Tentative Itinerary

The formatting didn't quite transfer but here's the rough plan for the trip.  Yay!

Wednesday, July 3

1:30pm – Depart Au Gres for Bay City to pick up Tom at Meijer

·         Meijer:  make keys, watch battery, oranges, bread, hot dog buns

3:00pm – Pick up Tom at Meijer.  Vacation begins!

·         McDonalds and gas stop before Chicago

Time Change to MST (-2 hrs)

Thursday, July 4

10:00am – Enter Badlands National Park

·         Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

11:00 – Arrive at Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Badlands National Park

·         Lunch at restaurant attached to Visitor Center

·         Pick up Junior Ranger information

·         Paleontology Lab

·         Junior Ranger Program from 11:00-11:30 if we get there early

1:30pm – Drive through the Badlands

3:00 – Arrive at Wall Drug, Wall, SD

·         Wall Drug shopping

4:00 – Depart for Custer State Park

6:30 – Arrive at camp:  Custer State Park (10014780)

·         13329 US Hwy 16A, Custer, SD  57730

·         Site:  GL25E

Friday, July 5

7:00 – Camp time, trails to creek

9:00 – Gold Panning Demonstration, Peter Norbeck Visitor Center

9:30 – Wildlife Loop Road

10:30 – Little Devil’s Tower Spur Trail

·         Pack a lunch to eat on the trail

1:30 – Depart Custer State Park

2:15 – Arrive at Mt. Rushmore

·         Presidential Trail

·         Dynamite Machine at museum

3:30 – Depart Mt. Rushmore

5:00 – Arrive at camp:  Whistler Gulch (6601124)

·         Whistler Gulch Campground, 235 Cliff St., Deadwood, SD  57732

·         Pool

·         Laundry

6:00 – Saloon #10 for dinner

·         657 Main St., Deadwood, SD  57732

7:30 – Pool time for the kids

Saturday, July 6

9:00am – Depart Deadwood

10:30 – Arrive Devils Tower National Monument

11:30 – Depart Devils Tower National Monument

·         Do not take 14A; 16 would be easiest

5:00pm – Arrive Buffalo Bill State Park (Cody, WY)

·         No shower facilities

·         BBNF85

7:00 – Cody Nite Rodeo

·         Ticket Office Address:  1031 12th St.

·         519 West Yellowstone Ave.

·         Cody Cab to/from the rodeo:

o   thanks for your interest in using Cody Cab we would be happy to bring your group in to the rodeo on the 6th of July the cost would be $10.00 plus $1.00 per mile from the point of pick up to the rodeo. and the same price back. please call at least the day before to set up a time and place the phone # to call is (307)272-8364

·         Rodeo from about 8-10pm

Sunday, July 7

7:00am – Camp Time

10:00 – Depart Buffalo Bill State Park

·         Possible stop at Pahaska Tepee for lunch (Buffalo Bill’s historic lodge)

12:30pm – Arrive at Fishing Bridge Visitor Center

·         Get Junior Ranger Packet for Sophie and park map

1:00 – Artist Point

·         Grand Canyon:  South Rim Trail (2.5 miles one way)

o   Evidenced by the huge number of people milling about in the Artists Point and Uncle Tom's parking areas, most people see the dramatic Grand Canyon Upper and Lower Falls from their car. They get out, take a glimpse and then race off to another site. But oh, what they are missing. The south rim trail is paved so it's an easy hike for young and old; the sights, however, make this 2-mile trail a must. The Grand Canyon in Arizona gets all of the attention but this one holds many visual treats of its own. Add on Uncle Tom's Trail, which takes you 500 feet down into the canyon for a close-up experience of the thundering Lower Falls.

·         Lower Falls (?)

5:30 - Camp at Canyon Village Campground (Yellowstone)

·         LQD2G

·         Pay showers/laundry facilities (2 showers included with nightly rate)

·         Canyon Village Visitor Center nearby

Monday, July 8

7:00am – Camp Time

8:30 – Head north to Tower Falls

9:30 – Depart Tower Fall for Mammoth Hot Springs

10:00 – Head north from Mammoth Hot Springs toward Gardiner

·         The Boiling River Trail is a one-mile trail located near the "45th Parallel," about halfway between the northeast entrance in Gardiner and Mammoth Hot Springs. When the water levels are low enough for swimming to be permitted, you can enjoy the river water warmed by geothermal activity deep underground. 

·         Possible swimming, lunch area

12:00pm – Mammoth Hot Springs

1:00 – Head south from Mammoth

·         Pass Obsidian Cliff

1:45 – Norris Area:  Artist Paint Pots Trail (1 mi)

o   There are plenty of long, strenuous hikes to be had in Yellowstone, but if you are looking for something that's easy yet rewarding, try Artist Paint Pots Trail. It's really not much more than a stroll (partly on boardwalk), but this trail winds its way through an unburned lodgepole pine forest in Gibbon Meadows. Keep your eye out for wildflowers and elk. The level path eventually leads to small geysers, hot pools, steam vents, and the main attraction, a colorful mud pot atop Paint Pots Hill. You would be hard-pressed to find a more worthwhile short hike in the whole park.

3:30 – Firehole Swim Area

·         From Madison, travel about 2 miles/3 kilometers south on the Grand Loop Road. Turn right on the Firehole Canyon Drive (one way road) follow it until you come to parking for the swim area.

5:30 – Arrive at Madison Campground (Yellowstone)

·         CQQS5

·         No showers

Tuesday, July 9

7:00am – Camp Time

8:30 – Depart south from campground

9:00 – Fountain Paint Pots

·         Boardwalk trails

10:30 – Old Faithful

·         Turn in Junior Ranger form at Old Faithful Visitor Center (or will have to do it up at Fishing Bridge tomorrow)

12:30pm – Old Faithful/Firehole Valley Hike:  Lone Star Geyser Trail (4.6 miles) OPTION 1

o   The trailhead is located just south of Kepler Cascades, a few miles past Old Faithful. This five-mile route is partly paved and level, so mark this as one of the easier trails you will find in the park. Nevertheless, it's a lovely hike that winds along the picturesque Firehole River, with plenty of chances for bison and elk spotting. The reward is one of the more spectacular geysers in the area—Lone Star Geyser, which erupts about every 3 hours; 30-50 foot eruptions emanate from its 12-foot cone, followed by a roaring steam phase.

4:30/1:00 – The West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail is located on the scenic shore of Yellowstone Lake, 1/4 mile north of West Thumb Junction.  This 3/8 mile boardwalk trail takes you through the geyser basin full of colorful hot springs and dormant lakeshore geysers.

/3:00 – Yellowstone Lake Area:  Elephant Back Loop Trail (4 mi) OPTION 2 (could potentially do on Yellowstone Day 1)

o   Although this trail climbs 800 vertical feet, the panoramic view from the overlook is reward enough to take this wonderful day hike. Starting approximately one mile south of Fishing Bridge Junction the well-maintained trail takes you up through a lodgepole pine forest where deer and moose are frequently seen. About halfway up the hill, the trail comes to a fork; although the path on the right is a bit longer, both are fairly easy climbs—you can take one going up, and the other coming down for some variation. Scanning to the east and south from the overlook, you can take in views of Yellowstone Lake and its islands, the Absaroka Range, and Pelican Valley. Make sure you bring a camera.

6:15/2:45 – The Natural Bridge Trail begins at the Bridge Bay Marina parking lot, a few miles south of the Lake Hotel.  This partially paved, 1 1/2-mile trail (3 miles round-trip) leads through a forested area to the Natural Bridge, an interesting rock formation.  Here a 1/2 mile loop will lead you around the large “hole in the rock” formed by erosion that took place between the rock and Bridge Creek.   If you are traveling with a stroller, and wish to walk the paved section only, begin your hike at the trailhead that starts from the main road between Lake Village and Grant Village, just south of the road bridge that crosses over the outlet of the marina.  This old roadbed is not only great for walking -- it is one of the few bike trails in the Park.

/5:30 – Bridge Bay Campground (Yellowstone)

·         WXQS5

·         No showers/laundry

·         Dump Station

Wednesday, July 10

7:00am – Camp Time

9:00 – Depart Yellowstone

·         Do we need to go north to Canyon to turn in Junior Ranger form?

·         Scenic stops along the way

11:00 – Arrive at Signal Mountain (Grand Teton)

·         Sites available?

o   Check Colter Bay if not (not RV park, just regular)

·         $35.50/night electric

o   Same price for Lizard Creek

·         Do we need a separate pass if we go and rent a van?

12:30pm – Pick up rental car at airport (available at noon)

·         Jackson Hole, JAC
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
1250 Airport Road

·         Hertz confirmation code: F88409084A3 - Your car rental is confirmed.

·         Hotwire Itinerary: 3293140862

1:00 – Grocery shopping

4:00 – Snake River Overlook

5:00 – Drive to top of Signal Mountain Summit Road

8:00 – Jackson Hole Rodeo (only Wednesday and Friday)

·         447 Snow King Avenue in Jackson WY

·         Buy online and pick up at Will Call to save $

Thursday, July 11

7:00am – Camp Time

8:00 – Depart camp for Jenny Lake boat trip to Inspiration Point

·         First trip is at 7am

·         Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point

·         Can choose to hike further into Cascade Canyon to look for wildlife

12:00pm – Lunch at camp

·         Camp Time (swimming?)

o   Signal Mt. and Colter Bay have beaches

3:00 – Mormon Row (?)

·         Different opportunity for pictures and there should be buffalo

5:00 – Grand Teton Chuckwagon Dinner (departs 5:15) – Castagno Outfitters

·         Adults $38, Children 6 - 12 $33, Children 5 and under (hot dog) $5

·         Covered eating area.  48-hour cancellation required for refund.  Call for reservations

·         Menu:  Steak, BBQ Beans, Baked Potato, Cornbread, Watermelon, and Brownie

·         877.559.3585 

·         Directions:  At Moran Junction, go 3 miles east on 89.  Turn left on Buffalo Valley Rd. 
Drive 6 miles.  Look for Castagno Outfitters' red wagons on the right.

Friday, July 12

7:00am – Camp Time

·         Pictures at Mormon Row

o   Short dirt road, but good enough to take a car on. You always see buffalo here, and in the fall you'll see antelope. At the end of the road where it intersects Antelope Flats Road is the old barn that all the photos are taken of with the Tetons in the background. Another photo op hint, there's several older buildings around that old barn. Step to the back of the old house closest to the road. You'll find an window framed out in old wood. That window has a reflection of the Tetons in it. Take a picture of the old window. The photo will look like you have a framed picture of the Tetons!

9:00 – Depart for Jackson Hole Aerial Tram at Teton Village (web/window tix: 26/32, 18/24, kids both free)

·         Pack a lunch

·         http://www.jacksonhole.com/tramtickets.html

·         9am-6pm

·         [Jackson Hole Mountain Resort free gondola ride to the Deck (restaurant)]

·         Hike around the top of Rendezvous Mountain

12:00 – Visit downtown Jackson

·         Shootout in the town square 6pm

·         Night out for me and Tom?

Saturday, July 13

7:00am – Camp Time

10:00 – Depart camp to return rental car to Hertz

·         Due at noon

5:00 – Arrive at Comfort Inn in Rawlins, WY

·         Stay at hotel, order pizza

o   Dominos:  (307) 328-1400

o   Pizza Hut:  (307) 324-7706

Sunday, July 14

7:00am – Hotel Time

10:00 – Depart for Grand Lake

·         Grocery shop before leaving town

2:00pm – Adams Falls Trail

·         Close to cam

·         Easy, short trail to a waterfall

·         West Portal Road, Grand Lake, CO

3:30 – Arrive at Elk Creek

·         R000002239

·         R16

Monday, July 15

7:00am – Camp Time

8:30 – Depart for RMNP to Fort Collins

·         Kawuneeche Visitor Center

·         Trail Ridge Road

o   Stop at many overlooks and trailheads

o   Alpine Visitor Center

·         Sample Plan:

o   Set off on trail ridge road at 10:30ish. Stopped at the following places:

§  1. Kawuneeche visitor center - info and maps

§  2. Coyote valley trail

§  3. Colorado river trail - took quick walk to the river and back.

§  4. Fairview Curve - photo op

§  5. Lake Irene - Short, easy walk from car. Pretty lake.

§  6. Medicine Bow Curve - photo op

§  7. Alpine visitor center - must stop for great view. Also has a cafe, store and restrooms.

§  8. lava Cliffs - view + photo op

§  9. Tundra communities trail - short walk, interpretative trail. We spotted an elk and a couple of marmots here.

§  10 Rainbow curve, Many Parks Curve - view

§  11. Then we went north to Alluvial Fan and Endovalley. Alluvial Fan is a must do for the waterfall. There is nothing but a picnic area in Endovalley, so we could have very well given it a miss. (can move this to another day since it will be close to our area)

§  We reached Estes Park at 5:30.

2:00pm – Car is available for pickup

·         3702797003

·         1117 E Eisenhower Blvd
Loveland, CO 80537

·         (970) 669-7119

6:30 – Arrive at Jellystone Estes Park

·         5495 US Hwy 36

·         Estes Park, CO 80517

·         1-800-558-2954

Tuesday, July 16

7:00am – Camp Time

12:00pm – Horseshoe Falls

·         Fall River Entrance

·         Alluvial Fan and take the .2 mile walk to Horseshoe Falls

2:00 – Estes Park exploring

·         Estes Park store has trail patches

·         Dinner in Estes Park

·         Stanley Hotel (?)

Wednesday, July 17

7:00am – Camp Time

8:00am – Depart for hiking in RMNP; need to be in parking lot before 9am

·         Pack a lunch

8:45 – Bear Lake Trailhead

·         Bear Lake (.6 mi loop)

·         An excellent interpretive nature trail circles this popular subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road

·         If adventurous can continue to Flat Top Mountain trail (long trail, maybe just go part of the way?)

o   Eat lunch on trail

o   From the trailhead hikers will immediately make a right turn onto the Bear Lake Loop Trail. After a short walk along the eastern shore of Bear Lake you’ll make another right turn onto the trail that leads towards Flattop Mountain. From here the trail passes through a nice aspen grove as it begins ascending the slopes of the Bierstadt Moraine.  Roughly one-half mile from the trailhead you’ll reach the trail that leads to Bierstadt Lake and the Mill Creek Basin. Hikers should take a left at this junction to continue on towards Flattop Mountain.  From here the route begins heading due west. As it climbs higher you’ll have spectacular views of Longs Peak, the Keyboard of the Winds, Pagoda Peak and Chiefs Head Peak, looking towards the south.  At just over one mile from the trailhead hikers will reach the Flattop Mountain Trail junction, which forks off to the left and begins ascending the eastern slopes of the mountain.

10:00 – Glacier Gorge Junction (time without Flat Top excursion)

·         Alberta Falls (.6 mi loop)

·         Glacier Creek thunders down this spectacular waterfall that ranks as one of the park's more popular hiking destinations

12:00pm – Arrive at Cub Lake Trail Head (out of construction zone)

·         Cub Lake (2.3 mi one way)

·         A park favorite, this hike to a mountain pond travels through woods that blaze with color in the fall

4:00 – Stop at Visitor Center to turn in Junior Ranger papers

4:45 – Grocery shop in Estes

5:30 – Return to camp

Thursday, July 18

7:00am – Camp Time

8:00 – Depart for Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

·         The Peak to Peak Highway is a designated Scenic Byway. It begins as CO Highway 7 in Estes Park, passes Lily Mountain and Twin Sisters, then turns south just past Allenspark on CO Highway 72, goes to Nederland where it continues south on CO Highway 119, through Blackhawk, through Clear Creek Canyon and down to I-70

·         About 2 hour drive

10:15 – Arrive at Georgetown Loop Railroad

·         Get there early for seating selection

·         646 Loop Dr.              

Georgetown CO 80444

·         http://georgetownlooprr.com/schedule-fares
1-888-456-6777

·         $25.95 for adults
$18.95 for children* (Children under 3 are complimentary while sitting in an adult's lap)

·         Departs:  10:45, 12:15, 1:45, 3:15

11:30 – Lunch in Georgetown

·         Alpine Restaurant and Bar

·         Trip to Georgetown Valley Candy Company (?)

1:00pm – Depart Georgetown for Phoenix Gold Mine

·         Adults $15.00

·         Children under 12 $5.00

·         Panning Only $8.00

4:00 – Return to Camp

·         Stop at grocery story (?)

Friday, July 19

7:00am – Camp Time

10:00 – Depart for home

·         Return car to Loveland

Saturday, July 20

9:00am – Arrive home