Denver to Yellowstone family trip

Question

Planning family trip visit Denver to Yellowstone in June month , plan to flying Dallas to Denver, renting a car and enjoy the Rocky mountain and see trail ridge road and then stay in hotel and then driving to Yellowstone and stay their and drop the car , fly back to Dallas. Total One week trip. Is this a good or can someone suggest where i can stay and what point i can cover in 5-6 days.

Answer

Your plan for a family trip from Denver to Yellowstone sounds fantastic, and June is a great time to visit both destinations! Here’s a detailed guide for your trip, including some suggestions on where to stay and what to see within your 5-6 days in the area:

Day 1-2: Denver and the Rocky Mountains

Start your trip in Denver. From Dallas, you’ll fly into Denver and then rent a car. Here's what you can do in the first couple of days:

Trail Ridge Road: This scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highlights. It’s the highest paved road in North America and offers stunning views of the Rockies, with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Bear Lake: A beautiful alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s perfect for a short hike, picnic, or even just a scenic stop.
Estes Park: After exploring the park, stay in Estes Park, a charming mountain town. You can find plenty of family-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and shops here.
Downtown Denver: If you have time, explore Denver’s vibrant downtown area, including the Denver Botanic Gardens or Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Stay in Estes Park for the night to fully enjoy the park and surroundings. The next morning, continue your journey towards Yellowstone.

Day 3: Drive to Yellowstone

The drive from Estes Park to Yellowstone is about 8-9 hours, so it’s a long drive. You’ll drive through scenic landscapes, so be sure to take breaks and enjoy the views. Consider breaking up the drive with a stop in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest or Rock Springs for a break.

Day 4-5: Yellowstone National Park

Once you arrive at Yellowstone, you can spend two days exploring its most iconic spots. Yellowstone is vast, so you won’t be able to see everything in a short visit, but here are the must-see spots:

Old Faithful: Watch the famous geyser erupt, which is one of Yellowstone's biggest attractions. The area around it has geothermal features, walking trails, and visitor centers.
Grand Prismatic Spring: The largest hot spring in the U.S., known for its vibrant colors. A short hike to the overlook gives you the best views.
Mammoth Hot Springs: These terraces are unique and create incredible geological formations. The area has several boardwalks for easy access.
Lamar Valley: This is one of the best spots for wildlife viewing. You may see bison, wolves, and bears here, especially during early mornings or evenings.
Yellowstone Lake: You can enjoy the serene beauty of this large, picturesque lake, perfect for a relaxing day.

Stay inside the park if possible (book early, as accommodations can fill up fast) or in nearby West Yellowstone, which has great options for families.

Day 6: Explore More of Yellowstone or Head Back

If you have time, take a morning to visit more of the park before heading back to drop off your rental car and head to the airport. Alternatively, if you need to return the car the night before your flight, you can spend the evening in West Yellowstone, which is a popular gateway town with plenty of family-friendly activities.

Final Thoughts:

Time in Yellowstone: Given the size of Yellowstone, you’ll want to plan for a couple of days to really explore the park. Two full days should give you enough time to visit the top sights without feeling rushed.
Accommodations: Book your hotels or lodges early, as Yellowstone is a popular destination, especially in June. Inside the park, there are several lodges near Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Driving: The driving distances in Yellowstone are longer than they appear on the map, so don’t plan to see everything in one day.

Overall, this itinerary gives you a good balance of seeing the best of both Denver’s Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone’s natural wonders. It’s a family-friendly adventure that will be memorable for everyone!

Denver to Yellowstone family trip

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