Need shoe help from my northern mama friends

[WendyC]

We are taking the kids and going to Yellowstone this summer! I am over the moon about our adventure - but I have a little fashionista who isn't interested in wearing sensible shoes.

Now, bear with me - laugh at me if you must... but as a Texan down here in the burning sweltering heat I don't have a clue as to what would be appropriate footwear for her. I will gladly strap on my old dusty hiking boots (its too hot for those here - I usually just hike in my keens) She will only wear something if its pink and adored to her liking with butterflies, sparkles or whatnot. We are going June 10 - 16, and when I look at the normal high/lows I am scratching my head... really? Those are the highs and lows for us in the depths of winter down here in Austin. So I don't know what I should get for her. I'm stumped.

I was looking at these:

http://www.rei.com/product/700618

She said she might wear them -

We aren't going to do anything too strenuous or backcountry, but we will be out and around on the trails and boardwalks. I do want her to have good shoes for trip.

Any suggestions? REI merchandise is good since I just got my dividend, but they don't have much in her size (8T). What do your kids wear in June?

[notjustmamie]

Those are cute shoes!

Here is a link to the Weather Channel's average temperatures at Yellowstone. It looks like the average high for June is only 61° with a low of 33°. You need to keep in mind that you're not just dealing with the latitude, but also the altitude.

I've not been to Yellowstone myself, but DH and I went to Glacier (which is maybe 300 miles north) for our honeymoon in mid-May. In the valley where we were staying it snowed twice the week we were there. Up on the mountain, the main road through the park was closed under 20 feet of snow.

You'll definitely want to dress warmly. As I'm sure any good outdoorsy magazine would tell you, layers will keep you warmer and are more practical because you can add and remove as you warm up from hiking or cool down during a rest.

I hope you have a wonderful vacation!

[elanorh]

If she needs sandal types, I'd recommend Chacos. They have a nice sturdy sole and are good for walking.

However I think the Merrells may be best. With all the Hot Pots at Yellowstone, you should wear shoes that keep your feet covered - I know the trails are supposed to be far enough back not to worry, but just to be safe!

Make sure you are clear with the kids and watch them closely, about leaving the trails (as in, DON'T). The hot spots can be high enough temperature to give severe burns, and the ground can appear solid in some places. It's really important to follow park rules about that sort of thing.

[Insert obligatory "don't pet the wild animals either" warning ]

Have a great time! Yellowstone is beautiful, and you're going early enough in the season that it shouldn't be too crowded.

I agree, bring jackets for the evening and warm clothing in case it's cold/rainy. You may need them all day .... shorts and t-shirts, too, because it can be warm in June, but definitely pack for what you'd consider winter/spring weather as well. It's something we locals know (to always have a warm coat for the evening, even in summer) but it's not so common elsewhere in the country. I guess it's the altitude and lack of humidity?

Are you driving or flying? If driving, I can recommend a few pit stops once you get to the CO/WY part of the trip. Thermopolis has a fun dinosaur museum, for instance .... Cody has rodeos all summer long in the evenings .... etc.