Wonders of Yellowstone’s Backcountry
Backpacking in Bechler Canyon, Yellowstone National Park. Photo NPS / Diane Renkin
Did you know 90 percent of Yellowstone visitors stay on the main roads while visiting the park? While you can view the incredible wildlife and thermal features from your vehicle, much of Yellowstone’s magic is found in its rugged backcountry.
GYC is thrilled to partner with In Our Nature Guiding Services, LLC to offer an expertly guided backpacking trip into the wild Bechler region of Yellowstone. This trip gives you the opportunity to venture deep into the park with the support of a team who knows the landscape, flora, and fauna. The Bechler region is home to waterfalls, wide-open valleys, and spectacular views of the Tetons. This backpacking excursion will even give you the opportunity to soak in thermally heated water mixed with flowing freshwater—an experience that can be found in few places.
If backpacking Yellowstone is on your bucket list, this is a trip you definitely don’t want to miss!
Dates: September 10-16, 2025
Arrive in Bozeman, MT by September 10, 2025, for an evening welcome orientation. We’ll brief the upcoming adventure and hear from GYC staff on how they’re working to keep this ecosystem remarkable. Please note you will need to make arrangements for your own accommodation this evening.
Backpack in Yellowstone National Park September 11 – 16, 2025 (5 nights camping)
Return to Bozeman by evening on September 15, 2025. Please arrange your own accommodation for this night if you plan to stay in Bozeman.
Price: $2,030 per person
Optional gear rental: Add $200
Gear rental includes: Backpack, ultra lightweight tent, 15-20 degree sleeping bag, and inflatable mattress.
This price includes transport to and from Bozeman to Yellowstone, food on September 11 to lunch on September 16, cooking and eating supplies, fuel, bear safety equipment, first aid kits, maps, GYC welcome goodies, and gear stated above if you choose to add on gear rental.
This price does not include airfare, airport transfers, meals outside the backpacking dates, and hotel stays in Bozeman.
Full balance will be due by July 1, 2025.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel before July 1, you will receive a full refund minus a 10% processing fee. Refunds usually cannot be provided after July 1, so travel insurance is HIGHLY recommended. If you find that you cannot make it, please contact us because another hiker may be able to fill your spot. We will certainly worry if you just don’t show up!
Difficulty: Hikers can expect to hike 7-10 miles per day on uneven gentle to moderate trails. Hikers will be expected to carry their own backpack and a portion of the group’s food, ranging in weight from 25-40 lbs. Hikers will have to embark on water crossings with river levels that are ankle to thigh high. Swimming and soaking opportunities will be available most days, so don’t forget your swimsuit.
Minimum Guests: 3
Maximum Guest: 6
Questions or ready to book? Reach out to GYC Individual Giving Manager Veronika Sieben to reserve your spot.
Vistas you’ll see from within Yellowstone’s wild Bechler region. Photos NPS
Detailed Itinerary
Wednesday, September 10
Meet in Bozeman at the Greater Yellowstone Coalition office for a welcome orientation and to check packs and gear. Please plan to stay overnight in Bozeman (accommodation not included).
Thursday, September 11
Depart Bozeman at 7:30 am and travel to Cave Falls Trailhead (approx. 4 hours) in our tour vehicles. Lunch at the trailhead. Hike 6.9 miles to campsite 9U3 Mountain Ash Creek Ford.
Friday, September 12
Day hike (day pack only) approximately 4.5 miles to Union Falls and Scout Pool and the same distance back to our campsite at 9U3. We will have the opportunity to soak and swim in Scout Pool. Please bring a swimsuit.
Saturday, September 13
Hike 10.2 miles through big meadows and forest stands to 9B5 Colonnade Falls. We’ll spend the night here listening to the waterfall.
Sunday, September 14
Day hike (day pack only) 5.5 miles up the ‘Waterfall Way’ to the incredible Mr. Bubbles hot spring to soak in the river where the hot water comes in. Please bring a swimsuit. We’ll return the same way (with stops for berries), pick up our gear at our campsite from the previous night and hike (with packs) 1.8 miles to camp at 9B4 Ouzel Falls.
Monday, September 15
Hike 5.5 miles to Dunanda Falls where we will spend a few hours soaking in the thermally heated river pools at the foot of the waterfall. Hike a further 3 miles though berry patches, water crossings and past thermal areas to 9A4 Talus Terrace, one of your guide’s favorite backcountry sites in Yellowstone.
Tuesday, September 16
Hike 8.5 miles to our vehicles (that have been kindly shuttled) on the forest service road 082 just outside the boundary of Yellowstone.
Weather
Weather conditions can vary dramatically. In the Summer: mornings are often around freezing, and afternoons can be quite warm (even around 90F/32C). Rain and snow are possible any day of the year. In Spring and Fall, temperatures are likely to be cooler, with some rain and snow more likely. We’ll be checking the forecast before the trip, but weather can still be unpredictable, please bring layers for rain and snow. It will be better to carry them and not need them than to need them and not have them.
What's Provided
All food, water purification, camp stove, food storage equipment, trowel, First Aid kit, emergency beacon (Garmin inReach Mini), non-DEET insect repellent, and bear spray is included in the trip.
Additional gear can be provided if you choose to add on a gear rental. Gear rental is $200 per person.
For questions or to reserve your spot, please contact Veronika Sieben.
Phone: 406-556-2807
Email: vsieben@greateryellowstone.org