From hiking and rafting to ziplining and horseback riding, discover the wonders of the world’s first national park on this family-friendly adventure. Well-paced days balance active exploration with moments to relax, creating a rewarding mix of excitement, comfort, and shared experiences for the whole family.
Start - End: Bozeman - Bozeman
Total trip: 6 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 1
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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 over 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. With a variety of heart-pumping activities each day, every member of the family will have their fill of adventure on this Yellowstone family vacation. Join us to explore our own beloved backyard and weekend playground – Yellowstone National Park.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Follow your guide along the rim of Yellowstone’s mighty canyon, where the roar of the Lower Falls and golden rock hues captivate kids and adults alike, showcasing the raw power of nature.
Old Faithful
Stand in awe as Old Faithful erupts before you, then wander nearby trails through a landscape alive with steam, color, and wonder that sparks curiosity for the whole family.
Upper Geyser Basin
Explore one of the most active geothermal areas on Earth, where bubbling pools and vibrant springs create an unforgettable palette of Yellowstone’s wild beauty.
Chico Hot Springs
Sink into the soothing warmth of these historic springs under the Montana sky, offering a peaceful and refreshing end to an active day.
Drive Lamar Valley
Keep your eyes open on this scenic drive through Yellowstone’s “Serengeti,” known for bison herds, elk, and occasional wolf sightings in the early morning light.
Horseback Riding Absaroka Mountains
Saddle up for a classic Western adventure, riding through wide-open valleys and mountain trails that echo Yellowstone’s rich frontier history.
Rafting the Yellowstone River
Feel the rush of whitewater and moments of laughter as you float past rugged cliffs and rolling meadows together.
Ziplining
Soar through the treetops and take in sweeping mountain views for a fun, lighthearted thrill that caps off your adventure.
Each day brings new ways for families to experience Yellowstone, with a well-paced itinerary that balances exploration, comfort, and shared discovery.
Click map below to explore.
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Your trip begins with a pickup in Bozeman, followed by a scenic drive through the canyon to Hyalite Reservoir for a morning hike tucked away in the Gallatin Mountains.
After lunch, we’ll head to the Gallatin Canyon, where you'll have the chance to zipline over the Gallatin River (Made famous by the film 'A River Runs Through It'), an unforgettable way to take in the views.
From there, we’ll drive to West Yellowstone-right at the doorstep of the worlds first national park, where we’ll enjoy dinner and settle in for the night.
Accommodation: Yellowstone Park Hotel, West Yellowstone
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 2-3 miles (3-5 kilometers)
We start the day with a short hike around Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the largest and majestic hot springs in the world. We then continue through the Upper Geyser Basin, stopping along the way to enjoy the thermal features that surround us, and finishing at Old Faithful.
After a tasty, guide-prepared picnic lunch, we’ll head out on another extraordinary hike along the northern shore of Lake Yellowstone. This trail winds through flower-filled meadows and lodgepole pine forests, eventually opening up to wide views of Yellowstone’s largest lake and the distant Absaroka Mountain Range.
Later, we’ll make our way north, where your rustic accommodations offer a chance to unplug and experience life in the heart of the country’s oldest national park.
Accommodation: Canyon Lodge, Yellowstone National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 4-6 miles (6-9 kilometers)
We’ll set off on a hike along the Wapiti Trail, which leads us to the rim of the 10,000-year-old, 1,000-foot-deep Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. As we carefully follow the canyon’s edge, the pinks, yellows, reds, and oranges of the rock seem to intensify at every turn. The trail ends at Artist Point, offering the most iconic view of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a short hike descending into Mammoth Hot Springs, home to the largest concentration of naturally occurring travertine on earth. The striking terraces and vivid colors here make for an unforgettable sight.
This evening, you'll enjoy a night on your own in the charming western town of Gardiner.
Accommodation: Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone, Gardiner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: 4-6 miles (6-9 kilometers)
This morning, we’ll enjoy an exciting whitewater rafting adventure on the Yellowstone River. After a tasty meal, we’ll head back into Yellowstone for an afternoon hike and an evening wildlife safari in the Lamar Valley, also known as the Serengeti of North America.
Accommodation: Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone, Gardiner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rafting: 2 hours
Hiking: 2 miles (3 kilometers)
Today we'll have a leisurely morning enjoying breakfast before exploring the area just north of Yellowstone, ever on the lookout for wildlife, and if time allows a soak in a hot spring. After a picnic lunch, we’ll drive through Paradise Valley to the Flying Diamond Ranch. The Flying Diamond Ranch is a fifth-generation family-owned and operated commercial cattle ranch located in eastern Montana. Here we’ll saddle up for an unforgettable horseback ride into the Absaroka Mountains alongside the seasoned ranchers.
Afterwards, we’ll head to the historic Chico Hot Springs Resort, located in the heart of Paradise Valley, nestled in the foothills of the breathtaking Absaroka Mountain Range. Here we can soak in the rejuvenating mineral waters before gathering in the resort’s dining room for a celebratory gourmet dinner in one of Montana’s finest restaurants.
Accommodation: Chico Hot Springs Resort, Pray
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Horse-back Riding: 2 hours
After a sleep-in and leisurely morning at the resort, we’ll take a stroll through the gardens or you can opt for a scenic hike to Trout Pond before heading back to either the hotel or the airport. This is the end of your trip and we’ll leave you refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you’ll have had with us!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)
On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Best Western GranTree at 8:15am or The Element at 8:30am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Bozeman , though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Bozeman Airport at 11:30am in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Bozeman around 12pm.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Bozeman at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Bozeman after 1:30pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels near Yellowstone. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.
While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be in Gardiner on Day 4.
By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply. Read more here.
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With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
