barney25

We would like to take our grownup married kids (4 total with spouses) and our grandchildren (5 of them ranging from 7-11) to Yellowstone, including South Dakota, during August We would like to do ranger talks and hikes, white water rafting on the Snake, visit The Tetons, Cody and the Black Hills.8-10 days starting in S. Dakota and ending in Jackson.
We looked at Tauck and other tours, as well as renting a large van or house trailer.
Does anyone out there have any suggestions on tours they have been on that would satisfy all ages? The ones above did not. We are in our sixties in good health but need air conditioning.

gail

Even renting a large van would not do it - you have 15 passengers and while there are vehicles called 16-passenger vans they are difficult to drive and really mean 16 sardines without luggage. An RV would not even be large enough to hold 15 people - and no matter how close and loving your family is, that is way too close for almost anyone.

I do not have info on tours - and have my doubts if there exists one to meet your needs. Would you be willing to rent 2 12-passenger vans (you need bigger than a mini-van, even if it says it seats 8, since you would be back to the sardines without luggage experience)?

If you decide to drive yourself, then return here and get lots of info on planning stops, lodging, activities.

emalloy

I agree with Gail. Renting two or even three vehicles would provide for much more flexibility and room for your family.

If you do decide to try for a group tour, check with some of the providers and see if they can set you up with a driver and a 15 passenger van for your family on a more personalized tour for just your group. Some of the sites do offer that option, but I'm not sure what the cost would be. You probably should try to talk to a human at some of the tour companies that go to the area. I know there was a poster here who used America West and was pleased with the tour.

Gretchen

I also recommend that with children that age you might google for dinosaur sites in Wyoming, since you will be crossing that state. It can REALLY be fun and fascinating, and they are just the right age. And parents will be wowed also.
By the way, I get 11 going, not 15--6 adults and 5 children.
It might be possible to rent a 15 passenger van and put luggage on the roof rack. But having two vehicles could be more convenient in case of needing to shop while others are somewhere.

spirobulldog

I'm coming up with 11 people also. I think it could be done fairly easily in a 15 passenger van. You could tow a small uhaul enclosed trailor if luggage space was a problem. Maybe consider renting 2 or 3 vehiles and then a tow uhaul too. You might be ok with a mini van and a truck. Some places rent trucks. You could put your luggage in the back of the truck. I wouldn't leave luggage in the back while parked with wildlife everywhere.

In no way would I do a tour with this much age range. I just don't like them. It might be ok for older retired people, but I think the parents and kids wouldn't like it.

What I see as the big problem here is lodging. You have really waited to late, so get on it ASAP. Custer State Park in the black hills has a few huge cabins that could fit everyone. Colter Village in the Tetons has some larger cabins(or at least some with multiple beds). I don't know if the other lodging options in the Tetons have larger units or not. I would probably stay at a couple of different spots in Yellowstone. Maybe 2 nights at Old Faithful Inn and then 2 nights at Roosevelt Lodge or one of the Canyon area lodging options.

If you went with an RV you would need 2 of them and I just don't think that is a good option at all.

spirobulldog

And the drop fees on your car rental might be expensive.
I think you might be better off just going to one area and not trying to tackle both. You could easily spend 8 days in Yellowstone and the Tetons. This way you could add in a few extra sights too. Maybe The Beartooth Hwy. Maybe let the kids do the Alpine Slide in Jackson. Maybe Cody or one of the other towns in the area that many people include on a Yellowstone trip.

The same could be said for The Black Hills. There is a lot to do there. Jewel Cave, Wind Cave, THe badlands, Crazy Horse, etc. I am pretty sure that they have alpine slide there too. Plus, if you stayed at Custer, there is plenty to do there for 2 or 3 days. Fishing, boating, hiking, etc.

Gretchen

The Badlands are really SO interesting.

gail

Re-reading post - don't know if they OP means 4 kids plus spouses (8) plus OP and spouse (2) plus kids (5) - and that is 15. Or 2 kids plus spouses (4) plus (2) plus (5) - and that is 11.

If the latter, a 16 passenger van would work - but they are uncomfortable and statistics show tip easily in some kinds of highway maneuvers.

Amy

Check out Travel Dream West (www.traveldreamwest.com) They do custom tours and I was very pleased with them on my Yellowstone/Mt. Rushmore (etc.) tour.