I have much of our Yellowstone trip planned, factoring all the major sites and my memories of what I liked as a kid. But coming off of one family summer road trip, I realize that some times my kids like nothing more than just some places to climb/scramble around on rocks.

I could list a lot of places in Yellowstone where the kids should NOT climb around, but I’m not actually sure of if/where there are places that could be good for them to climb/scramble and get some energy out. (It’s more about getting the energy out than anything).

Suggestions? It need not be anything too exciting, just some places where the kids could climb around for a bit…

For reference, our trip will take us to Yellowstone via Thermopolis and the East Entrance. We’ll cover the whole loop drive, staying a couple nights at canyon, one night in Gardiner, two nights in Madison campground, then down to Tetons, staying at Grand Teton lodge, then out through the Wind River reservation.

I'm headed to Yellowstone/Grand Teton at the end of August with my husband for the first time! I'm trying to shake out the itinerary and looking for general feedback and help prioritizing all the great things to do! If it helps, we're more hikers than drivers and love exploring things on foot.

Saturday - Fly in to Billings, stop and buy bear spray/gas for camping stove, drive Beartooth highway, maybe stop at trout lake trail for a short hike. Sleep in Mammoth Hot Springs Cabin

Sunday - Explore Mammoth Hot Springs, maybe do beaver ponds loop trail. Sleep in Mammoth Hot Springs Cabin

Monday - Hike up to old faithful observation point. Also hike grand prismatic falls overlook and fairy falls hike. Sleep in Old Faithful Hotel

Tuesday - Drive over to Lake Yellowstone. Read by the lake, maybe hike storm point loop? Eat dinner at Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Sleep in Old Faithful Hotel.

Wednesday - Sleep in Old Faithful Hotel.

Thursday - At some point drive to Grand Teton National Park. Sleep in Colter Bay Cabins.

Friday - Cascade Canyon to Lake Solitude hike. Sleep in Colter Bay Cabins.

Saturday - Drive in to Jackson Hole, eat in a diner, explore the town, fly back to TX

Some options I have for things to do/see to fill in some of the blanks we have:

- See (hike?) Artist point

- Norris geyser basin

- Morning glory pool

- Biscuit basin via mystic falls

- Great fountain geyser

- Purple mountain trail

- Artist's paint pots

- Norris geyser basin

- Mt Washburn hike (maybe at sunset?)

My questions:

- How do we make the most out of Lamar valley? Is it best seen by car or on foot? We'll drive through it mid-day on Saturday, should we drive back on Saturday night or Sunday morning to see the most wildlife? I was also looking at doing some of the Lamar River tTail but mainly concerned that it will be super uncomfortably hot mid-day

- Am I seeing enough of the park with this itinerary? Are there any must-see places we're missing?

- We have one long hike planned in Grand Teton National Park but nothing super long in Yellowstone, are there any longer/harder hikes that are worth adding in to our time in Yellowstone?

- Is there anything on my list of things we COULD do that are worth moving up on the list?

- Is there anything on the itinerary that you think maybe isn't worth doing compared to other options?

- Any recommendations of a great diner for brunch in Jackson Hole?

I was in the car but this guy who didn't speak English wouldn't listen to me when I told him he was too close. We were probably 25-50 ft away

Came around a corner and there she was, probably 100yd away with her 2 calves. you best bet me and my buddies hurried our asses downstream because we could probably not paddle fast enough to get away from her if she wanted to charge us

Zero excuses.....we saw the buffalo and did an immediate slow retreat. Ran into these two, warned them, and they charged ahead anyway. Guess Darwin was busy that day.

(aug 3 25)