Full-Day Hiking Adventures in Yellowstone

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • An experienced, local and private naturalist or biologist hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Daily departures at dawn and tour duration depends on starting location 
  • Full-day of hiking in a chosen area of Yellowstone
  • Brunch, hot drinks, and water refills

  What’s not included:

  • Water bottle
  • Transportation to the meeting point 
  • Accommodations
  • Park entrance fees ($20 per person, $35 per family)
• How fit do I need to be?

  The best thing about hiking in Yellowstone is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. For beginner hikes, if you can walk up to 8 hours (with plenty of breaks) with little elevation gain and sections on boardwalks and stairs, you are good to go! Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation (up to 700 ft / 220 m) and include sections of rocky terrain—with a possibility of scrambling. Advanced hikes will include more sections with rocky terrain, bigger elevation gains (+1,000 ft / 305 m) and more obstacles. 

  Keep in mind that the minimum starting elevation is at 6,000 ft above sea level, that weather in summer can be very hot, and that you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day. Your guide will always be by your side, making sure hiking is suitable to your level and adjusting the route if necessary. 

  If full-day hikes seem too long for you, check out our half-day hiking adventures in Yellowstone.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Bear spray — provided by the guide
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  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.

• What about accessibility?

  These hikes can be adapted to accommodate most ages and abilities. If you are a wheelchair user or have some other specific needs, this shouldn’t stop you from experiencing Yellowstone! Make sure to contact us if you’re considering the tour and we will make arrangements with your guide. They have experience guiding people with more specific needs and they’ll be happy to help you navigate the obstacles in this wild and remote area. You can visit the Yellowstone National Park website to find out more about the accessibility in Yellowstone.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • For these private hiking adventures, the maximum client to guide ratio is 10:1. 
  • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family! 

  Hiking in Yellowstone can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. These tours are family-friendly.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Cancellation policy

  Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. 

  • Cancellations up to 30 days before your trip date will receive a full refund minus a $50 processing fee.
  • Cancellations between 29 and 5 days before your trip date will receive a 50% refund.
  • For cancellations within 5 days of booking refunds will not be provided.
• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to the Yellowstone National Park, most people fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, which is 3 hours away. From here, you can rent a car to get to the park. 

  Your guide can meet people at the following locations: Gardiner MT or Mammoth Hot Springs WY, Tower Junction, Norris Geyser Basin, Canyon Visitor Center

  While the price remains the same, the duration of the trip changes depending on our meeting location. Durations are not exact because wildlife jams and other unplanned circumstances can delay our end time.

  We suggest you lodge in Gardiner or somewhere else by the north entrance to the national park as it is the closest one to the hiking areas you can choose from. Once you and your guide agree on the details of the itinerary, they will suggest the exact meeting time and place, whether at the trailhead or a predetermined location.

  

• Covid measures in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

  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, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Yellowstone, WY, please refer to the official guidelines for air travel into the US and Yellowstone National Park’s COVID-19 guidelines.

  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!