Yellowstone Family Vacation

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.

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.