Yellowstone Backpacking – Black Canyon
4 days
From $ 1149
Duration4 days

Spend time in the untamed wilderness of Yellowstone’s Black Canyon on a 4-day adventure. The Yellowstone River winds its way nearly 700 miles from Yellowstone National Park to the Missouri River. We explore a scenic stretch through Black Canyon by foot, teeming with cascades and waterfalls. Carrying all we need in our packs, we quickly ditch the crowds and enjoy the solitude of remote wilderness. Backpacking five to eight miles each day, we take time to rest, relax, and recharge on our journey from camp to camp. Anglers can even try their hand at trout fishing from one of the best rivers in the world. On our journey, we keep an eye out for wildlife, from elk and bison to moose and the occasional bear. Looking for other options in Yellowstone? Check out our Gallatin Mountains and Bechler River backpacking itineraries, or our Yellowstone Kayaking trip.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 4 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Mississippi River
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ages: 18+
Yellowstone Backpacking – Black Canyon - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Meet for group orientation before descending to the Yellowstone River.

Start place: Mississippi River

Our group meets at 8am in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Express Bozeman West. After a gear check and brief orientation, we load our gear into the support vehicle for the two-hour drive to the trailhead. Plan on adding five to ten pounds of shared group gear to your pack. Along the scenic drive, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Absaroka Mountain Range. After a quick stop at the Albright Visitor Center, we continue to our drive to the Hellroaring Creek Trailhead. We begin our journey by descending 500 feet to the Yellowstone River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the continental United States. Black Canyon offers wonderful views of cascades and waterfalls. Our trail includes a couple of short (less than .5 mile) steep sections. Lunch and dinner included.
Backpacking: 6 to 8 miles; elevation gain: 750'
Meals: D
Day 2: Cross a few creeks en route to our next camp.
After breakfast we break camp and continue backpacking down river. This section of the Black Canyon generally offers a chance to observe the abundant wildlife of Yellowstone: elk, bison, coyotes, moose, deer, and an occasional bear may be seen. Our hike continues along the north bank of the Yellowstone River on a well maintained trail with a relatively gentle grade, although there are a few short creek crossings today. We arrive in camp with time to set up our tents and take an afternoon day hike before enjoying dinner prepared over the camp stove. All meals included.
Backpacking: 5 to 7 miles; elevation loss: 250'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Day hike, fish, or relax in camp.
Today is a layover day, providing us with the opportunity to really soak up the surrounding environment however we prefer. We have the option to relax in camp, fish, or explore downstream to Knowles Falls and steeper parts of the Black Canyon. There are tremendous views of the Yellowstone River as it thunders downstream full of spring runoff. All meals included.
Optional hiking: 5 to 7 miles; elevation gain: 500'; elevation loss: 250'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Hike along Eagle Creek to the trailhead.
From camp we hike upstream along Eagle Creek to the trailhead. The trail ascends sharply, passing a nice set of cascades, before leveling off in a beautiful valley of huge meadows and isolated stands of trees. Now out of the canyon, views of the surrounding country abound. It is the perfect end to a wonderful backpacking experience. We plan to be back at the hotel between 3 - 4pm. Breakfast and Lunch included.
Backpacking: 4.5 miles; elevation gain: 1,000’.
Meals: B, L

Inclusions

Included

  • Professional instruction and guiding
  • meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • 2-person tents
  • group cooking gear
  • group first aid kit, water filter
  • campsite and permit fees
  • park entrance fees
  • round-trip shuttle between meeting point and trailheads
  • Accommodation

    Backcountry camping, 3 nights, Optional hotels (hotels not included in trip price), 2 nights

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