RV Trip | The Grand Canyon

From The Grand Tetons we went down through Salt Lake City {wish we would have went through the Salt Flats -- on the list for next time!} to Las Vegas.  My in laws hadn't been to Las Vegas, so we wanted to let the experience it.  It was a first for our kids as well -- I thought they would like all of the lights but they were not a fan of Vegas.  I will say, do not go to Las Vegas during a pandemic.  It was very different than it normally is -- no shows, many restaurants closed, casinos super empty/closed.  It was almost eerie how quiet it was.  The highlight was staying at the MGM {our kids couldn't believe how bit it was} and swimming in their pool the morning we left.

After Las Vegas, we headed 4 hours East to the Grand Canyon.  Unfortunately the Hoover Dam was closed due to Covid {next time!}  We stayed at the only campground on the Grand Canyon property, Trailer Village RV Park and it's so much better than it sounds.  We had several Elk walking right up to our campground.  It was just magical!  Another trip highlight, for sure!  

People recommended to us to go to the Grand Canyon at sunrise, however that just wasn't a priority to us.  I haven't seen the Grand Canyon at sunrise, so I can't compare, but I will say we went around 10a and it awesome.  Only the South entrance was open, but it wasn't busy/crowded at all.  We really enjoyed our morning here.  

RV Trip | Yellowstone & Grand Tetons

From South Dakota we turned West and headed to Wyoming for days 3-5 of the trip.  We lucked out with a campsite right in Yellowstone.  We stayed at Grant Village campground and had an awesome campsite.  A word of warning, if you're staying with an RV, they don't offer full hookups and all generators must be shut off at 9 or 10p.  It wasn't a huge deal, but a little inconvenience.  That being said, the site was fantastic.  Behind our campsite was steps that led down to Yellowstone Lake which is where we saw a bear cub swimming and also a cow elk feeding.  It was one of my favorite memories of the trip.  We hung out down there until sunset.  Also, camping in Yellowstone National Park is super cheap {~$30 night if I remember right}

This is West Thumb Geyser Basin

Old Faithful Geyser is a must - check the website daily for eruption schedule.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone {I didn't even know that was a thing!} but it's gorgeous!
You can hike down to the bottom too.

The photo above shows the little hiking trail that goes to the bottom.

We didn't get to Firehole Canyon because there wasn't RV parking, but the water there is supposed to be super warm because it's fed by geysers.  You can swim in it, so bring your suit.

No photos, because I forgot my camera in the RV, but Midway Geyser Basin is breathtaking!! Don't skip this if you go!

Not a great photo, but lots of animal sightings everywhere. Adam and my father in law are amazing at animal sightings.  If you have a nice pair of binoculars, make sure to bring them. 

Grand Teton National Park is much smaller in comparison to Yellowstone, but they're connected and close enough you shouldn't skip it.

This is Jackson Lake and it's THE best part of the Tetons in my opinion.  Pack a lunch and walk down.  Parking is close and you can walk over to a little beach for the most gorgeous views!  The water is shallow for a long way, so you can walk pretty far out.  

We drove through Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, but found it underwhelming.