One thing many first-time Yellowstone and Grand Teton visitors fail to grasp is how vast the region is, and how much there is to do here in the summer.

So if you’re not the winter sports type and you find yourself stuck inside during the long, cold days of the winter weeks ahead, why not take a few minutes to start planning your summer trip to Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding area?

It’s never too soon to start making reservations. To get you in the mood, take a look at the 2012 Fourth of July parade in Cody, Wyo.

2012 Fourth of July Parade in Cody, Wyo.

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