Yellowstone Beginner Backpacking Tour

Yellowstone Beginner Backpacking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Settle into Canyon Village

Your journey begins today! You’ll meet your group and expert backpacking guides in Bozeman and get to know each other over lunch at a local brewery. Then, you’ll head down to the world’s first national park! You’ll enjoy some sightseeing and short hikes before arriving to your camp in Canyon Village.
Overnight Location: Camping in Yellowstone
Distance: ~5 miles, 500 feet
Meals: Lunch, dinner

Day 2 Hike to Shoshone Lake

Early this morning, you’ll visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for stunning views, then head into the Hayden Valley for some wildlife spotting, with a stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin, situated along the enormous Lake Yellowstone! Eventually, you’ll find yourselves at the Lone Star Geyser trailhead, where your adventure into Yellowstone’s backcountry will begin!

You’ll hike 9 miles, along backcountry thermal features that may erupt as you pass, giving you a private show! You’ll arrive to your campsite along Shoshone Lake, where you’ll set up tents and enjoy a delicious camp dinner.
Overnight Location: Camping in Yellowstone
Distance: ~9 miles, 1000 feet
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Shoshone Geyser Basin

After a healthy, filling camp breakfast, you’ll explore the astonishing Shoshone Geyser Basin – which alone has more geysers than Iceland! Then, you’ll hit the trails towards your final campsite, also along Shoshone Lake. You’ll keep your eyes out for elk and other wildlife, who enjoy spending time along the lakeshore.
Overnight Location: Camping in Yellowstone
Distance: ~7 miles, 500 feet
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful

You’ll wake up at dawn to start your hike out of the Shoshone Geyser Basin backcountry, where you’ll meet the shuttle that will take the group back to the starting point.

Then, you’ll hit Yellowstone’s most famous features: Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful. In the afternoon, you’ll make your way back to the Bozeman Airport, with a quick stop at a local hot spring for a dip!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: ~5 miles, 500 feet
Meals: Breakfast