YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Around Geysers and Canyons: A Six‑Day Yellowstone Family Adventure
A 6‑day, family-focused itinerary out of Grant Village that visits Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Hayden Valley and the Firehole River—essential reading for families planning this Wilderness Inquiry trip.
Around Geysers and Canyons: A Six‑Day Yellowstone Family Adventure.
Yellowstone compresses a continental landscape into a single, kinetic theater: geysers and hot springs that boil color into the air, waterfalls that carve the canyon into yellow-banded bluffs, forests where bison and wolves move through wide valleys. Over six days families hike among thermal basins, watch Old Faithful erupt, swim in a warm river and close nights with campfire stories—a program designed to introduce children and teens to the park’s signature sights and rhythms.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Old Faithful and the Midway Geyser Basin
See the steady, crowd-pleasing eruptions of Old Faithful and walk the colorful terraces of the Midway Geyser Basin, where Grand Prismatic Spring’s rings of color define Yellowstone’s geothermal spectacle.
Hayden Valley Wildlife‑spotting
Drive through Hayden Valley to look for the animals that make the park famous—bison, wolves and bears all inhabit this broad, grassy corridor and are a central wildlife focus of the trip.
Canyons, Falls and a River Swim
Hike to viewpoints over the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Yellowstone and its upper and lower falls, then unwind with a swim in the Firehole River—one of the family trip’s signature ways to connect with the park’s waterways.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
This is a family-paced expedition that balances short to moderate hikes, geothermal sightseeing and gentle fieldwork—rock‑skipping and picnics—around a base of evenings at camp. Days begin with hearty breakfasts, follow routes that include Midway Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, Lonestar Geyser and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and leave space for swims, ice cream stops and campfire games.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and the single, specific equipment restriction families should know.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program runs six days; plan logistics around that length of stay and the family schedule.
The trip begins at Grant Village in Yellowstone National Park; arrival is late in the afternoon on Day 1 when the group sets up camp.
Bring clothing and personal items appropriate for hiking, swimming and camping. Note that personal flotation devices are provided; the smallest PFD requires a minimum weight of 30 pounds.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Yellowstone Family Adventure?
The trip is six days in length.
Where do we meet the group at the start of the trip?
The trip starts at Grant Village in Yellowstone National Park, with arrival and camp setup late in the afternoon on Day 1.
What are the trip’s signature sights and activities?
Highlights include Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring and the Midway Geyser Basin, wildlife viewing in Hayden Valley, hikes to waterfalls and a swim in the Firehole River.
Are there restrictions on personal flotation devices (PFDs)?
Yes—the smallest PFD provided by Wilderness Inquiry requires a minimum weight of 30 pounds.
When does the trip officially end on the final day?
The trip officially ends in the early afternoon after lunch on Day 6.