From Peaks to Geysers: Exploring the Best of Yellowstone & the Tetons

Can you hike with littles? Yes! Is it hard? Also yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

We flew into Jackson Hole, WY in the evening and stayed at The Lodge at Jackson Hole. I booked it on Black Friday and scored a great deal — I never realized hotels or vacations even had Black Friday sales! The hotel was really nice and had its own shuttle to take you into town. Our room was just across the hall from my parents and sister, which made everything so convenient.

Day 1: Taggart Lake Loop

We started the trip bright and early with a 4-mile hike on the Taggart Lake Loop. It’s considered an easier hike, with some light elevation. The views along the way were beautiful — but when we reached the lake, it was truly stunning and so peaceful.

Day 2: Delta Lake Challenge

On the second day, my sister, Bobby, and I tackled the 8-mile Delta Lake Trail. This one was tough. My legs were burning the entire way up, but when we reached the top... wow. The views were absolutely breathtaking. It felt even more rewarding knowing we worked so hard to get there.

Day 3: Jenny Lake (a little detour)

Next up was the Jenny Lake Trail. We thought it would be a short, simple stroll — but it turned into nearly 4 miles, haha. The full loop is about 7 miles, but we stopped halfway after realizing we had taken the wrong route. Luckily, there was a boat dock partway through, and we hopped on it for the ride back. The trail itself was gorgeous, passing Hidden Falls and winding along the lake’s edge.

Jackson Hole Eats:

If you're in town, jot these down:

• The Local

• Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

• Snake River Roasting Co.

• Cowboy Coffee Co.

  
  

Pro tip: Rent bear spray instead of buying it — you can’t fly with it anyway, and it’s cheaper. Also, the AllTrails app was a game-changer for finding and navigating hikes.

Road Trip Ready

We rented two cars for flexibility and to get to the parks and trailheads. It made a huge difference being able to come and go on our schedule with no hassle.

Yellowstone Adventures

We stayed in West Yellowstone, a charming little tourist town with great food and fun shops. Our Airbnb didn’t have AC, which seemed wild at first, but apparently, locals just open windows and use fans at night. Once you're inside Yellowstone National Park, prepare for lots of driving — it’s huge! But worth every mile. There’s so much to see: geysers, wildlife, trails, and epic views everywhere you turn.

Places to Eat in West Yellowstone:

• The Buffalo Bar

• Mountain Mama’s Coffee Shop

• Taqueria Resendiz

• Beartooth BBQ

  
  

We usually made breakfast before hitting the park and packed lunches for the road. There are some restaurants and shops inside the park, but starting early gave us more time to explore. The town also had a 4th of July parade — such a sweet, small-town celebration with flags, candy, beads, and all the trucks Bradley loved.

When Life Happens…

Unfortunately, Norovirus hit us while we were in Yellowstone. It went through all of us — just in time for our travel day to Bozeman. I honestly felt like I lost my soul for a moment. I was so sick. I was especially bummed because I’d planned to take Bradley to the museum in Bozeman, but life happens. We were thankful it hit at the end of the trip rather than the beginning. As Mom and Dad always say, it’s always an adventure.

Must-Haves for a National Park Family Trip:

• Carrier for each young child (!!)

• Car seat roller (for easy airport travel)

• Fanny pack (hands-free essentials)

• Wool socks

• Hiking shoes

• Water bottle

• Sunscreen + bug spray

• Easy foldable stroller