An efficient itinerary using Salt Lake City as a gateway (one of the cheapest airport to fly to), though a longer drive for our guide Alex.
We did hiking - up the glacier lake overlook and canyon vista, down the river bank; swimming - against river chill while soaking in hot spring. Some of us had a crash course of very first camping experience, trying to fit in a sleeping bag. Lunch on the go with hearty tasty dinner cooked every day. Starry night, surrounded by invisible (occasional audible) wildlife buddies, we savored wine, tea, played game by the camp fire. Breakfast is important for most and there were variety of options for us to choose. Though we were rushing every morning to eat, I wish we could get up earlier to see at least one sunrise.
Alex, the most knowledgeable tour guide I've met, introduced us on wide-ranging topics, from geology, forestry, wildlife, to history, all while driving and without referring to a hard copy. There were facts and figures published to educate, also anecdotes and speculations to entertain (or scare some fainthearted).
I only wish longer time spent in Yellowstone. If Grand Canyon is a Yang to top all the national parks, Yellowstone is a Yin with billowing steam exuding everywhere in sight, provoke all imaginations wild and eerie.