Hiking and Backpacking in 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.

Itinerary

Day 1: Yellowstone National Park

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.

Day 2: Yellowstone National Park

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.

Day 3: Yellowstone National Park

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.

Day 4: Yellowstone National Park

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.

Departure Dates