west O
mile park are many less traveled, but
services, accommodations and opportu-
equally impressive areas, each with its
nities for visitors to explore its wilder-
own distinctive ambiance, recreation op-
ness on their own or with a guide.
tions and services. At the south entrance
Unique experiences include a llama trek.
are the Mariposa Grove and Giant Se-
Join a history walk that gives insights
quoia (redwood) Forest. Also here are
into Yellowstone and the founding of the
the historic Wawona Hotel and Pioneer
National Park Service; it includes a tour
Yosemite History Center. Tioga Pass at
of century-old Old Faithful Lodge.
the eastern entrance leads to the alpine
[yellowstone.national-park.com,
Tuolumme Meadows, a popular
nps.gov/yell/]
fishing, hiking, birding and picnic area.
Family Adventure: Take the family on a
[nps.gov/yose/,
Yellowstone Old West Dinner Cookout.
yosemite.national-park.com]
Travel by horse-drawn wagons through
Family Adventure: Organize a family
sagebrush flats to a cookout site. Wran-
photo safari. Family groups should grab
glers tell stories about life on the range
trail maps and cameras and head out for
and sing Western ballads while guests
a day of exploration in various areas of
enjoy hearty food.
the park. Replay photo adventures around the evening campfire (a Yosemite
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
tradition) and award prizes to your fam-
Five million visitors annually visit the
ily’s best Ansel Adams shots.
rim of the Grand Canyon to see the aweinspiring, mile-deep, 277-mile-long gorge. The hub of activities and services is found at South Rim Village. Popular activities include scenic bus and air tours, guided walks that focus on geology and cultural history, wilderness horseback rides and the sunset wagon ride. Adventurers hike or ride mules to the canyon floor and overnight at the Phantom Ranch. [nps.gov/grca/, grand.canyon.national-park.com] Family Adventure: Early visitors to the
Roadside parking areas provide panoramic views of the Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park.
Grand Canyon arrived by rail, and you can relive the era on the Grand Canyon Railroad’s trip between Williams and South Rim Station. [800-843-8724, thetrain.com]. “Learning and Lodging
62 April 2009
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Adventure” are two-day outings de-
America’s first national park is in
signed for family groups and operated
Wyoming and bridges into Montana and
by the Grand Canyon Field Institute.
Idaho. It is known for Old Faithful and
The package includes guided hikes and
other geysers and abundant wildlife.
tours, plus hands-on activities, two
Like other parks, Yellowstone offers a
nights’ accommodations and meals.
full menu of natural and cultural history
[866-471 4435,
enrichment programs, extensive visitor
grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute] LGT LeisureGroupTravel.com