Yellowstone National Park

See more about Yellowstone jht.guide/yellowstone

Yellowstone is the world’s first national park—and there is no place on Earth quite like it. This year, 2022, marks the Grand Dame’s 150th anniversary. This model of conservation boasts approximately 10,000 active thermal features, the most famous of which is the Old Faithful geyser. Bison, bear and other fascinating

5: GIBBON FALLS

(14 miles from Firehole Lake Drive)

The Gibbon River tumbles over 84 feet. Be sure to take the short path along the river; it’s handicap accessible and great for people of all ages.4:

4: FIREHOLE LAKE DRIVE

(5 miles from Midway Geyser Basin)

Take this one-way drive past many geysers and springs. If you’re lucky you will witness the Great Fountain Geyser erupting—it shoots one of the tallest sprays in the park!

WINTER IN YELLOWSTONE

Get a new perspective of Yellowstone’s geothermal features in a dramatic winter landscape by taking a tour with one of the many local snowmobile or snowcoach companies. Guides will take you to Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin and West Thumb Geyser Basin.

3: MIDWAY GEYSER BASIN

(8 miles from Old Faithful)

A brief stop at Midway Geyser Basin, known as Hell’s Half Acre, is 100% worth it. The basin’s hot water gushes from geothermal pools to meet the aptly named Firehole River, while tendrils of the massive Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, extend out from its deep turquoise center.

2: OLD FAITHFUL

(17 miles from West Thumb)

Guaranteed to be a highlight of your day in Yellowstone, be sure to set aside a large chunk of time to explore the Old Faithful Inn, catch one of the famous geyser’s on-time eruptions and explore the wondrous Upper Geyser Basin. Inside the visitor center, you’ll find posted signs predicting the next Old Faithful eruption, so grab a seat and wait for the impressive sight of up to 8,400 gallons of scalding water reaching heights topping 184 feet. The monumental Old Faithful Inn, completed in 1904, is the largest log structure in the world. Its massive 65-foot ceiling, stone fireplace and gnarled railings made from local lodgepole pine ensure its stature as one of the most legendary buildings of the American frontier. The inn also features shops and restaurants.

wildlife abound within the park’s 3,500-square-mile boundary. Here is our recommended one-day lowerloop sightseeing itinerary; you can join in at any point. To avoid the crowds we recommend you get an early start—plan to set aside 10 to 12 hours of travel and sightseeing time.

6: NORRIS GEYSER BASIN

(9 miles from Gibbon Falls)

Norris is one of the hottest and most acidic of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. There are quite a number of colorful thermals to check out via various boardwalks and trails.

7: GRAND CANYON OF YELLOWSTONE

(13 miles from Norris)

Many Yellowstone visitors make the mistake of turning around after exploring Old Faithful and the geyser basins. Don’t be one of them! The awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and its dramatic Upper and Lower Falls are well worth the extra driving time. Carved into soft rhyolite stone by the Yellowstone River, the canyon is where visitors can truly see how Yellowstone garnered its name, with a rainbow of colors (including yellow!) in the exposed rock descending to the canyon floor. The tumbling waters of Lower Falls spiral from a height twice that of Niagara Falls. This vista can be enjoyed from Lookout Point, Red Rock Point and Artist Point.

1: WEST THUMB GEYSER BASIN

(22 miles from the South Entrance)

This will be your introduction to a variety of geothermal features: bubbling springs of finely milled mud, multi-colored pools and steaming lakeside cones. Located right on the shore of vast Yellowstone Lake, this stop includes the Thumb Paint Pots, the deep, blue Abyss Pool and Fishing Cone, where early visitors joked one could catch a fish in the lake and then dunk it directly in boiling water to make dinner.

Be sure to visit Canyon Village and check out the visitor education center, which includes interactive exhibits, animations and real-time scientific data.

Things to do

MAD RIVER BOATING TRIPS

EXPERIENCE 8 MILES OF EXHILARATING WHITEWATER. Offers daily whitewater and scenic float trips on the Snake River. Mad River has the most highly certified and professional Snake River guides in the valley to put you at ease and make your river experience more comfortable. Book today and check rafting off your bucket list this summer. USE CODE “JHTRAVELER10” FOR 10% OFF ANY TOUR.

No matter what the season, we’ve got family fun! In fact, Travelocity has named Jackson Hole a Top 10 Family Destination. Many activities are suitable for kiddos of all ages and even the most senior member. Here are some ways to enjoy a family trip in the Tetons. jht.guide/family

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WILDLIFE ART

SHARE THE WONDER OF INCREDIBLE ART with the whole family. The award-winning Children’s Discovery Gallery is sure to entertain kids, while fine art galleries and Palate restaurant provide a deeper experience.

wildlifeart.org | 307-733-5771 2820 Rungius Rd, Jackson | 2.5 miles north of Jackson

OBSIDIAN EXPEDITIONS

ADVENTURERS, EXPLORERS, NEWLYWEDS, AND

BUCKET-LISTERS OF ALL AGES WELCOME! Obsidian Expeditions offers customizable private tours in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We help you see and experience the iconic wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural attractions the region offers. Specializing in Private tours for all ages. Multi-day, full-day, and halfday tours arranged daily.

Hop aboard the Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or jump on Snow King's new, high-speed Gondola in winter to ski down or in summer to take in the awesome spectacular views.

TOUR GRAND TETON AND YELLOWSTONE

Don’t forget to see Old Faithful!

TAKE A HORSE-DRAWN SLEIGH RIDE

In the winter, enjoy viewing elk and other local wildlife on a horse-drawn sleigh ride on the National Elk Refuge.

ICE SKATE

During the winter months, ice skating in the middle of Town Square is classic, family-friendly fun.

MAKE THE MOST OF JACKSON’S PARKS

Rendezvous Park (“R Park”), on the banks of the Snake River in Wilson, boasts a swimming pond and trail system. Phil Baux Park, at the base of Snow King, is a great place for kids to try bouldering, while you picnic in the shade.

ENJOY A NATURE HIKE

The Cache Creek Nature Trail is a short, accessible hike along a boardwalk to a Forest Service picnic area—dogfriendly and appropriate for even the littlest rugrats.

ADVENTURE FOR ALL

Head over to Snow King Mountain and take a thrilling spin on the Cowboy Coaster. It’s a ride the family will never forget and is good for kids age 3 and older.

HIT THE TRAILS ON A HORSE

Let your child really channel his or her inner cowboy! Few activities offer as much insight into the traditions and textures of the West as horseback riding. Jackson Hole horseback trail rides range from one or two hours on up to a full day in the saddle. The well-mannered and mountain-trained horses make exploration easy. Try out a ride with a simpler excursion around the Snake River Ranch with Teton Village Trail Rides. For more options, Spring Creek Ranch frames most of its rides against the backdrop of the Tetons, while Mill Iron Ranch offers a wide variety of rides out into the mountain trails of the wilderness and fishing streams.

YELLOWSTONE BEAR WORLD

EXPERIENCE THE WILD like you never have before. Learn more about a variety of regional species, including bears, or get up-close-and-personal with our guided wildlife excursion tour. We also offer amusement park rides and a petting zoo. All experiences are unique to our park. Open seasonally mid-May through mid-October.

yellowstonebearworld.com | 208-359-9688 6010 S Bear World, Rexburg, ID

RENDEZVOUS RIVER SPORTS

OFFERS KAYAKING, STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING

and rafting on the Snake and Hoback rivers and in Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Enjoy a personalized experience on a private half-, full- or multi-day water sports adventure. Trips for all ages and abilities. Rentals and retail sales of all paddle sports equipment available daily.

ASTORIA HOT SPRINGS

EXUM MOUNTAIN GUIDE SERVICE

STEWARDED BY ASTORIA PARK CONSERVANCY,

Astoria Hot Springs features 5 soaking pools filled with natural thermal waters, open year-round. Situated within Astoria Park and along the banks of the Snake River, Astoria is one of Jackson Hole’s most unique experiences and event venues.

astoriahotspringspark.org | 307-201-5925 25 Johnny Counts Road, Jackson

TAKE YOUR FAMILY ON A ROCK CLIMBING

ADVENTURE. Exum Mountain Guides offers climbing adventures to families looking for their first climbing experience or to summit the Grand Teton. Customize your family’s Jackson Hole climbing adventure with a trusted guide.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY EATS + TREATS

HÄAGEN-DAZS

HAAGEN-DAZS IS THE PERFECT PLACE

FOR A FAMILY TREAT! There is something for everyone. Including rainbow sprinkles and gummi bears for the kiddos! Serving all-natural ice cream, non-dairy sorbet, smoothies, sundaes, huckleberry shakes, and espresso drinks. In Jackson for someone’s birthday? We can also make an ice cream cake! Just give us 36 hours notice.

307-739-1880 | 90 E Broadway, Jackson

YIPPY I-O CANDY CO.

SWEET! We bring out the kid in everyone, no matter what your age! Don’t forget to stop at Yippy I-O Candy, a Jackson Hole favorite for 20 years and counting. We have barrels and barrels of yumminess. Come and discover a rainbow of flavors and find your new favorite!

yippyi-ocandy.com 307-739-3020 84 E Broadway, Jackson