Trip planning input / help request

IMO - This is too much for one trip. The drive alone will take much longer than you realize. Are you familiar and comfortable driving in the mountains? Mountains out West are more significant than the East. They will slow you down. Must factor in the weather too. Earlier this year we had significant rain across the entire country. What impact will El Nino have next Spring/Summer? Just some things to consider.

Also -- re: driving thru SD, MT and Wyoming (via interstate) while less traffic there is wind and still some grades. When we got to Yellowstone earlier this year my husband was very tired from the long drive to get there and then the very long drives touring the park. Several days in a row of 2-3 hrs. It's a massive park. They say get there before the middle of July to avoid the peak tourist season. The more people, the longer it will take you to get to each place.

Please keep your kids in your sights - follow the rules about staying on the boardwalk in the hot springs areas. And keep them close on some of those lookouts. Google Yellowstone accidents. There are some really crazy people who get seriously hurt by not following the rules. I read some other replies - about hiking. You have some young children. Perhaps you are avid hikers, but either way be aware this place can be dangerous. This happened in 2014.

Hiking death.

Some of these sightseeing stops require extra care and attention for the little ones. During our trip we saw a little boy running up and down the boardwalk @ Mammoth Springs. He was about 5. His Dad was around, but not paying any attention to him. There are signs everywhere to remind people to stay on the boardwalk.

Another stop we pulled into a parking space near a restroom and their was a Bison right there. Way too close. But you'll read all kinds of visitors who would see this as a great "Selfie opportunity". So keep an eye on your kids at all times.

I'd recommend Grizzly CG in West Yellowstone over Fishing bridge. Really nice place. Nice town to get essentials.

Anyway - I'd do these trips in in 2 years.

Trip 1 - Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Badlands (if interested), Devils Head, Wall Drug; Battle of Little Bighorn, Yellowstone. Some down time to let mom and dad relax and the kids swim.

Perhaps take a different way home to add interest. eg. Have you been to FIeld of Dreams? Or Amana Colonies?

This is a really nice CG in Amana. Not a lot for kids to do, BUT if you happen to camp here over the 4th of July your kids will love it. They had spectacular fireworks that you can see from your campsite. It was really something. We stopped here unexpectedly largely because we were on our way to IL and decided to take an extra day to get there and could not find anything else on the 4th of July since we had not planned it. The main town is very quaint and a lovely day to walk around and have a bite to eat. So a suggestion for you to consider someday on this trip or another. Especially over the 4th.

http://www.amanarvpark.com/amenities.html

Trip 2 - Grand Canyon. Perhaps take a Southern route out -coming up thru Tuscon and take in Old Tuscon and see a gunfight. Then drive up to the Canyon via Sedona. You can't miss Sedona while in AZ. It's really something to see. You'll think you've seen it all but then you'll see the Grand Canyon.

Enjoy!

PS - Consider buying this... It will give you tips about the different routes off the interstate. Might come in handy as you plan your driving routes. Mountain Directory Book (West)

There is an East version too.