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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My husband wants to visit a NP or two out west with our kids - and I’m interested but absolutely terrified of some of the wildlife out there.

#1 by far - rattlesnakes

Followed by bears and mountain lions.

If we stick to high traffic, easy trails, how safe is it? I don’t want to do anything remotely risky. Yes I have anxiety. I also have two teens.

Looking at GCNP (and Sedona) first. DH and I went 25 years ago with no issues, but I was unaware of the dangers then (and didn’t have anxiety yet.) I’m aware that statistically the bigger risk is falling, but feel like I have more control over that and staying out of dangerous spots.

Thanks in advance for any advice or reassurance.[/quote]

I hiked the Grand Canyon from the rim to the rapids, hiked in the canyon for several days and then hiked out from the rapids to the rim.  We didn't see much wildlife, except for some crows that stole our trail mix.  There are rattlesnakes in Arizona at the Grand Canyon and in Sedona, but you aren't likely to see them if you stick to the populated trails. They don't like people. You are unlikely to see any big animals there. 
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Even during crowded summer times, I've seen lots of very large wildlife at Yellowstone and Grand Teton.  They are used to people and don't care if there are crowds. If you don't get too close to them, you'll be fine. I've seen grizzlies, bison, elk and moose there. By far, the moose was the most dangerous because people got too close to it and she got mad about it. She chased a tourist, who dropped her phone. The moose then stomped the phone into the ground. Bison kill several people every year because they get too close. If you keep a respectful distance, you'll be fine. You're not likely to see a mountain lion in Yellowstone/Grand Teton because they are shy.  If you are freaked out, stay in Jackson Hole or Cody.  You can hang out in town, while your husband and the teenagers do stuff in the parks.

The Utah parks might be more adventure than you want.

The Smokies NP is beautiful, but there are a lot of black bears there.  They are big idiots who will wander into a populated area because they are curious. Again, you'd be fine in town, but you might be kind of freaked out in the park. You might want to hang out in town while your husband does stuff in the parks.

Big Bend and the the Utah parks are wilder and more unpredictable. [/quote]

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