Epic Trip

My girls and I have a goal of visiting all the states and the major national parks. We recently took an epic trip to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

These three national parks are easy to do in a few days. We took ten days, drove 2,200 miles, hiked, rafted the Snake River and checked off three more states.

It was an amazing trip, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the outdoors. So, if you’re planning an upcoming vacation, why not consider this trio of national parks?

Grand Teton National Park

Alpine vistas, gorgeous lakes, wildlife...Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a great place to visit, especially for lovers of the Old West. See herds of buffalo graze on the untouched, wide-open lands of the beautiful American countryside. The park is over 300,000 acres, and its tallest mountain reaches 13,775 feet. There’s plenty to do here including scenic hikes, drives, and bike trails. Go fishing, horseback riding, or even mountaineering.

Yellowstone National Park

The world’s first national park and arguably its most famous, Yellowstone is beloved for its incredible wildlife—including thousands of buffalo—and many geysers. In fact, Yellowstone contains more than half of the geysers in the world, including the famous Old Faithful which erupts approximately every 90 minutes.

The Yellowstone River has two waterfalls within a quarter mile known as the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. Both are spectacular, but the Lower Falls is the most stunning in our opinion. The Lower Falls on the Yellowstone River is the largest waterfall in the Rockies, in terms of water volume, and at 308 feet, it stands almost twice the height of Niagara Falls. Watching this thunderous cascade of water pour into the canyon below is truly incredible.

Landscapes aside, Yellowstone is also known for its wildlife. On its northern edge, the Lamar Valley is dubbed ‘America’s Serengeti’ thanks to its bison, bears and wolves — the latter reintroduced in 1995 in what’s come to be regarded as one of the US’s greatest conservation success stories. Overhead, it’s possible to see ospreys and bald eagles wheeling through the air.

Jackson Hole

While you’re enjoying Yellowstone, make sure to check out the nearby town of Jackson Hole, which is a great stop for shopping. There are lots of places to find great souvenirs. This quaint small town also includes a beautiful tram/gondola ride, the infamous “Million Dollar Cowboy Bar,” and the “Jackson Hole Shootout” show every evening except Sunday. Make sure you stop by Judge Roy Bean’s for old timey photos of your family dressed up like the Wild West.