Sayam here! Today I’m sharing a fun, family-filled adventure that my parents, younger brother, and I recently embarked on—a road trip across some of the most iconic parks and monuments in the American West. If you’re planning a family road trip or just love the idea of cruising through natural wonders, nothing can beat yellowstone
Day 1: Arrival in Montana (Thursday)
We touched down at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and headed straight to Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Belgrade. After a long flight, we were all pretty tired, but the warm welcome from the hotel and comfy beds made us feel at home instantly. My younger brother was excited to jump right into the pool, but think it was too late for that. Anyway we started mapping out Yellowstone, while my mom reminded us to get some rest for the long day ahead.
Lesson Learned: If you’re traveling with family, especially younger siblings, it’s key to keep everyone involved and excited—even during the down moments.
Day 2: Yellowstone Awaits (Friday)
Bright and early, we set off for Yellowstone National Park! The whole family was buzzing with excitement. Driving through the park, we were in awe of the bubbling geysers, steam vents, and the possibility of seeing a bison around every corner. The highlight? Watching Old Faithful erupt, and my little brother’s face lighting up in amazement. That night, we stayed at SpringHill Suites Island Park Yellowstone, where we shared stories over dinner about our favorite parts of the day.
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic! We found a great spot by a waterfall for a quick family lunch, and it made the day feel even more special.
Day 3: Family Rafting Fun (Saturday Afternoon)
Adventure day! The whole family hopped into a raft for an afternoon of white-water rafting. My dad was the most enthusiastic, while my mom held on for dear life. My brother was brave enough to sit in the front and take on the biggest waves, and I ended up in the water (on purpose, of course!). It was a blast, and we couldn’t stop laughing the whole way back to SpringHill Suites.
Lesson Learned: Family adventures are even better when everyone steps out of their comfort zone. Even if it’s a bit nerve-wracking, the memories are totally worth it!
Day 4: Yellowstone to Buffalo, Wyoming (Sunday)
We hit the road again, squeezing in more of Yellowstone before heading to Buffalo, Wyoming, where we stayed at the Residence Inn Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel. The drive gave us a chance to chat, sing along to music, and take in the stunning views. Buffalo itself was a charming little town, and we found a local diner where we tried some classic comfort food—my mom’s favorite part of the day.
Pro Tip: For long drives, keep a playlist ready and plenty of snacks on hand. It keeps the mood light, and even the younger ones won’t complain (as much).
Day 5: Transition to Jackson Hole (Monday)
We spent the morning soaking in our last moments in Yellowstone before beginning the beautiful drive to Jackson Hole. My dad and I were in charge of navigating while my mom kept us well-fed with snacks. The scenic views of towering mountains and valleys made the journey fly by. We stayed at The Wilson Hotel and settled in for a night of family board games—our tradition whenever we travel together.
Lesson Learned: Don’t underestimate the importance of downtime with family during trips. A game night or relaxing evening makes for great bonding moments.
Day 6: Grand Tetons National Park (Tuesday)
We spent the day hiking in Grand Tetons National Park. My brother was on the lookout for wildlife, and my dad acted like a seasoned photographer, trying to capture every mountain view. Hiking with the family was fun, and even though some parts were tough, we encouraged each other and made it to the top of a gorgeous viewpoint. We stayed at Fairfield Inn & Suites in Afton, Wyoming that night, feeling accomplished and exhausted.
Pro Tip: When hiking with family, pick a trail that suits everyone’s fitness level. And don’t forget to bring plenty of water!
Day 7: Tetons Continued (Wednesday)
Since we couldn’t get enough of the Tetons, we spent another day exploring the park. This time, we rented bikes and rode through the valley, which turned out to be a great way to see the sights at a slower pace. My brother and I raced a few times, and my parents lagged behind, but it made for some hilarious family moments. Another restful night at Fairfield Inn & Suites capped off the day.
Lesson Learned: Mixing up activities—like hiking one day and biking the next—keeps things interesting for the whole family.
Day 8: Drive to Crazy Horse, Gillette (Thursday)
We packed up and began our long drive to Crazy Horse Memorial, making a pit stop at Gillette, Wyoming, to rest for the night at Fairfield Inn & Suites. My brother took over DJ duties, and I practiced my driving under my dad’s watchful eye. Long drives are always better with good music and snacks, and we made the most of it with roadside views and plenty of family jokes.
Pro Tip: Make time for breaks and stretch your legs during long drives. It keeps everyone in a good mood and makes the journey more enjoyable.
Day 9: Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse (Friday)
We finally arrived at Mt. Rushmore, and seeing the iconic faces carved into the mountainside was amazing. My mom couldn’t stop taking photos! Then we visited the Crazy Horse Memorial, which felt even more impactful as we learned about its history. That night, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Rapid City and recapped our favorite moments so far.
Lesson Learned: Traveling with family offers a chance to learn and experience history together, which makes the journey more meaningful.
Day 10: Badlands National Park (Saturday)
Our final big adventure was Badlands National Park. The strange, rugged terrain was a photographer’s dream—my dad was in his element here. My brother and I took turns trying to spot wildlife, and we all agreed that the Badlands were a unique highlight of the trip. We spent one last night at Holiday Inn Express in Rapid City, feeling a little sad that our journey was coming to an end.
Day 11: Heading Home (Sunday)
After breakfast, we packed up and headed to the airport in Rapid City. The drive was filled with conversation about our favorite parts of the trip and plans for our next adventure. It was bittersweet to say goodbye to the road, but we left with a treasure trove of memories and stories to tell.
Final Thoughts
This family road trip was filled with breathtaking scenery, exciting adventures, and some great bonding moments. From rafting in Yellowstone to hiking in the Tetons and exploring Mt. Rushmore, every day brought something new. If you’re thinking about a family adventure, this itinerary is the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation.
Key Takeaway: Whether you’re rafting down rapids, hiking up mountains, or just enjoying the view, the real adventure is the time spent together as a family.
Until our next journey,
— Sayam Goyal
