United States

Backpacking in Yellowstone's Shoshone Geyser Basin

A trip to introduce you to backpacking alongside an expert hiking guide. Over four days, explore an off-the-beaten-path thermal basin with more geysers than Iceland!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bozeman and first hike in Yellowstone

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! We’ll enjoy some sightseeing and short hikes before arriving at our camp in Canyon Village.

MEALS: Lunch & dinner

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Day 2: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, and Lone Star Geyser Trailhead

Early this morning, we’ll visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for stunning views. Then, we head into the Hayden Valley for some wildlife spotting, and stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin, situated along the enormous Lake Yellowstone!

Eventually, we’ll find ourselves at the Lone Star Geyser trailhead, where our adventure into Yellowstone’s backcountry will begin! We hike 9mi, along backcountry thermal features that may erupt as we pass, giving us a private show!

We’ll arrive at our campsite along Shoshone Lake, where we will set up tents and enjoy a delicious camp dinner.

MEALS: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 3: Explore the Shoshone Geyser Basin

After a healthy, filling camp breakfast, we’ll explore the astonishing Shoshone Geyser Basin – which alone has more geysers than Iceland!

Then, we’ll hit the trails toward our final campsite, also along Shoshone Lake. Keep a look out for elk and other wildlife, who enjoy spending time along the lakeshore.

MEALS: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 4: Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful

We’ll wake up at dawn to start our hike out of the Shoshone Geyser Basin backcountry, where we’ll meet the shuttle that takes us back to our starting point. Then, we’ll hit Yellowstone’s most famous features: Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful.

In the afternoon, we’ll make our way back to the Bozeman Airport, with a quick stop at a local hot spring for a dip!

MEALS: Breakfast & lunch

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What's Included

Included
  • Private, medically-trained, naturalist guide.
  • All meals as outlined on the itinerary.
  • Round trip transportation from Bozeman Airport.
  • Park entry fees & permits.
  • Tent & sleeping pad.
Not Included
  • Flights.
  • Gratuity for your guide.
  • Sleeping bag (available to rent for US$50).
  • Travel insurance.
Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

FAQs

Before you go

Expect to spend up to 6hrs per day walking or hiking (up to 10mi and 1,000ft elevation change) while carrying daypacks or backpacks with water, snacks, and camping gear! This trip is suitable for most fit people with a bit of hiking experience.

Yes, there is. The single supplement is an additional US$500/ person. This will get you your own accommodation during the trip. If you'd like to upgrade to the single supplement, let your guide know by messaging them from your Skyhook dashboard. You can settle this directly in country.

REQUIRED GEAR - Backpack (60+ liters recommended) - Day Pack (20 liters recommended) - Sleeping bag (also available to rent), rated to 15 degrees - Pack cover - Headlamp - Reusable water bottles or bladders (3L total capacity) RECOMMENDED GEAR AND PERSONAL ITEMS - Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner - Travel pillow - Sunscreen - Earplugs - Insect repellent - Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items) - Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment) - Small, quick dry towel REQUIRED CLOTHING - Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece) - Rain jacket or shell - Breathable wicking base layers - Lightweight hiking pants - Warm clothes to sleep in - Warm hat - Sun hat with a brim - Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip) - Hiking boots - Sunglasses - Recommended Clothing - Rain Pants - Buff or Scarf - Comfortable clothes for camp - Sandals or camp shoes

On your trip

On this trip, you'll spend: 1 x night frontcountry camping in Yellowstone National Park 2 x nights backcountry camping in Yellowstone National Park N.B. Pricing is based on double occupancy accommodations.

Expect to spend up to 6 hours per day walking or hiking (up to 10 miles and 1000ft elevation change) while carrying daypacks or backpacks with water, snacks, and camping gear! This trip is suitable for most fit people with a bit of hiking experience.

Pricing is based on double occupancy accommodations in tents. Single supplement is based on gear availability for an additional $500 per person. Participants are assigned tents according to their gender identity. Canyon Campground on Night 1 offers several amenities like flush toilets, hot showers, food storage lockers, and potable water. The following nights involve backcountry camping that is more primitive. We will not have access to running water or restrooms.

Water is available at the campsite. We may need to filter water while backpacking, but we will provide water filtration devices. Your guides will also have water and refreshments in the tour vehicle. Please make sure to bring reusable water bottles or bladders (3L total capacity).

We will have lunch at a brewery on Day 1. The remaining meals will be prepared at camp or at picnic locations within the park. Breakfast might include breakfast burritos on the go, hearty oatmeal with fresh fruit, or eggs and potatoes. Lunch will typically include filling DIY sandwiches and snacks enjoyed on the trail or at a picnic location. At dinner, you can expect a warm meal at camp like pastas, fajitas, or chili. These are all examples and our guides each have their favorite recipes to prepare! We are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences with advance notice.

Hiking in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River may include steep ascents and descents and stairs. However, there are more accessible viewpoints, and your guides will tailor the day to the group's abilities. We may also be walking on short wooden boardwalks above active thermal pools.

We are able to store carry-on sized luggage inside the tour vehicle while camping and backpacking.

Start: You will be flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. It's best to pick a flight that arrives before 10:00 AM MST on the first day. Alternatively, we can collect you from your accommodation in Bozeman at around 9:15 AM if you’ve arrived early. End: At the end of your trip, your expert guide will drop you back at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport by 2:00 PM for your flight home (or back at your accommodation in Bozeman if you’re staying on).

Other FAQs

All are welcome, and most of our travelers are in their 30s – 50s. We get families, couples, and friends, but most of our travelers come solo!

All of the open guided trips are 18+. If you’re traveling with kids, reach out to get a quote for a private trip.

Yellowstone and the Tetons have very extreme weather – in fact, the highest recorded difference in temperature in a 24-hour period was recorded nearby in Montana at over 100 degrees! July can be warm and dry in the day, but cool in the evenings with average highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s. Recently, daily highs have been reaching well beyond historical averages.

Yellowstone is one of the largest national park in the lower 48, and this backpacking trip offers just a glimpse of all that this park has to offer. We end the trip in Jackson Hole where you'll have the option to be dropped off at the airport or a nearby hotel that you book directly. If you'd like to extend your trip, we offer custom vacation packages that include accommodations and activities. We also offer private day tours that are expertly tailored to your interests and abilities. If you're interested in seeing more of the park before or after this trip, reach out to sales@goodtripadventures to review your options! Additional activities in this area include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and more!

Yes, we are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences with advance notice. Please indicate your dietary requirements on the trip form that you fill out on your Skyhook dashboard.

Your head guide is Megan

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Good Trip Adventures, based in Belgrade.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Megan