Forgot Colorado on that list . . . is there anywhere you haven't been, Starrsville?! ;-)

This was one of the highlights of our trips. The kids like the horseback riding so much we did a second trip out of Canyon (w/o a cookout!). We did the 1 hour ride (1/2 in and 1/2 hour out) In addition to the steak and beans, I remember the very tasty huckleberry cobbler. And the coffee!

Hit post too soon! I wanted to add that we combined the cookout with our day at the Boiling Pot in Mammouth. It was a great way to spend a day!

I will first say I haven't done it but I think it would be a lot of fun for the family you are describing. One reason we didn't do it was that we were staying at a dude ranch and had a campfire every night with a real live cowboy--which is pretty far from what Hollywood portrays.

Just wanted to add something...we went a few years back and rode the horses. We were told that we couldn't bring cameras because they didn't want us taking pictures while on the horse. (safety issue). The people in the wagons were allowed to have cameras. I wish that I would have asked if we could take them just for the cookout area. Once we got there, many people had cameras and were using them. Something to think about. Enjoy!

Thanks for all the feedback. It sounds unanimous that it's a great experience. My 17 year old, however, did do the eyeroll when I mentioned it. According to the website, they serve steak, potato salad, cole slaw, beans, and apple crisp. I haven't ridden horseback in so many years, and that really appeals to me!

DigbyDog, please post a trip report when you get back. I'd especially love to hear how the kids' views change once you are there. Thanks!

Speedbuggy--I'll be sure to let everyone know how it went when we return!

Digby, I did the eyeroll myself when my wife suggested it to me. I was proven totally wrong. If nothing else, your 17 year old will marvel at the scenery. Overall, the whole experience is not as hokey as it sounds, believe me, and the food is the best I ate in the park.

John, I am going to make my son read your post. Thank you!!

Let us know if you convince your teenager.

Oh, and just so you know, I was speaking of the horseback ride, not the wagon ride, which may or may not be corny.

digbydog - what website did you find it at. I am guessing there a few rides in the park. I will be there in December and would like to go. I need to call tho as one of us is a vegetarian!

John--I told my son you had had the same reaction but really enjoyed it, and he has agreed to go. I am betting he wil love it so thank you!

bgsnmky-- the website is http://www.travelyellowstone.com/Old...kout-1127.html or you can call Xanterra at 307-344-7311.

I made our reservations today. After all the great reviews, I am really excited!

I'm refreshing this thread for anyone visiting Yellowstone in the Summer of 2008.

Does anyone know if reservations are in advance or do you just show up at the time they tell you and sign up?

Thanks

We made reservations at our hotel the first day we arrived for the day we wanted.

I was told that it is best to make reservations in advance, as it frequently sells out. Xanterra is taking reservations now.

Thanks for the replys. I spoke to Xanterra and they are accepting reservations for the cookout now.

My only problem is I am booked at Old Faithful and the cookout ends at 8:30pm which would mean a 2 1/2 hour drive back. I'm going to keep checking to see if anything opens up in Mammoth though and try to do a few nights up there...

TS

I don't think it's a 2 1/2 hour drive to Old Faithful -- is it?

That is what the reservationist told me it would take...maybe because it would be in the dark driving slower?

We made reservations months ahead of time.

We were staying at Canyon or OF (can't recall which) the night we did the cookout and took a bus up to that part of the park. The driver was a geophysics graduate student and provided fantastic commentary during our trip. He was also great at spotting wildlife which was everywhere at dusk/early dark on the trip back.