Situated in the first national park in the US, Shoshone Geyser Basin is an essential stop on any backpacker’s journey through Yellowstone’s colossal wilderness. The area boasts nearly 500 pools, vents and geysers, surpassing even Iceland! Coupled with the fact that this pristine area is far away from crowds, it is ideal for hikers longing for peace, solitude and the sublime beauty of Yellowstone’s colorful landscapes. On the way to the basin, backpackers can witness abundant wildlife and surreal vistas of the park’s renowned gems such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, and West Thumb Geyser Basin along Lake Yellowstone. After marveling at the Shoshone Geyser Basin, revel in Yellowstone’s best ofs: the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the US, and Old Faithful, a geyser which lives up to its name with around 20 eruptions per day. Find out more about 6 of the best (and most photo-worthy) day hikes in Yellowstone Park from Ebony Roberts, Squamish resident and hiking enthusiast.
Backpack to the marvelous Shoshone Geyser Basin and come face to face with this stunning area that boasts more geysers than Iceland! On your way there, soak up the sweeping vistas of Yellowstone, America’s first national park, where there is no shortage of wildlife, unique plant species and epic geothermal features. Let your private guide navigate you through Yellowstone’s breathtaking backcountry and suggest the best jewels in the area so that you can experience this colossal wilderness the right way.
After flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, MT, your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Bozeman at around 9:15 AM. You’ll meet your group and guides in Bozeman and get to know each other over lunch at a local brewery. After your meal, head to Yellowstone National Park and enjoy some sightseeing and short hikes with your guide before arriving at your camp in Canyon Village. You’ll have your dinner and get ready for the next day.
After breakfast, visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and soak up some scenic views. You’ll then head into the Hayden Valley for some wildlife spotting and make a pit stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin along the glorious Lake Yellowstone. After lunch, get to the Lone Star Geyser trailhead, and your adventure into Yellowstone’s backcountry can officially begin! You’ll hike 9 miles along backcountry thermal features that could erupt any minute. Set up your tents and indulge in a tasty camp dinner along Shoshone Lake.
After a hearty breakfast, explore the stunning Shoshone Geyser Basin which houses one of the highest geyser concentrations in the world! Enjoy your lunch and hit the trails towards your final campsite, also along Shoshone Lake. Your guide will make sure to remind you to keep your eyes peeled for the elk who love spending time along the shore. After dinner, get ready for the last day of this exciting backpacking adventure.
Upon waking up at dawn, you’ll start your hike out of the backcountry and meet the shuttle that will take you back to your starting point. Before leaving, enjoy some of Yellowstone’s most famous features—Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful. Your guide will drop you back at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport at 4 pm for your travel home (or back at your accommodation in Bozeman if you’re staying on).
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
In order to participate in this beginner-friendly backpacking adventure, you need to be fit and have a bit of hiking experience. Still, no previous backpacking experience is necessary to take part in this adventure. Expect to spend up to 6 hours per day walking or hiking (up to 10 miles and 1000 ft elevation change) while carrying daypacks or backpacks with water, snacks and camping gear. Keep in mind, Yellowstone has very extreme weather. It can be warm and dry in the day, but cool in the evenings. Recently, daily highs have been reaching well beyond historical averages.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and prices:
Backpacking in Yellowstone National Park can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has backpackers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Shoshone Geyser Basin, most people fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana, just under 2 hours away from Yellowstone National Park North Entrance, MT. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Bozeman, MT, where your guide can pick you up.
You’ll want to pick a flight that arrives before 10 AM MST on the first day. Alternatively, your guiding service can collect you from your accommodation in Bozeman at around 9:15 AM if you’ve arrived early. At the end of your trip, your guide will drop you back at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport at 4 PM for your flight home (or back at your accommodation in Bozeman if you’re staying on). The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group. Please make sure that your departing flight is after 3:30 pm.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Montana and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, please refer to the Official State of Montana Government Website, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Yellowstone National Park NPS Website and Wyoming Department of Health COVID-19 Information and Guidance.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
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