Saddle up, pardners! You’re invited to explore our backyard on an action-packed, family adventure through Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Country on our Yellowstone Family Vacation. With Austin’s home offices located in Montana, it’s no wonder we’re the leading provider of best-in-class travel from Old Faithful to the Absaroka Mountains.
Experience the Best of Yellowstone With Kids & Family
On this custom family vacation discover the wilds of Yellowstone and Paradise Valley from the helm of a raft and on the back of a horse. Enjoy wildlife and wildflowers with your kids as they use their Junior Ranger skills in identifying elk, bison, and bear. Share giggles with them at the belches and burps of Mud Volcano, and savor the grandeur of the world’s first National Park before relaxing in a soothing natural hot spring.
Observe Old Faithful – the largest active geyser in the world
Whitewater rafting on the Yellowstone River
Horseback Riding in the Absaroka Mountains
Zipline Adventure Park in West Yellowstone
Hiking on the Wapiti Trail
Experience the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Our Yellowstone Adventures Include:
Scrumptious meals showcasing savory regional dishes keep you and your buckaroos energized, while days are bookended with the best in western hospitality at an iconic park property or picturesque guest ranch. Throughout this dream, Yellowstone Family vacation, enjoy Austin’s signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service.
Unforgettable memories: Experiences of a lifetime are yours to share with your kids on this dream family vacation.
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The elusive Yellowstone wolf: Keep your eyes peeled to spot one of the world's most awe-inspiring creatures on a morning wildlife safari.
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Perfect balance of luxury and adventure: Parents relish gourmet delights in peace at a private parents-only dinner while kids party over pizza at Chico's huge hot spring pool.
West Yellowstone / Upper Geyser Basin / Old Faithful
Meet in Bozeman and shuttle to the town of West Yellowstone, Montana where we will start our adventure with a thrilling ropes course adventure. After lunch, we’ll make our way to the west entrance of Yellowstone. Upon arrival to the Upper Geyser Basin, we’ll hike in a back way, traversing through an area of bubbling hot springs to the main attraction, Old Faithful. After checking into our home for the night, walk to the historic Old Faithful Inn for dinner and a chance to watch Old Faithful erupt under the stars.
About Old Faithful Inn & Snow Lodge
Old Faithful Inn: A world-famous landmark opened in 1904, this stone and pine inn features a five-story lobby, views of Old Faithful, and classic charm.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge: Completed in 1999, the Snow Lodge is the newest of the park’s full-service hotels, and features heavy timber construction, exterior log columns, and a cedar shingle roof, making it a significant example of classic “parkitecture”.
Begin the day with a ranger-guided hike through the Upper Geyser Basin to explore the many geysers and hot springs on display alongside an expert. Delight in a tasty guide-prepared picnic lunch. Embark on an extraordinary hike to Storm Point where you will encounter open meadows, shaded lodgepole pine forests, and a lakefront trail. Check into nearby Lake Lodge with time to relax before dinner.
About Lake Lodge
Lake Lodge Cabins features a main lodge with a large porch offering a spectacular rocking chair view of Yellowstone Lake. The main lodge is constructed of logs and is the focal point of this classic and comfortable building. Located behind the lodge are rustic cabins just a short walk away from Lake Hotel and the lake itself. Each cabin is simple, spacious, and modernly furnished with two queen beds and private bathrooms. The main lodge houses a delightful lobby where two fireplaces, a lounge, and a gift store warmly beckon guests to linger and chat.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone / Mammoth Hot Springs
Ogle over water flowing powerfully over the Brink of the Yellowstone River’s Upper Falls followed by a delicious picnic lunch. This afternoon we’ll set off on a hike on the Wapiti Trail. This trek brings you to the rim of the 10,000-year-old, 1,000-foot deep Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. As you carefully make your way back along the canyon wall, you’ll “ooh and ahh” around every bend as the pinks, yellows, reds, and oranges of the rock appear all the more bright as you walk to the grand finale of Artist Point, the most spectacular views of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Enjoy a special BBQ dinner tonight.
About Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
This accommodation was named after the steaming limestone terraces just above the main building. Elk routinely graze outside the hotel around the parade grounds of what was once Fort Yellowstone. Within the area, you can walk the boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs, visit Albright Visitor Center with its exhibits of the early history, exploration, and establishment of the Park, or take a self-guided walking tour of Fort Yellowstone’s historic sandstone buildings to learn about the days when the U.S. Cavalry helped manage the Park.
Wake early to catch the sunrise and prime wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley. Upon returning back to Mammoth, choose to rest or explore Mammoth Hot Springs’ white, orange, and yellow travertine terraces before lunch at Arch Park. Set off on an exciting whitewater rafting adventure on the Yellowstone River. Dinner is on your own tonight in Gardiner.
About Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone
The Ridgeline Hotel is located in Gardiner, Montana just outside the north entrance of the Park on the banks of the Yellowstone River. Within walking distance to just about any restaurant in Gardiner, this is the perfect accommodation to spend a night on your own exploring small-town Montana. After a day on the trails, enjoy a comfortable bed and the whirlpool tubs or sauna.
Enjoy a short morning hike in the backcountry behind the Mammoth Terraces. Lunch at a nice picnic spot, followed by a drive through Paradise Valley to the Flying Diamond Ranch. Saddle up for an unforgettable horseback ride into the Absaroka Mountains alongside fourth-generation ranchers. Head to the historic Chico Hot Springs Resort for a soak in rejuvenating mineral waters. Gather tonight in the resort’s dining room for a gourmet dinner while the kids eat pizza at a poolside party.
About Chico Hot Springs Resort
The perfect location for your Montana getaway. This historic resort is located in the heart of Paradise Valley, just north of Yellowstone National Park, and nestled in the foothills of the breathtaking Absaroka Mountain Range. Chico offers an extraordinary variety of accommodations, exceptional dining, outdoor adventures, live entertainment, ultimate relaxation, all with a warm smile and welcoming spirit from their friendly staff. This rustic-chic inn and day spa boasts mineral hot spring-fed pools, extensive gardens, & soothing spa services. In June of 1999, Chico Hot Springs was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sleep late and enjoy a leisurely morning at the resort. Stroll the gardens, indulge in a spa treatment, or opt for a scenic hike before returning to the Bozeman airport or your post-trip hotel.
** Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather, and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 8:15 or 8:30 am, depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Bozeman airport (12:00 pm) or your Bozeman hotel (12:30 pm). Please make flights for 1:30 PM or later.
Activities
Ropes Course: No experience necessary, gear and instruction provided (**280 lb weight limit).
Hiking: 2 to 4 miles per hike, easy to moderate terrain.
Whitewater Rafting: Class I-III rapids, no experience necessary.
Learn the issues surrounding the reintroduction of the Grey Wolf into the American West through multiple perspectives. Explore the Yellowstone Caldera and witness the greatest concentration of geothermal features on the planet. Check off the wildlife on your list as you cruise through Hayden Valley on the lookout for bears, wolves, elk, bison, pronghorn, coyotes, bald eagles, and much, much more. Hear the many sounds surrounding you in the Upper Geyser Basin geothermal area: dripping, popping, gurgling, burping, and splashing are just a few noises that will delight your ears! “Walk on the moon” as you hike the white-covered rock section of Wapiti Trail, listening for the hiss of a fumarole. Discover why wildfire is an important part of Yellowstone’s ecosystem and how its lodgepole pine forests are adapted to such extreme conditions. Parents, taste the delectable cuisine of Chico’s exquisite dining room, indulging in such dishes as the Beef Wellington, Gorgonzola Filet Mignon, or Ravioli Tosca while your kids experience an Austin Adventures style pizza/pool party. Stare 1,000 feet down at the frothing, whitewater of the almighty Yellowstone River in the V-shaped chasm of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Come play in Big Sky Country in Montana and Wyoming with the experts in adventure travel!
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, Austin Adventures guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions – except one dinner on your own – are included as indicated by the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire, and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions – except one dinner on own your own.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags, and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
One dinner during your trip.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Yellowstone Expert
Kasey Austin
As President at Austin Adventures, Kasey Austin can tell you the logistical ins and outs of every single trip. More than that, though, Kasey has lived and breathed most of the company’s featured destinations and will eagerly share her contagious passion for the transformational power of active travel. Kasey grew up in the adventure travel business; she knows the positive, lifelong impact of family travel, a quality that earned her the distinction of being named top family travel guide by Outside Magazine in 2014.
