This begins at our host hotel on Bozeman, Montana. We meet our backpacking companions in the morning and after a gear check and brief orientation, we jump into our van and set out for the two-hour drive to magnificent Yellowstone National Park. Once into the park we continue to the Hellroaring Creek Trailhead where our adventure begins in earnest. Descending 600 feet to the Yellowstone River, we breathe in the fresh mountain air as we make our way to tonight’s campsite. Arriving to our home for the night, we enjoy a tasty camp dinner and sounds of the Yellowstone River. Lunch and dinner included.
Backpacking: 6-10 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 750’; Van Transfer: 2 hours

After breakfast we break camp and continue backpacking downriver. Today’s hike leads us along the north bank of the Yellowstone River on a well-maintained trail with a relatively gentle grade meandering up and down. We navigate a few short creek crossings on our way to our next camp, arriving early enough to drop our packs, pitch our tents, and head out on an afternoon exploratory hike of the surrounding wilderness. This section of the Black Canyon generally offers a chance to observe Yellowstone’s abundant wildlife including elk, bison, coyotes, moose, deer and an occasional bear. After dinner this evening, we slip into our cozy tents and fall asleep to the relaxing sounds of the nearby riversong. All meals included.

Backpacking: 5-7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 600’

After a hearty breakfast, we start out for our next campsite, providing us with the opportunity to really soak up the solitude of the Yellowstone backcountry. We explore our surroundings heading upstream on our way back toward Knowles Falls for a final glimpse before continuing towards our camp for the evening. Fantastic views of the Yellowstone River – the longest undammed river in the Lower 48 – greet us as we immerse ourselves in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Our guides are standing by to answer any questions that come to mind about the national park and its fascinating natural history. Tonight, we relish one final evening in the wilderness with our backpacking companions under the vast Rocky Mountain sky. All meals included.

Hiking: 1-6 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 850’.

Backpacking along Blacktail Deer Creek and savor final views of the Yellowstone landscape.
We pack up our camp this morning and set out on our upstream hike along Blacktail Deer Creek, en route to our ending trailhead. The trail ascends sharply, before leveling off in a beautiful valley of huge meadows and isolated stands of trees. Now out of the canyon, our views open up and more of Yellowstone’s high country landscapes materialize before our eyes. Finally, back at the trailhead, our van awaits to transport us back to Bozeman. We will stop for a guide prepared lunch in Mammoth Hot Springs before arriving back to our Bozeman host hotel between approximately 3-4pm. Breakfast and lunch included.
Backpacking: 2-7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 350’; Van transfer: 2 hours.