Absolute best book?

I%26#39;ve got my main schedule set but am having trouble planning the days. We%26#39;ll have 3.5 days in Yellowstone %26amp; I have young kids %26amp; my father who is not in great shape. I%26#39;m looking for a book or two that has detailed walking plans %26amp; itineraries. Anyone have a good recommendation?

Absolute best book?

Yellowstone Treasures by Janet Chapple!

Absolute best book?

I agree- just finished reading it. Will be coming to YNP for the second year in a row in early June.

If you plan to do any walking or gentle hiking,I would strongly recommend the book ';A Ranger%26#39;s Guide to Yellowstone Day Hikes'; by Roger %26amp; Carol Anderson (available from Amazon).We used this book extensively when we were in Yellowstone and found the information to be accurate %26amp; helpful.The book includes some short,easy hikes that might be just right for your family.It costs about $12.

Specifically: Yellowstone Treasures: The Traveler%26#39;s Companion to the National Park (Paperback) Amazon has it at various, but quite good, prices.

I%26#39;d say that most of the boardwalks are fairly level in the major geyser areas and at Old Faithful. Also, you will have many opportunities to just park at viewing areas and observe the wildlife. Bring binoculars, really worthwhile, and ask what people are seeing through their scopes; they%26#39;ll typically be fine to share with you. A cooler for beverages and snacks is a good idea. While bison might walk along the roadways, typically they simply cross the roads - but it would take a few minutes. Just turn off the engine and enjoy the sight. Keep the kids, and adults, away from the wildlife.

Thanks guys! I went ahead %26amp; bought a copy %26amp; will now be anxiously awaiting the mailman.

I know a lot of Yellowstone can be seen from the car, I just hate to do it that way. I want to make my kids happy %26amp; my dad happy, but I also want to be happy. My mom, dh, and I are all hikers %26amp; walkers %26amp; runners so we are going to want to go, go, go %26amp; I just want enough info that I can make a plan in the middle.

I%26#39;ll definately ask people about the scopes too. I%26#39;m pretty extroverted so that shouldn%26#39;t be an issue.

And my dad is a vegetarian so we are used to eating picnics as most places have veggie entrees but nothing all that delicious. That is another reason I%26#39;d kind of like a definate plan is I%26#39;d like to plan out our picnic areas as we%26#39;ll probably picnic both lunch %26amp; dinner and I%26#39;d like one of them to have a fire pit available.

Sounds like you might have to split up your group, LOL. The boardwalks/viewing trails are extensive, good for longer walks if one chooses, but definitely not for running; too many people, too dangerous.

This might help. It%26#39;s a list and map of picnic areas in the park. Only thing is, it%26#39;s been a while since it was updated. But will give you some idea of what you%26#39;ll find.

www.yellowstone-natl-park.com/picnic.htm

You%26#39;ve had a lot of good advice. Here is a little more if you don%26#39;t mind it-

There are some ranger talks %26amp; walks specifically for kids (parents have to come too!). Last year, there was one everyday at Old Faithful around 1:15 pm. There are others at other times and places. Nice thing is that these walks are all geared for kids which will make it easier on your father too.

I am a huge fan of the Junior Ranger program. Here is a web link to it. You would want to sign up for it right away when you get to Yellowstone, but it gives you and your kids a chance to plan your days. There are several pages your child can pick that involve a ';short walk near a geyser.';

nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/juniorranger.htm

Don%26#39;t miss the nightly presentations in the amphitheaters at campgrounds given by the rangers. Usually a short walk there and fun and interesting.

The Canyon Visitor%26#39;s Center has a new display on supervolcano and lots of interactive exhibits for kids, plus an elevator for your father, and there is a short movie which gives everyone a break.

One our of favorite picnic areas is Nez Perce. If you go to the picnic tables at the back (easy walk), there is a place where your kids can go wading in the Yellowstone River (side pools) out of the current, but still fun for them. Here is a link to page with more information about specific picnic areas with map (and grates).

www.yellowstone-natl-park.com/picnic.htm