally get to know you and would love to get you any concessions (fudge), programs, or souvenirs, which you will need. As you walk to your seat you will be delighted to hear Playmill Players singing and entertaining on stage. Once the audience is seated, we begin the show with sing-along, and opening number, followed by an audience favorite-- the Playmill Variety show! The featured production will be announced and begin directly after the variety show. http://www.playmill.com/

West Yellowstone Rodeo

Get ready to rodeo! Not the largest rodeo around but this down home spectacle is a family favorite. The rodeo is in the evening so you can visit the park during the day and enjoy the rodeo after. For an added thrill you can even take a horseback ride before and end up at the rodeo. Check out http://www.yellowstonerodeo.com/ for rodeo times and dates.

Swimming in Yellowstone Park

Firehole Canyon Drive is a 2-mile, one-way side road off Yellowstone’s Grand Loop south of Madison Junction.  On the drive you will pass the Firehole River, Firehole Falls, and a natural swimming hole.  The swimming hole in Firehole Canyon is one of two swimming areas inside Yellowstone National Park.  The other area on the Boiling River has no facilities and is only open in late Fall through Winter because of water levels.

There is no parking lot at the Firehole Swimming Area, but there are several locations to park on the side of the road. You can use the changing rooms at the road to put your swimming suits on. Then access the rocky beach area by climbing down wooden stairs. The beach is roomy enough that you can sit and watch the swimmers if you don’t want to swim yourself.

Sorry – it’s not hot. The name “Firehole River” may lead you to believe that this is heated by hot springs, but the swimming area is a cool temperature similar to an unheated swimming pool. Those used to swimming in rivers and lakes will not see any difference in this water temperature.

There is no lifeguard on duty, but the beach is relatively calm and safe. Swim at your own risk. There are many small boulders and rocks in the river, making it fun to explore. To safely maneuver, some type of footwear made for water sports is recommended. Climbing on and jumping from the cliffs is illegal, unsafe and strictly prohibited.

What to Wear for a Yellowstone Vacation

Welcome to the mountains! You should dress appropriately and be prepared.  While summer time is typically pleasant, you should have some warm clothes and rain gear regardless of the forecast.  Usually if you are visiting July through September, you can expect cool mornings and evenings and warm to hot days.  Most people will want long pants and a sweatshirt or jacket for the mornings and for strolling around in the evenings.   If you are visiting in May, June or October then you should probably bring an extra layer or two, a warm hat and gloves.  It could be sunny and 70 degrees out but snow during these months is anything but uncommon.
If you are rafting, most outfitters will have the gear you need but for extra comfort, we recommend bringing a pair of wool socks and a fleece jacket to wear on the river.
Need to buy some extra layers or just want to shop? In Big Sky, Grizzly Outfitters will have everything you need and in West Yellowstone stop by Freeheel and Wheel.
Have questions?  Give Geyser Whitewater a call or email anytime, we are here to help.

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.

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

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. 

The Family Adventure Card

     The first time I tried to ride on a Stand up Paddle Board I think I looked more like Elvis Presley than a surfer, at least I definitely felt that way.  No need to despair though, a bit of patience and a few good soakings later and I was feeling like a pro.  Regardless it's a blast and visitors to Big Sky can give it a try at our Marina on Lake Levinsky.
    One of the areas most popular activities is renting the SUP boards, kayaks and paddle boats on Lake Levinsky at the Big Sky Ski and Summer Resort.  In fact many comment it is the best deal going but at Geyser Whitewater you can buy a Family Adventure Card for only $44.  The card gives a family of 4 unlimited access to our fleet of boats and unlimited climbing on the "Pinnacle", our 32' indoor custom climbing wall for an entire week! You heard it right, unlimited for a week for only $44 bucks 10-6p.m. daily