We Took Three Grandparents and Babies and a 12 Seat Van Through 5 US National Parks It Was the Best Trip of Our Lives

Photos: GoldieCircle Team Member. A multigenerational family at Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton, Zion National Park, Mount Rushmore, Bryce Canyon, and Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring.

• Rent a 12-Seat Van — A large passenger van from the Denver airport (DEN) fits the whole family — grandparents, parents, kids, car seats, luggage, coolers, and strollers — in one vehicle. No caravan of rental cars. Everyone rides together, talks together, and bonds together.
• Fly Into Denver, Fly Out of Las Vegas — This one-way route avoids backtracking. Rent the van at DEN, drop it off at LAS. Both airports have major airline service with frequent flights. One-way rental drop-off fees may apply — check when booking.
• 5 National Parks + Mount Rushmore — The route covers some of America’s most iconic landmarks: Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone (Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring), Grand Teton (Moulton Barn, mountain views), Bryce Canyon (hoodoos), Zion (canyon overlooks), and the Grand Canyon. Salt Lake City is a natural rest stop between parks. The last stop is Las Vegas to enjoy entertainment such as Magic Shows.
• Perfect for Seniors — Most national park highlights are accessible from paved overlooks and viewpoints. Grandparents don’t need to hike miles — they can see the Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, Mount Rushmore, and the Grand Canyon South Rim from short, flat walkways. The big van means comfortable seating and easy entry for elderly passengers.

The Route: Denver to Las Vegas

Route map: Denver (Start) → Mount Rushmore, South Dakota → Yellowstone National Park → Grand Teton National Park → Salt Lake City → Bryce Canyon National Park → Zion National Park → Grand Canyon National Park → Las Vegas, Nevada (End).

Suggested Itinerary (14 Days)

This itinerary is flexible — adjust based on your family’s pace, your grandparents’ energy levels, and the ages of your children. The key is not to rush. With seniors and babies, shorter driving days and longer rest stops make the trip enjoyable for everyone.

Day 1–2: Denver, CO → Mount Rushmore, SD (~6 hrs)

• Pick up 12-seat passenger van at Denver International Airport (DEN).
• Drive to Rapid City, South Dakota (approximately 6 hours). Break the drive with a lunch stop.
• Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The main viewing terrace is paved and wheelchair-accessible. Great for seniors — short walk from the parking garage to the Grand View Terrace.
• Caregiver Tip: Arrive in the late afternoon or evening for softer light and smaller crowds. The memorial is dramatically lit at night during the summer season.

Day 3–4: Mount Rushmore → Yellowstone NP (~6.5 hrs)

• Drive west through Wyoming to Yellowstone’s East or Northeast Entrance.
• Must-see stops: Old Faithful Geyser (paved boardwalk, benches for seniors), Grand Prismatic Spring (overlook trail), Mammoth Hot Springs (accessible boardwalks), and wildlife viewing along Lamar Valley.
• Spend at least 2 days inside Yellowstone — there is too much to see in one day.
• Senior Accessibility: Old Faithful has paved paths, benches, and a nearby visitor center with restrooms and food. The Grand Prismatic Spring overlook involves a short uphill walk — assess based on your parent’s mobility. Many Yellowstone pullover viewpoints are right off the road.

Day 5–6: Yellowstone → Grand Teton NP (~1 hr south)

• Grand Teton National Park is directly south of Yellowstone — about 1 hour drive.
• Must-see: Moulton Barn on Mormon Row (iconic barn with Teton mountain backdrop — flat, easy walk), Jenny Lake, and Snake River Overlook.
• The Teton mountain views are visible from the road and pullover areas — no hiking required for the most stunning scenery.
• Caregiver Tip: Grandparents can enjoy Teton views from the van or from paved pullover areas. The Moulton Barn is a must-do family photo spot — flat ground, short walk from parking.

Day 7: Grand Teton → Salt Lake City, UT (~5 hrs)

• Drive south through Idaho and into Utah.
• Salt Lake City is a natural rest day. Explore Temple Square (flat, paved), the Great Salt Lake, or simply rest at the hotel before the Utah parks.
• Senior Tip: After several days of park activities, a rest day in a city with good restaurants and comfortable hotels helps grandparents recharge.

Day 8–9: Salt Lake City → Bryce Canyon NP (~4 hrs)

• Drive south to Bryce Canyon National Park.
• The famous hoodoo formations are visible from the Rim Trail — a paved, flat path along the canyon edge. Seniors can see the entire amphitheater from Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point without descending into the canyon.
• Sunrise and sunset at Bryce Canyon are extraordinary — bring a jacket, as temperatures drop quickly at 8,000 ft elevation.

Day 9–10: Bryce Canyon → Zion NP (~1.5 hrs)

• Zion National Park is about 1.5 hours from Bryce Canyon.
• The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (accessed by shuttle bus during peak season) offers dramatic canyon views from the road. The Pa’rus Trail is a flat, paved, wheelchair-accessible path along the Virgin River — ideal for seniors and strollers.
• Senior Accessibility: The shuttle buses are wheelchair-accessible. Many viewpoints are visible from the shuttle stops. Angels Landing and The Narrows are not suitable for elderly travelers, but the canyon floor trails are beautiful and accessible.

Day 11–12: Zion → Grand Canyon NP (~4.5 hrs)

• Drive south to the Grand Canyon South Rim.
• The South Rim Greenway Trail is a paved, flat path along the canyon rim with stunning views every few steps. Mather Point is the most accessible viewpoint — short walk from the visitor center parking lot.
• The free shuttle bus runs along the rim and is wheelchair-accessible.
• Caregiver Tip: Stay at least one night inside the park (Yavapai Lodge or El Tovar) so your family can see both sunrise and sunset over the canyon. These are once-in-a-lifetime moments for grandparents.

Day 13–14: Grand Canyon → Las Vegas, NV (~4.5 hrs)

• Drive west to Las Vegas. Drop off the rental van at McCarran/Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
• Optional: Spend a night in Las Vegas before flying home. The Magic Show or Bellagio fountain show and a nice dinner are a fun way to cap the trip.
• Fly home from LAS.

Packing and Planning Tips for a Multigenerational Road Trip (Read our comprehensive packing list in other Article too!)

The Van

• Rent a 12- or 15-passenger van: Book early — large passenger vans sell out fast during summer. Enterprise, National, and Budget rent 12- and 15-passenger vans at major airports. Confirm one-way drop-off from Denver to Las Vegas is available and check the drop-off fee.
• Car seat: Bring your own car seat (airlines gate-check them for free). Strap it into the van’s middle rows so the baby is near the parents.
• Cooler and snacks: A large cooler with water, fruit, sandwiches, and baby food saves money and time — food near national parks can be limited and expensive.

For Seniors

• Walking cane or trekking poles: Many overlook trails have uneven surfaces. A folding cane or trekking pole provides stability.
• Sun protection: Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential at high elevation. Bryce Canyon is at 8,000 ft — the sun is intense.
• Layers: Temperatures swing dramatically. Yellowstone mornings can be 40°F even in summer. Bring jackets and warm layers for everyone.
• Medications: Carry all prescriptions in original bottles. Pack extra days’ worth in case of delays. Keep medications in the van (not checked luggage) during flights.
• Frequent rest stops: Plan a stop every 1.5–2 hours for stretching, restrooms, and hydration. Long drives without breaks are hard on elderly passengers.

For Babies and Toddlers

• Extra diapers, wipes, and formula/snacks — stores near national parks may have limited supplies.
• Download movies and shows to a tablet before departure.
• Baby carrier for park viewpoints where strollers are impractical.
• Portable shade tent or umbrella for hot days.

National Park Pass

• America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80): Covers entrance fees for all 7 parks. One pass covers the entire vehicle. Without it, you would pay $35 per park ($245+ total). Buy online at nps.gov or at the first park entrance (source: nps.gov).
• Senior Lifetime Pass ($80): U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older can purchase a lifetime pass for $80 (or $20/year annual version). Covers the passholder plus all passengers in a single private vehicle (source: nps.gov).

Goldie’s Table: National Parks Road Trip Essentials

Alt text: “A table listing recommended products and services for a multigenerational national parks road trip with seniors and young children.”

Photos and route map adopted from GoldieCircle Team Member and Google Gemini.

Disclaimer: GoldieCircle may recommend third-party products and services based on internal evaluation. Such recommendations do not constitute a warranty or guarantee of performance, suitability, or lifespan. All products are subject to their respective manufacturers’ terms and conditions. GoldieCircle assumes no liability for any claims or damages arising from the use of any recommended product or service.

Travel Disclaimer: National park conditions, fees, shuttle schedules, and accessibility features may change. Always verify current information at nps.gov before your trip. Consult your physician before planning extended road trips with elderly family members, especially at high elevations. GoldieCircle is not affiliated with the National Park Service, any airline, or any car rental company.