Search Results for: yellowstone

Exploring the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: navigating Upper and Lower Falls

During a time when many vacations are not possible, outdoor activities in road trip-accessible locations offer the ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring Yellowstone, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

Located a full 50 miles away from the central hub (and congestion) of Yellowstone National Park‘s Old Faithful, the Canyon Village area of the park offers arguably the most dramatic scenery with fewer tourists to contend with. In this “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone”, families can view yellow-tinted cliffs and the Yellowstone River at its most active at both the Upper and Lower Falls.

yellowstone national park

The best hiking and waterfall viewing is found at Lower Falls, which can be viewed by car pull-out along the North Rim Drive at Lookout Point and Red Rock Point. (South Rim Drive takes you to the Upper Falls at Artist Point.) If you’re hiking instead, take the South Rim Trail (though be advised that it is one-way), or the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail. Both offer great views of Lower Falls, which is actually longer in height than Niagara Falls. We opted to hike just 1/2 mile along the South Rim Trail, turning down steep steps to view the falls from an overlook. The entire hike, including the hike back to the car and the overlook detour, was approximately 1.5 miles…just right for a quick after-lunch excursion. The entire trail is 2.5 miles, though one-way.

national parks with kids

Be careful on all the overlooks and trails along the canyon with young kids. The way is often steep, and the drops are severe. We never felt unsafe, but we did require our adventurous kids to stay close by. Keep to the overlooks if series of steep stairs may be too much for little legs: the way is slow and long!

A good dining option near the falls is found at Canyon Village. Skip the often-crowded soda fountain and grille for the cafeteria.

Where to stay in and near Yellowstone:

Wondering about Yellowstone lodging? If you can get reservations well in advance (think 8-9 months out), a stay at the Old Faithful Inn is iconic (though often crowded). The Lake Yellowstone Hotel is another great option, or the park offers many cabin rentals in addition to campgrounds. You will need to reserve any and all of these well in advance. For an option away from the crowds, consider Harriman State Park, on the Idaho side. Its rustic yurts and bird sanctuary provide much-needed peace!

yellowstone river

What else not to miss:

In addition to the falls, time spent in the Madison section of the park will offer great geothermal displays, though crowds will teem here due to its proximity to Old Faithful (only 16 miles away). Another less crowded option in the park is Fishing Bridge and the Sylvan Pass area near Yellowstone Lake: the vistas are made even more beautiful here due to the lack of tourists. In our experience, Yellowstone’s West Entrance tends to get the most crowded, while the East Entrance is nearly always empty. Granted, visitors entering here will have a long drive to reach the center of the park (over 30 miles), but the way is rugged and stunning in its remoteness (just keep an eye on when the Sylvan Pass opens each spring).

No matter where you head in the park, expect slow driving on park roads, and plan to stop a time or two for wildlife viewing. During our single day in the park, we stopped for buffalo twice, a bear once, and an osprey nest (with osprey).

As I disclose whenever applicable, we are partnering with Hotels.com to bring you this post on Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon.

Yellowstone lodging alternative: Harriman State Park

I almost hate to let readers in on this golden secret, which we learned through on-the-road experience, but if you’re looking for a peaceful, non-crowded lodging experience near the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, you’ll want to book a yurt or ranch dorm room at Harriman State Park just over the border in Idaho.

harriman state park

Located 30 miles from Yellowstone, this state park is different than most for two distinct reasons: 1. it is a Greater Yellowstone Region wildlife and bird sanctuary and 2. there are no campgrounds (tent or RV). Instead, two lodging options near Yellowstone are offered at the park: two yurts and multiple historic dorm rooms in the historic Railroad Ranch.

We reserved a yurt, and loved both its location and amenities. In fact, Harriman State Park yurts are the best we’ve seen. How so? They are larger than standard state park yurts in Oregon and Washington (our other yurt experience), and include a cozy wood-burning stove, box of cut wood ready to use, propane cook stove and propane lantern. Outside, families get a fire pit and table, and indoors, another full-sized table is set in the center of the yurt. These yurts do not have electric light, so families will need to bring propane to use the lantern and stove. We didn’t know this in advance, but made due just fine with flashlights and cooking over the fire pit.

silver lake

The yurts sleep six comfortably, and are set away from each other and everything else on the end of Silver Lake and its bird sanctuary. Families are within easy walking distance of the lake, hiking trails, and the historic ranch site. If you don’t spend the night, a stop is still warranted to see the historical sites, picnic (areas are located past the lake), and hike.

If you do want to RV or tent camp, or want to be on a lake where you can fish, boat, and swim, multiple options exist along Highway 20 in and around the community of Island Park, Idaho.

Date last visited:

June 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Right off Highway 20, 30 minutes from Yellowstone.

Yurt rates:

$60 (plus taxes and fees)

Dining:

Buy food before arriving. There is a small store located at the far end of the park on Highway 20, but it’s limited. If you do want to dine out, you’ll need to drive into Island Park, where there are a number of casual bars, pubs, and the like.

Directions:

Harriman is located at 3489 Green Canyon Rd in Island Park, Idaho. From I-15, connect with Highway 20 and head north toward Yellowstone. From the national park, exit at the West Entrance and connect with Highway 20.
Island Park, ID

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 11): Yellowstone National Park

Day 11, we drove the short distance on Hwy 191 from Big Sky Resort to Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone crowds swarm the Old Faithful hub of this massive park, so after entering at the West Entrance, we drove north from the Madison hub to Artists’ Paintpots, then back-tracked to Firehole River for a wonderful swimming hole.

At Artists’ Paintpots, you’ll find a well-maintained loop trail taking you to steaming and bubbling ‘pots’ in the earth, as well as mud-holes that gurgle and spew (my kids’ favorite!). The hike is easy, and you get much closer to these interesting geothermal wonders than you can at nearby Geyser Basin (in our opinion).

Artists’ Paintpots is an easy hike for kids!

Upon reaching the top of the trail, you can see all the geothermal pools below!

Toby talks a bit about the paintpots on the Pit Stops for Kids Cam:

Once our kids were tired of being in the car (because Yellowstone is large and crowded and often doing road construction, long drives are unavoidable), we made a stop at the Firehole River Swimming Hole along Firehole Lake Drive (approach from the north, as this drive is one-way). This wonderful spot is warmed by the run-off of distant geysers, and one of the only places in the park where swimming is permitted.

Younger kids can wade and swim in the still waters of the hole, while older (more adventurous) kids will want to float a bit down the current. We did see people jumping from the rocks of the canyon upstream, but would not recommend it.

The geothermal waters combining with cold river water makes the water…less cold!

Nate still needs to ease into it!

Note: There are pit toilets at the swimming hole, but we had the kids change into swimsuits in the car instead.

Extra Tip: Pack a picnic lunch and plan to stay awhile once you’ve found a parking spot!

Date last visited: July 2, 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Right off Hwy 191 or Hwy 89.

Admission Prices: Only the $25 per car National Park fee (also good for Grand Teton NP).

Food Services: Plenty in the park. None at either location described above. We ate a meal at The Lake House in Grant Village in the southern end of the park before exiting, and found it much quieter than in the central hubs.

Website: Yellowstone National Park

Up Next: We enter Grand Teton National Park and check in to the Colter Bay Resort!


25 travel blogger-approved road trip itineraries

Ready to hit the road this summer with your crew? The open road awaits, and nothing beats a good road trip. If you’re not sure where to go, or simply want a vetted and approved itinerary to follow, read on! I asked travel bloggers across the US and Canada for their top summer road trip itineraries.

Western US:

western-us-road-trip

The western states are prime road trip territory if you’re seeking nature, the outdoors, national parks, and adventure! Below are our two favorite national park road trips through the western US, as well as additional itineraries from other travel bloggers.

Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Zion National Parks road trip: This trip from yours truly at Pit Stops for Kids can be started in Portland, OR or Spokane, WA, and takes families through Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah to some of the most breathtaking national parks in our country. Plan to camp along the way, or look for historic lodging inside the parks.

Great Basin, Arches, Mesa Verde, and Grand Canyon National Parks road trip: This Pit Stops for Kids trip through the Southwestern US takes families from Nevada to Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. We ended in California, but where you go after touring the parks is up to you!

National Park to Park Highway road trip: If you want the ultimate national park road trip, follow this seven week wonder from Mountain Mom and Tots! It follows the original 1920s national parks driving route and visits 16 parks! What an adventure!

Colorado road trip: This road trip from Denver to Redstone Colorado takes families on the scenic path, with stops in Buena Vista and Aspen. It’s been approved by Traveling in Heels. If you have a few extra days, head five hours to Sand Dunes National Park as well.

Oregon-Northern CA road trip: This 11-day road trip from Wild Tales Of features my hometown! It takes visitors from Southern Oregon’s forests and valleys to California wine country and back again!

California coastal road trip: This Pit Stops for Kids trip along scenic Highway 1 on the California coast starts and ends in San Francisco, and takes families along windy roadways, through wine country, and to historic stops like Hearst Castle. If you’re looking for an iconic road trip that combines beauty with culture, this one’s for you!

Grand California road trip: For a more, well, grand trip down the California coast, Trekaroo‘s itinerary includes luxury digs and educational stops all down the coastline. It’s ‘bucket list worthy’, for sure!

Arizona road trip: This multi-day itinerary from Mira Terra Travel Blog touches upon all the national parks and national monuments in Arizona, with break taking scenery and desert landscapes dominating your days.

Pacific Northwest coastal road trip: This trip from Family Travels USA takes road trippers through Oregon and Washington follows the coastline and major interstates, like I-5, and hits major cities like Seattle and Portland, plus scenic regions like Crater Lake and the northern WA coast.

Four Corners road trip: Have you ever wanted to stand on the four corners (of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah)? It’s a fun family activity that always revolves around a larger road trip!

Midwest:

midwest-road-trip

Ohio Learning Vacation road trip: Brought to us by Family Travels on a Budget, this Ohio road trip takes families on a tour of history through the state, from Amish country to Cleveland and everything in-between. Plan to spend about a week, and good news for kids: they can consider this summer school!

Tennessee family road trip: This road trip from Crazy Family Adventure goes from Nashville to Gatlinburg to Chattanooga with kid-friendly attractions at every stop. It features Ruby Falls, which was a favorite with our Midwest writer’s family! Find nature and city sights in one compact road trip.

Iowa/Nebraska/South Dakota road trip: This road trip ends up in the Black Hills, but it takes its time getting there…in the best way possible. If you’re starting from the eastern or southern side of South Dakota’s Black Hills, Oh My Omaha has the route for you!

Black Hills road trip: This outdoor adventure road trip through Black Hills country in South Dakota is tested and approved by Tips for Family Trips. It covers the Black Hills exclusively, including Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devil’s Tower, and the scenic towns dotting the region.

Eastern US:

revolutionary-city-with-kids

American Colonial and Revolutionary History road trip: An epic Pit Stops for Kids road trip ideal for school-aged kids and teens, this trip through Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia spans US history from early settlement to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Best Ever East Coast road trip: If you want to see a little of everything, the title of this road trip, from Flashpacker Family, says it all. It spans from Maine to Florida, with all sorts of cities, historic sites, theme parks, and nature trails in-between.

New York to Florida road trip: For those not needing to start at the top of the country, this road trip along I-95 from New York to Florida is explained in clear steps by Kids Unplugged. I love that it includes useful tips on where to stop to stretch legs along the way. If you’ll be flying into NYC to start your trip and have a family larger than four, consider arranging for a limo with a service such as Limo Find to make the ground transportation much smoother.

Virginia road trip: This road trip from We3Travel  covers highlights in the entire state, from Hampton to Shenandoah to Newport News. It takes families from history lessons in Jamestown to soft serve and museums in a two-week timeframe.

Vermont Leaf-Peeping road trip: The folks at Back Road Ramblers have the ideal, ready-made road trip itinerary for nature lovers in New England. From state parks to quaint towns to miles of autumn glory, you can easily fill 3-5 days!

Connecticut road trip: This quintessential East Coast road trip from Road Trips for Families takes families from riding roller coasters to enjoying New England charm. Centered around Litchfield Hills, it can be driven in just a few days, making it ideal for a long weekend.

Florida Keys road trip: One of the most scenic road trips in the USA, perfect for a summer adventure, is undoubtedly along the overseas highway from Miami to Key West. Couple Travel The World outlines the key stops to make along the way with everything from eating key lime pie in Key Largo, visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon to feeding giant tarpon in Islamorada included. If you decide to hire a red convertible mustang to complete the trip, even better!

All the way across!

Cross-Country road trip: If you want to do it all, or at least see a little bit of everything, this road trip from Walking On Travels starts in Seattle and ends in Maryland. It emphasizes national parks and off-the-beaten-path stops.

Epic Cross-Country trip: Readers will find several great road trip itineraries in this post from Flashpacker Family, but their cross-country trip takes the cake, with stops along Route 66 as well as national parks.

Park-to-park trip: Families can hit 16 major national parks in one trip in this post from Mountain Mom and Tots!

Canada:

canada-road-trip

Families could spend all summer road tripping through Canada! With incredible wildlife and natural beauty and lots of open road, Canada offers outdoor fun combined with city and cultural offerings on both coasts.

Vancouver Island adventure road trip: This trip was one of our all-time favorites at Pit Stops for Kids. Starting in the city of Vancouver, BC with a ferry ride to the island, this road trip includes kayaking, whale watching, hiking, and beach combing.

Ontario and Quebec road trip: On the other side of the country, We3Travel offers up an eight-day road trip starting in Niagara Falls and ending in Montreal. What a perfect way to combine nature with culture!

Nova Scotia road trip: From Mira Terra Travel Blog, this road trip spanning Nova Scotia’s eastern shore is all about wild, sandy beaches and untamed scenery.

Pin it for later!

summer-road-trip

The way to see Grand Teton National Park with kids: OARS Jackson Lake 2-Day Trip

When I knew my family and I would be spending time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park, I immediately looked for an OARS trip to take in the area. After our five-day Rogue River rafting trip with OARS, it was the easy choice. OARS is just that good at what they do.

oars-jackson-lake

I’ve already talked about what sets OARS apart. In a nutshell, the guides are professionals but also become friends, the service and food is phenomenal, and the overall experience ensures a stress-free, family-bonding time for everyone. Check it out:

OARS’ 2-day Jackson Lake kayak trip departs and returns to and from Signal Mountain boat dock on Jackson Lake, in the heart of Grand Teton National Park (you’ll need to pay the $20 park fee to get there).

tetons

Day 1:

Day 1 takes families across open water to lunch at Marie Island, then approximately five more miles across to Grassy Island, in the shadow of Mount Moran. OARS is the only concessionaire with a permit to camp on Jackson Lake, ensuring we were all alone, within a hairsbreath of the Teton range. We arrived and set up camp around 4:30 pm, leaving plenty of time to splash in the water, read a book, or play a card game before appetizers. Yes, appetizers.

OARS-food

Dinner consisted of hearty burritos with fresh, homemade salsa (the veggies and herbs chopped up in front of us). For dessert…birthday brownie: one of the two six-year-olds on our trip was celebrating his big day. We camped under the stars (in OARS’ supplied tents), and a campfire with our fellow kayakers.

oars-guides

Day 2:

On Day 2, it’s all about exploring the Tetons from the vantage point of the water and trails. We broke camp after a leisurely breakfast of French toast and bacon, and hit the water around 10 am. We paddled to Bearpaw Bay, where we caught the trail to Bearpaw Lake and Leigh Lake. This two-mile hike doesn’t include much elevation gain, which meant even the youngest in our group could navigate it, while the rest of us still found it to be a decent length.

OARS-jackson-lake

After a swim in Leigh with a picnic lunch, we paddled on to Spalding camp, on the mainland overlooking the Tetons. Once again, our campsite was our own, thanks to OARS’ exclusivity. We BBQed burgers for dinner (and when I say ‘we’, I mean our amazing OARS crew) and settled in for riddles and games of Uno around the campfire.

OARS

Day 3:

We broke camp on Day 3 around 9 am, and paddled at a leisurely pace back to the boat dock, none of us anxious to arrive! I asked my kids: how does the kayak trip compare with an OARS whitewater rafting trip? Calvin (age 13) said the two simply couldn’t be compared, but loved both. Before our kayak adventure, he feared the trip would be too tame, with perhaps too much downtime. We found this to be untrue. While a whitewater trip packs more adrenaline-inducing excitement, the kayak trip requires more muscle and includes just as much sightseeing. On both trips, we had stellar guides (shout out to Nate, Marcus, and Max this time around!).

OARS-kayak-trip

Things to know before you go:

On any OARS trip, it’s very important to have the right clothing and gear. The weather is all over the map in the Tetons, so bring layers. If you follow the packing list, you’ll be fine. We were especially glad to have long underwear for night, and light gloves and hats for brisk mornings. OARS supplied us with splash jackets (like rain jackets) for use in the kayaks, and tents. When you book a trip, you have the option of bringing your own sleep kit, or renting one of theirs. Our recommendation: bring your own sleeping bag if you have one rated to 20 degrees, but opt to rent their sleeping pads. They’re thick and puffy, and you’ll be glad you did!

OARS-trip

On our previous OARS trip, beer, wine, and soda were included. On this trip, soda was available, but beer and wine was BYO. If you hand over your wine and beer to the crew, they’ll keep it chilled for you! We all shared during the trip, which was a nice touch.

OARS-campsite

Bring a few small games or other entertainment for camp time. We like to bring a deck of cards and books or Kindles. Leave iPods or gaming devices at home or in the car. We had cell service for most of the trip, but without anywhere to charge phones, it was easier to leave those in the car as well.

OARS-j-rig

In short, OARS is able to access a part of Jackson Lake and Grand Teton you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see, and show it to you in a way that allows for family togetherness, relaxation, and carefree fun. Pair it with 2-3 additional nights in the park or adjacent Yellowstone National Park, and know you’ll be in good hands!

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced this OARS trip as guests of the company, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Best family vacations during a time of social distancing

If you’re an adventurous family, you’re probably itching to travel again. Travel is coming back, but it will look different than in the past. We took an amazing rafting trip–and felt completely safe–in the midst of CV-19, for instance. Then, we ‘glamped’ in a rural location. The key: focus on outdoor-centric vacations that naturally promote social distancing.

Outdoor vacation ideas for families needing to social distance.

Note: Be careful if you’re doing activities requiring a release of liability waiver, and make sure that you’re thinking ahead to any safety concerns that might be specific to your destination. 

Once you’ve considered safety, the following are some tips and ideas to plan an adventure-friendly family vacation.

Rafting in the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a beautiful bucket list-type trip. Rafting can be one of the best ways for your family to explore the area. 

There are options such as what’s offered by the Grand Canyon Expeditions Company that will take you along 277 miles of rafting for eight days. Alternatively, any rafting company, like OARS, can take you out into the wilderness for a rafting, kayaking, and camping adventure.

OARS

You can camp at night, and the trips are well-planned in terms of adventure but also safety. This trip is recommended for kids eight and older. 

South African Safari

International travel is limited right now with the ongoing COVID-19 situation, but when it resumes, consider a trip to South Africa. 

Many companies offer kid-friendly safari adventures so you can see giraffes, lions, and leopards in their natural habitat. 

Some of the high-end lodges in South Africa offer things like fine dining and pre-planned kids activities, so everyone in the family is happy. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (or any national park!)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is the country’s most visited park. It is a domestic and socially-distanced destination as well if you’re looking for a trip you can do now. 

The Smoky Mountains feature hikes, such as the 80-foot Laurel Falls hike. You can walk or drive Cades Cove, and there are also more tourist attractions like the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. 

Costa Rica

There’s no one specific way to enjoy adventurous travels in Costa Rica. The whole country is known for outdoor adventure. 

costa-rica

Some families opt for multisport trips that might include rafting, jungle hikes, and surfing. You can do ziplines in the cloud forest canopy, learn more about the rainforests’ wildlife, or visit the Arenal Volcano. 

The White Mountains New Hampshire

New Hampshire is an underrated travel destination. 

There are rustic lodges and huts that you can visit while you’re in the White Mountains. For example, there’s Lonesome Lake Hut, which is inexpensive, and you can access it via hiking. 

There’s also Cardigan Lodge, which is just two hours from Boston and accessible by car. 

Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a good adventure destination in the summer and the winter. You can stay at a working ranch and visit nearby Grand Teton National Park. If you stay at a ranch, there are activities like guided fishing tours, floating trips on the Snake River, horseback riding, and nightly cookouts. 

During the winter, Jackson Hole is known for skiing. 

If you’re not a skier, you can take a winter tour of Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Park from a snow coach. You can take a dog sledding tour, go snowshoeing, or take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. 

The Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps might be among the most breath-taking scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world. 

You can plan a family trip to hike and explore the alps organized by a company, or you can plan it on your own. 

The Alps, along with hiking, are known for river rafting, dog-sledding, and bike riding. You can visit restaurants perched on mountain tops and enjoy local cheese. There are beautiful chalet hotels and even the train rides are stunning. 

Scuba Diving in the Keys

Finally, the Florida Keys aren’t known for their beaches, but they are known for their snorkeling. 

If your kids are old enough, you can make your way through the keys by boat and snorkel the best spots. 

A lot of the resorts will offer scuba diving options. For example, Hawks Cay, located in Duck Key, can arrange scuba diving. 

If you want something longer or further offshore, many companies will arrange that as well. 

If you really wanted to be adventurous you could rent a catamaran and stay there as you wander through the Keys. There are scuba and snorkeling options for families with kids of all ages. 

Top spots include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Sombrero Reef, and Looe Key. 

Road Trip Travel Hack: Stay nights at KOA Kampgrounds!

We love to review destination hotels and resorts, but let’s face it: roadside motels booked solely for the purpose of an overnight pit stop en route on a road trip are usually nothing to write home about. Plus, an average motel stay is now over $100 per night. In the last year or so, we’ve been thinking outside the box (or motel room) and booking cabin, yurt, or campground stays instead.

koa jackson hole

I know what you’re thinking: you don’t want to pack everything needed for a camping overnight during your road trip, right? And you’re not keen on the dirt and work involved, just for one night. But wait, we have a solution: campgrounds with cabins.

Many state parks and wildlife reserves have wonderful cabin or yurt options (check out this one right outside Yellowstone National Park), and most well-traveled interstates and highways now have KOA Kampgrounds en route. A number of years ago, I would not have considered staying at a KOA. But times truly have changed. We stayed at our first KOA in a decade two years ago, while traveling through Oregon to Mt. Hood in winter. We needed a low-cost, fun, and friendly place to stay the night, and a KOA cabin in Redmond fit the bill. Last week, we repeated the process, staying at a KOA cabin in Mountain Home, Idaho en route to Wyoming. Both of these cabins were listed as one of their standard options, which include electricity, heat, and beds for 4-6 people. They are not deluxe, and meals need to be cooked outside the cabin. Bathrooms are located in a different building close by.

koa-interior

For us, standard cabins work just fine. We usually have our own sleeping bags with us, and when we’re road tripping, we like to grab dinner out and eat a simple breakfast in our cabin that doesn’t require a kitchen. The Mountain Home and Redmond KOAs offered room to run around for the kids, a friendly community atmosphere, and the basic supplies we needed, like groceries, sunscreen, and bug spray in their stores. Some KOA locations aren’t anything special, but I’ve never experienced one that did not include a friendly, welcoming staff and clean amenities.  The rate is about half that of a motel room.

But what if you don’t want to rough it?

Try a KOA Deluxe Kabin! On our same Wyoming road trip, we stayed at the Jackson Hole/Snake River KOA in Jackson, and upgraded to a cabin with two rooms, a bathroom, and a full kitchen. Our cabin was located right on the Snake River, and when we arrived, the kids could immediately go play while we unloaded. We could cook our own dinner (the kitchen includes everything but an oven, and there’s a great BBQ, too) and sit outside at night, watching the stars come out instead of being stuck in a small motel room.

koa deluxe cabins

At KOA Jackson Hole/Snake River, there’s guided river rafting on-site, and in late summer, when the Snake River is running less rapidly, families can rent inner tubes to float down the river right next to the campground. The tent sites are located right on the banks (try to get site #1 for the best creekside playing) and the deluxe cabins overlook the river on higher ground. You can also opt for a standard cabin at this location, of course. We loved the friendly staff, and the fun activities on-site for kids. For instance: if kids find one of the painted rocks on property, they can turn it in for free ice cream!

deluxe-cabin

Deluxe cabins are as nice as you’d expect from an upscale rental home booking. Who knew? But be aware: these cabins can cost as much as, or more than, a motel room. It’s important to decide what your vacation goals are. If you’re booking primarily for budget reasons, opt for a standard cabin, and if you’re booking primarily for the outdoor experience instead of a motel experience, upgrade to a deluxe. Not all KOAs offer both, but you can get a good indication of the range of options by checking out the Jackson Hole camping cabin page.

koa-bedroom

What KOAs have you stayed in? Have your tried a cabin? We’d love your recommendations!

Five pet-friendly road trip ideas

If you’re planning a road trip with the kids, you won’t want to leave your furry family members behind! It just wouldn’t be a vacation without them. Yet just like travelling with the little ones, a bit of advance planning can make a world of difference once you’re on the road. To get started, you’ll want to choose road trip destinations that are ideal for both kids and pets. Here are five of the best!

See also: pet friendly road trip tips!

Five pet-friendly road trip ideas:

dog-friendly road trip

1. The Grand Canyon

Some of America’s top destinations are more pet-friendly than others. National Parks like Yellowstone are always a hit for the kids, but they’re not so great for dogs who aren’t allowed in many campgrounds. The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a notable exception. Your pooch will be allowed to tackle the trails along with the kids, making this a great road trip pit stop for the whole family. Remember to bring plenty of snacks and water for everyone, as temperatures can soar and the trails go on for miles.

2. Nevada and Las Vegas 

Las Vegas may not be the first road trip stop to come to mind when you’re thinking about where to take the kids and pets. While you can’t take Fido into the casinos, there are plenty of dog-friendly stops along the strip including many restaurants and shops. Many of the larger hotel chains also offer pet beds and food bowls upon request. The kids will be entertained by live shows and swimming pools, and outside of the city there are plenty of attractions to drive to. Don’t miss Red Rock Canyon, only a 30-minute drive away.

3. Upstate New York

Explore New York State with a drive away from Manhattan towards the Adirondacks. Road trip destinations like Mirror Lake are family and pet-friendly. A prime example is Lake Placid Lodge, which offers cabins fully stocked with homemade doggie treats and pet beds. The children will love wandering around the numerous hiking trails in the area, while upstate NY’s charming villages are filled with boutiques and organic cafes for the grownups.

4. North Carolina

North Carolina’s scenic highways are tailor-made for family fun. Get away to sandy beaches where the kids and pets can run free, or head to Jockey Ridge State Park to tackle the impressive sand dunes. Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk, which offers sweeping views and plenty of ice cream stands for the kids.

5. The California Coast 

Finally, a classic road trip idea is to wind your way up or down California’s scenic coastline. Whether or not you have a Mustang convertible to feel the wind in your hair, you’ll be able to soak in Pacific views and plenty of sunshine. California’s a particularly pet-loving state, with dog friendly restaurants and local festivals ready to welcome your furry friend. Pet-friendly beaches are clearly marked, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Make the most of your family road trip by including destinations like these, which are capable of accommodating everyone.

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Three best road trip itineraries for active families

 

best-road-trips

No matter how much we vacation, road trips remain one of our favorite modes of travel. Why? Road trips offer a sense of adventure and freedom that’s hard to beat. Plus, they’re often more affordable, more flexible, and allow us to see the country up-close and personally. I’m offering up our three best road trip itineraries for active families in the western US and Canada:

1. Northern California Coastal Road Trip

Think a road trip down California’s fabled Highway 1 is only for romantic getaways, ideally in a convertible? Well sure, that’d be nice, but a Highway 1 road trip is excellent with kids in tow, too. Our trip started in San Francisco and ended in San Simeon, with both city and country stops.

monterey bike path

Highlights for active families:

  • Hiking along Big Sur
  • Biking along Monterey Bay
  • Kayaking and seal watching
  • city exploration in San Francisco

Read our full Highway 1 itinerary.

2. Vancouver Island Road Trip

Head over the border to Canada, and explore all the rugged beauty of Vancouver Island, BC. We started in the city of Vancouver, then took a BC ferry at Horseshoe Bay. Once we were on Vancouver Island, we explored the east coast of the shore (known for its sunny weather), then crossed the island for breathtaking views and wildlife spotting on the western side.

remote passages

Highlights for active families:

  • Kayaking in Ucluelet
  • Whale watching via zephyr boat in Tofino
  • Exploring Pacific Rim National Park
  • Ferrying to old growth forests in Meares Island

Read our full Vancouver Island itinerary. Want to add a bit more Pacific Northwest south of the border?  Explore San Juan Islands, WA as well.

3. Western National Parks road trip: Montana, Wyoming, and Utah

Want to see Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Zion, but can’t decide which epic national park to visit? Neither could we! For this national park-focused road trip, we started in Spokane, WA, and drove to Montana to see Glacier, then dropped down Big Sky for some outdoor playtime before driving to Wyoming to see Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Next, we headed to Park City, Utah for a breather before driving south to Zion.

swiftcurrent cruise Many Glacier

Highlights for active families:

  • Exploring 4 national parks in about 3 weeks
  • Camping in yurts and tents
  • Playing on ropes courses and zip lines in Park City and Big Sky
  • Boating on Glacier lakes
  • horseback riding in view of the Tetons

Read our full Western National Parks itinerary. Need a great detour? Drive to Cody, Wyoming after visiting Grand Teton to learn about Buffalo Bill and explore cowboy country.

Additional picks:

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Glamping trips to book this summer

Have you ever enjoyed turn-down service…in a tent? How about foot warmers, breakfast in your camp bed or nightly s’mores service? Even if you’re a hardcore camper, happy to rough it, c’mon…this sounds pretty great, right? Get your glamp on at the following glamping resorts in the western U.S.

Glamping trips to book this summer

Over the top:

The Resort at Paws Up, Montana

Located on Montana’s Blackfoot River, Paws Up going above and beyond for its tent camping guests, with private camp butlers, a concierge tent serving gourmet breakfast, snacks, and drinks, and luxury bedding. Plus, daily activities at Paws Up can include cattle wrangling, helicopter rides, hot air balloon journeys, and fly fishing.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, British Columbia

Each private tent at Clayoquot is described as five-star luxury, with an African safari experience feel in the heart of the Canadian wilderness. Sign up for spa treatments, fish for salmon, head out of bear sighting expeditions, or rock climb or mountain bike during your days here.

Bull Hill Guest Ranch, Washington

At the northeastern edge of Washington State near the Canadian border, guests at Bull Hill experience authentic ranch life, but sleep in comfort in glamping safari tents, each with a private bath or shower, wide front porches, and lodgepole railings.

Fireside Resort, Jackson Hole Wyoming

Jackson Hole has its share of luxury accommodations, but at Fireside Resort, you can pretend you’re roughing it in your own tiny house-style cabin. Enjoy a full kitchen, curl up by your own fireplace, and cross-country ski from your front door in winter. There’s an outdoor fire pit if your camping experience won’t be complete without a campfire!

Glacier Under Canvas, Glacier National Park, Montana

Under Canvas is a glamping resort company that currently operates in Glacier, Zion, Moab, and Yellowstone. At their Glacier location, safari-style tents and teepees are available just a few miles outside the national park, with the option to elevate your experience to a deluxe tent, cabin, or treehouse.

Dunton River camp, Dunton, Colorado

Dunton River Camp operates three camps in Colorado, but the Dunton Hot Springs location is the place to be for alpine meadow views, hot springs, and open-air tenting. Need more cover? Wooden cabins are on offer in addition to the river tents.

AutoCamp, Russian River, California 

Camp overnight in an Airstream trailer decked out with showers, hotel bedding, and extra touches. Only 90 minutes north of San Francisco, AutoCamp’s Russian River location is within easy distance of the Sonoma wine scene and plenty of outdoor recreation in the California redwoods. Choose between Airstream camping or luxurious canvas tent glamping.

Terra Glamping, California

Located on the northern California coast on Highway 1, all of Terra Glamping’s ten safari tents have ocean views. Ideal for whale watching, stargazing, or simply relaxing in a hammock or with a good book in hand, the Terra Glamping experience comes with hot showers, a deluxe continental breakfast, and memory foam mattresses.

Less ‘glamp’, more ‘camp’:

Doe Bay, Orcas Island Washington

A long-time retreat with a friendly commune feel right on the coast of Orcas Island, Doe Bay caters to earth-friendly types with organic produce at their on-site market, tent camping spaces, yurts and canvas tents, and clothing-optional outdoor soaking tubs and saunas.

Lakedale Resort, San Juan Island, Washington

Neighboring Orcas Island, San Juan Island’s Lakedale Resort offers the perfect glamping vacation for families with children, with tents that include breakfast and hot water bottles delivered to your bedside, or cabins next to all the lakeside action, which includes kayak rentals, paddle boards, arts and crafts, and more.

Willow Witt Ranch, Ashland, Oregon

A farm stay perfect for families that includes canvas-sided, wood-floored tents in addition to farmhouse accommodations, Willow Witt is tucked into the mountains about thirty minutes from Ashland in Southern Oregon. Meet the farm animals, hike on nearby trails, and enjoy the communal outdoor kitchen.

Treebones, Big Sur, California

Stay in a canvas yurt perched on the edge of the California coastline. You can even camp in the ‘human nest’, a cozy shelter that resembles a bird’s nest. Treebones boasts an organic garden, inspired architectural designs, and even a sushi bar on premises. Note that Highway 1 south of Treebones is currently closed after the impressive winter storms of 2017. Approach from the north.

River Dance Lodge, Kooskia, Idaho

Located near Lewiston, Idaho, River Dance Lodge offers glamping tents outfitted with old-fashioned pitchers and wash basins, wood stoves, and clawfoot tubs heated by propane (think hot tub!) within listening distance of a rushing river. Guests utilize a shared washroom. Plus, you’re within a stone’s throw of the best of Idaho’s outdoor recreation, including river rafting, lake swimming, and fishing.