Family summer trip to Montana/Wyoming

Question

I'm trying to plan a 3-week trip for 2 adults and 2 children aged 11 and 8 to include time on a ranch or two as well as some self-catering. We'd like to experience the most beautiful scenery with some fun activities along the way like zip line, rafting, hot springs, etc. If anyone can recommend an itinerary they have done or places they have been I'd be very grateful having never visited before.

Answer

A family summer trip to Montana and Wyoming can be an unforgettable adventure filled with outdoor activities, breathtaking landscapes, and a mix of ranch stays and self-catering options. Below is a suggested itinerary that includes beautiful scenery and fun activities like zip lining, rafting, hot springs, and more. It spans three weeks, offering a variety of experiences to suit both adults and kids.

Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Week 1: Exploring Montana's Outdoors
- Day 1-3: Glacier National Park – Start your trip by flying into Kalispell, MT, and spending the first few days exploring Glacier National Park. You can enjoy stunning mountain views, scenic drives like the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and kid-friendly hikes. Don't miss out on a boat ride on Lake McDonald or a visit to the Many Glacier area.
- Day 4-6: Whitefish Lake – After Glacier, head to Whitefish for some family-friendly fun. You can rent a cabin or self-cater in this charming town. Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on Whitefish Lake, and take the kids to the Whitefish Mountain Resort for a day of activities like zip lining and hiking.
- Day 7: Hot Springs – End the week by soaking in natural hot springs. A good option is the Hot Springs in Chico, which is located near the Paradise Valley and Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy the relaxation and beautiful views.
Week 2: Yellowstone National Park & Ranch Stays
- Day 8-10: Yellowstone National Park – Drive down to Yellowstone (around 4-5 hours) and spend a few days exploring the park’s famous geothermal features, such as Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs. For kids, the Lamar Valley offers fantastic wildlife viewing.
- Day 11-13: Ranch Stay in Montana or Wyoming – Consider staying at a working ranch for a few days. Options like the Xanterra Ranch in Yellowstone or a more rustic experience at a guest ranch in the Wyoming countryside could be ideal. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, campfires, and star-gazing.
- Day 14: Rafting – Go whitewater rafting on the Snake River, which flows through Grand Teton National Park (about 1 hour from Yellowstone). There are family-friendly rafting trips with stunning views of the Teton mountains.
Week 3: Wyoming Adventures
- Day 15-17: Jackson Hole – Head south to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Here, you can explore the scenic Grand Teton National Park with easy hikes and perhaps even a family-friendly mountain climbing adventure. Visit the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for summer activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and a scenic tram ride.
- Day 18-20: Self-Catering and Outdoor Fun in the Tetons – For the final few days, you can rent a cabin or stay in a self-catering lodge in the Grand Teton area. Spend your days fishing, hiking, or visiting nearby hot springs, such as the Granite Hot Springs near Jackson.

Throughout the trip, you’ll experience a good mix of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and time with nature. Below are some specific recommendations for activities and places to consider:

Zip Line Adventures: Many places in Montana and Wyoming offer zip line experiences, such as at Whitefish Mountain Resort, or in Jackson Hole.
Rafting: In addition to the Snake River, you can find family-friendly rafting tours on the Gallatin River near Bozeman, MT.
Hot Springs: Visit Chico Hot Springs, Bozeman Hot Springs, or Granite Hot Springs for family-friendly hot spring experiences.
Ranch Stays: Look for ranches offering “dude ranch” experiences, such as the Bar W Guest Ranch near Whitefish, MT, or the Lazy L&B Ranch in Wyoming. These often include horseback riding, outdoor activities, and a chance to learn about ranch life.

Other tips for self-catering: Many areas, especially in national park regions, have cabin rentals with kitchens or full-service campgrounds. These allow you to experience the outdoors while preparing your meals, which is perfect for families. You’ll find grocery stores in towns like Bozeman, Jackson, and West Yellowstone where you can stock up on supplies.

Enjoy your trip to Montana and Wyoming! You’ll have plenty of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and memories to take home with you.