National Parks of the West: Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Arches
Seven family days through the most spectacular parks of the American West: Yellowstone geysers, kayaking in Grand Teton, and red rock arches in Utah.
Description
The national parks of the American West are a perfect natural playground for families. This 7-day itinerary covers three of the most iconic. It begins in Salt Lake City and drives to Grand Teton National Park, where kids can kayak on Jenny Lake with the Tetons perfectly reflected in the water. Next comes Yellowstone, the world's first national park, with geysers (Old Faithful erupts every 90 minutes and never fails), impossibly colorful hot springs (Grand Prismatic), and bison crossing the road inches from the car. The trip closes at Arches National Park, in Utah's red desert, with more than 2,000 sandstone arches, otherworldly formations, and short trails perfect for little legs. Lodging combines historic lodges inside the parks with family-friendly motels with pools in nearby towns. The drives are part of the spectacle: scenery that changes from snowy mountains to red desert in a single day.
Health & safety
- Altitude in Yellowstone (2,400 m): may have mild effects
- Drinking water at all visitor centers
- Beware of squirrels: they carry diseases and bite
Day-by-day itinerary
Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole
Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole
Arrival in Salt Lake City and drive to Jackson Hole (5h). Stroll around the western town.
Stroll through Jackson Town Square
Culture1hDinner at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
gastronomy1hGrand Teton: kayaking on Jenny Lake
Grand Teton NP
Grand Teton: kayaking on Jenny Lake
Day in Grand Teton National Park. Kayaking on Jenny Lake with the Tetons as a backdrop.
Kayaking on Jenny Lake
Nature3hMoose drive along Moose-Wilson Road
Nature1hYellowstone: geysers
Yellowstone NP
Yellowstone: geysers
Enter Yellowstone via the South Entrance. Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin.
Old Faithful eruption
Nature1hGrand Prismatic Spring
Nature1hYellowstone: Grand Canyon and bison
Yellowstone NP
Yellowstone: Grand Canyon and bison
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its waterfalls. Lamar Valley in search of wildlife.
Artist Point overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Nature1hWildlife safari in Lamar Valley
Nature3hYellowstone to Moab
Moab
Yellowstone to Moab
Driving day heading south. Ever-changing landscapes all the way to Utah's red desert.
Scenic drive on I-15 and US-6
Nature7hArches National Park
Arches NP
Arches National Park
Full day in Arches: Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and a walk along the family-friendly trails.
Hike to Delicate Arch
Nature3hTour of the famous arches
Nature2hColorado River Canyon and back
Moab
Colorado River Canyon and back
Rafting trip on the Colorado River. Farewell and flight from Salt Lake City.
Gentle rafting on the Colorado River
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