Yellowstone Backpack
Explore the wonders of the world’s first National Park with a fun and experienced naturalist guide. Yellowstone National Park is so vast that we visit different sections of the park during each section’s own special prime season. During July, we’ll hike the shores of pristine Shoshone Lake, camp in a beautiful meadow and visit a solitary backcountry geyser basin. August takes us to Yellowstone’s Cascade Corner, renowned for towering waterfalls, lots of wildlife, vast meadows and soothing hot springs. A typical itinerary will be as follows:
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
Your trip begins today in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Meet your guides and the other group members in the lobby of 49’er Inn at 8:00 a.m. for a brief orientation. Travel to our trailhead and backpack to our first night’s campsite. Lunch & Dinner included.
-
Day 2
Typically we move camp so that we’re even closer to special features and wildlife, leaving ample time for an afternoon day hike to explore near camp. On trips when we do not move camp today, we’ll devote the day to a spectacular day hike and exploration of the extended area. All meals provided.
-
Day 3
After breakfast, we hike and explore the unique features of this fascinating park. Depending on the specific trip, this could include hiking to roaring cascades and waterfalls, watching wildlife in their natural habitat or exploring little known and seldom visited thermal areas. Depending on the specific trip, we may move camp on this day as well. All meals provided.
-
Day 4
Today we make our way back to our trailhead experiencing the splendor of this magical area along the way. Once at the trailhead we’ll return to Jackson Hole. If flying out of Jackson, please do not plan flights before 7:00 pm. If flying out of Idaho Falls or Salt Lake City, you will need to arrange another night’s hotel stay in Jackson. 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 for the night after your trip ends on Day 4, 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. Breakfast and lunch are included on Day 4.
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.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm that the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
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.
Jackson, WY 12 miles, Idaho Falls, ID 90 miles, or Salt Lake City, UT 180 miles.
Since the first flight to arrive in Jackson each day arrives around 10:00 am, those planning to fly in will need to arrive the day before the trip begins. Contact us for details.
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 within 21 days 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.
Yellowstone Backpack
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
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.
Gear Checklist
- Tents (3 season, 2 person)
- Cooking gear
- Stoves and fuel
- Water filter
- Group first aid kit
- Bear canister
- Backpack: large internal frame or external frame (4000 – 6000 cu”)
- Pack cover – waterproof
- Sleeping bag (rated at 20° - 25° F)
- Sleeping pad
- Rain jacket and pants, lightweight waterproof and breathable
- Midweight fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Mid- or lightweight thermal top and bottom made of synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants, quick-drying, lightweight (zip-off legs are great) no jeans!
- Hiking shorts, quick-drying, lightweight
- 1-2 T-shirts, synthetic
- 2 changes of underwear
- Hiking socks, 2 pairs of wool or synthetic
- Sock liners, 2 pairs of synthetic liners (optional)
- Sun hat with brim
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- Hiking boots: heavy duty, waterproof, and well broken-in, should rise above ankle
- One 1-quart water bottle or hydration system equivalent
- Plastic bowl, spoon, travel mug with lid
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock, (small amount—not the whole bottle), min SPF 25
- Lip balm (unscented)
- Insect repellent (small)
- Head net for mosquitoes, especially in July
- Toothbrush & trial-sized paste
- Pack towel and/or washcloth
- Personal first aid kit, small and light with personal medications
- Favorite energy snacks and drinks
- Bic lighter
- Travel size wet-wipes
- TP system: toilet paper (not a full roll) & 1 Ziploc quart baggie & 1 Ziploc gallon baggie and orange plastic trowel
- 1 large plastic garbage can bag
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Pocket knife or small multi-tool
- Compass
- Ear plugs
- Lightweight camp shoes/sandals
- Journal & pen
- Camera and film- think weight
- Small paperback book
- Swim suit
- Down vest or jacket
- Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb