Yellowstone Backpack

Yellowstone Backpack Itinerary:

• Night before

  Since we will meet at 8:00 am on Day One of your trip, you may choose to arrive in Jackson the night before.  See Air Travel and Transfer information below for planning details.  Optional hotel night stays are not included in the cost of this trip. To make a reservation at the Quality 49’er Inn, where we will meet on the first morning of the trip at 8:00 am, call 1-800-4-TETONS or 307-733-7550. Be sure to make reservations at the Inn as far in advance as possible to ensure the availability of rooms.

• Day 1

  Our trailhead is about a 1 ½ hour drive from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. As a result, we have the opportunity to drive through Grand Teton National park and view the spectacular Grand Teton and the surrounding peaks of the Cathedral Group. We'll drive past Jackson Lake, through the Rockefeller Parkway and into the South Entrance of Yellowstone National P ark. Our trail takes us along scenic stretches of the Lewis River. We'll camp on the shores of Shoshone Lake where you can watch the sun set "just beyond" the lake. The hike is about 6 miles today and on a fairly level maintained trail.

• Day 2

  Arising for a light breakfast, you'll break camp and almost immediately cross the Lewis River where it starts at the base of Shoshone Lake. The crossing is about 50 yards wide but shallow (knee height) with a mild current. Once across, we dry our feet and begin a short (15 minute) but steep climb. After gaining the ridge, we follow the South shore of Shoshone Lake experiencing periodic views of the lake as we make our way. Your camp is in a beautiful meadow bordered by a creek and cascading spring. We often see elk, moose and an occasional bear in this area. The hike for the day is about 6 miles and, except for the steep section after the river ford, is generally level on a maintained trail.

• Day 3

  Today we leave camp in place and take a dayhike to Shoshone Geyser Basin. The geyser basin is a pristine backcountry thermal area with geysers, hot springs and fumaroles. You'll experience the awe that Native Americans and early explorers must have experienced when they first beheld these hissing, bubbling features. No crowds, no noise, no boardwalks.

• Day 4

  We return along our trail back across the Lewis River and through an area burned in the Great Fires of 1988. Note how much growth has occurred since the fires. The hike is long (about 12 miles) but not strenuous. We'll be at the trailhead by mid afternoon and back in Jackson Hole by early evening.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.

Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted in the daily itinerary(meals are designed to be simple and lightweight for backpacking); 2-person tents; group cooking gear; group first aid kit, water filter; campsite and permit fees; round-trip shuttle between meeting point and trailheads.

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Moderate Plus (3-4). Participants will be carrying their own backpacks with weights of 35-40 lbs. over varied terrain and at altitude. Please make sure your backpack is fitted to your body before the trip. Trip members need to be in good physical condition. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage you to take up a training regimen beforehand.  Day hiking with a pack and making sure your hiking boots are broken in before your trip is key. Cycling, running, walking and weight training are also good conditioners for this type of outing. The better shape you are in, the more you’ll enjoy all that Yellowstone National Park has to offer.

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60° - 80° F, with evening temperatures dropping into the 40s - 50s. You may encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are a distinct possibility, so adequate raingear is important.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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