Map of Hiking and Backpacking in Yellowstone   including United States Of America

Avoid the crowds and spot more wildlife at Yellowstone

See the best of Yellowstone during spring and fall when there are less tourists and local wildlife is more active. Hike to the junction of Hellroaring Creek and the Yellowstone River, traverse the Black Canyon, which runs along the drier and warmer northern boundary of the park, and admire cascading waterfalls. World-class trout waters, great hiking, and abundant wildlife are just some of the hallmarks of this tour which includes camping with views of the Yellowstone River. If you’re interested in early season Yellowstone hiking and camping adventure, this tour is for you.


Start
Jackson, United States
Finish
Jackson, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Basix
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
SKXW
Physical rating
Ages
Min 12
Group size
Min 1, Max 8

Why you'll love this trip

  • During spring and fall at Yellowstone, there are less tourists and local wildlife is more active, making this the perfect holiday for nature lovers.

  • Enjoy a free day to discover Yellowstone your way. Your expert leader is on hand to guide you though nearby trails suitable to group fitness level and interests.

  • Keep your eyes open along the trail for the chance to spot bison, elk, deer, wolves, coyotes, black bears, grizzly bears, and more.

  • Fall asleep listening to sound of tumbling waters and soak up the pristine natural surroundings as you spend the night at comfortable camps along the banks of the Yellowstone River.

  • Enjoy freshly prepared, delicious backcountry dinners prepared by your leader and admire sparkling stars overhead if the weather is clear.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a walking trip; a good fitness level will help you enjoying all included walks and activities.

  • On this tour you will be required to carry a backpack weighting approximately 35-45 lb (15-20).

  • Yellowstone can get cold at this time of year and snow is not uncommon so be prepared for changeable weather and possibly rainy days. Suitable clothing and appropriate footwear are a must.

  • On our final day there is no accommodation included so please plan your departure accordingly, or pre-book a post-tour night.

Itinerary

After an early morning pick up at Jackson Hole, your trip begins with a downhill hike to a suspension bridge across the Yellowstone River. From here, follow a three mile trail up the scenic Hellroaring Creek Valley, listening to the roar of the water as you go, and access a bridge that will take you to your camp on the banks of the Yellowstone River and the mouth of the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone. Tonight, enjoy a freshly prepared, delicious backcountry dinner prepared by your leader and enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by nature as you get to know your group.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Shuttle from Jackson Hole
  • Yellowstone River Suspension Bridge Visit
  • Hellroaring Creek Valley hike
  • Guided Backpacking experience - Yellowstone National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 4 hours. Today’s walking distance is approximately 10kms (6 miles) with a 180m (600 feet) elevation loss.
After breakfast, your hiking trip proceeds downstream over a beautiful knoll above the Yellowstone River where we will enjoy spectacular views. From here, hike on to Crevice Lake and make camp near the lake on the shores of the Yellowstone River. Today’s hike offers fantastic opportunities to see bison, elk, deer, wolves, coyotes, black bears, and grizzly bears. If the live animals elude you, the evidence of their ancestors won’t as this area is a prime wintering ground for Yellowstone’s wildlife with animal bones strewn dramatically across the landscape.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Crevice Lake hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is approximately 14kms (9 miles) with a 100m (350 feet) elevation gain and a 180m (600 feet) elevation loss.
This is a layover day to enjoy our spectacular surroundings with a choice of relaxing in camp, fishing, or hiking and exploring downstream to Knowles Falls (a broad waterfall on the Yellowstone River) and steeper parts of the Black Canyon. At this time of year there are tremendous views of the Yellowstone River as it thunders downstream, full of spring runoff.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Knowles Falls hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is up to you. If you would like to go for a hike, ask your expert leader for trail suggestions to suit your fitness level and interests.
After breakfast, walk upstream along Blacktail Deer Creek to the trailhead and begin your final hike of the trip. The creek ascends sharply here, passing a picturesque set of cascades, before leveling off in a beautiful valley filled with huge meadows and isolated stands of trees. The spectacular views of the surrounding countryside provide the perfect grand finale for your hiking adventure.
Included Activities
  • Blacktail Deer Creek hike
  • Shuttle to Jackson Hole
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 4 hours. Today’s walking distance is approximately 8kms (5 miles) with a 300m (1000 feet) elevation gain.

Meals

4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Backcountry camping (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Shuttle from Jackson Hole
  • Yellowstone River Suspension Bridge Visit
  • Hellroaring Creek Valley hike
  • Guided Backpacking experience - Yellowstone National Park
  • Crevice Lake hike
  • Knowles Falls hike
  • Blacktail Deer Creek hike
  • Shuttle to Jackson Hole

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Hiking and Backpacking in Yellowstone trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A completed registration form is required to join these trips. You will not be confirmed for the trip until your form has been received and reviewed. We may ask for a medical release signed by your physician for medical conditions or circumstances which could possibly compromise your safety or the safety of others on this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
2. Travellers on this particular trip are not required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
3. A signed disclaimer (Acknowledgement of Risks Form) is required at the time of booking for this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
4. To help ensure this trip is right for you, this trip is subject to additional ‘Essential Eligibility Requirements’ – see the ‘Itinerary Disclaimer’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.
5.This trip is operated and run by Wildland Trekking, an Intrepid company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Wildland Trekking customers and Intrepid customers.
6. Please note, pre-trip orientation meeting will take place at 5:00 PM day before trip starts via conference call. Early on the morning of day 1, you will be picked up from Mountain Modern Inn, in Jackson. We recommend you book a pre tour night in that hotel.
7. A single supplement is available. The single supplement applies to all nights of the trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
8. A single tent is provided to all solo travellers at no extra cost.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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