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Sky Rim Trail Backpacking Adventure in Yellowstone National Park

Some trails were made for postcards. The Sky Rim Trail was made for adventurers. For four days, we’ll venture away from the crowds and into Yellowstone’s backcountry, where mountain views stretch forever and every campsite feels like our own piece of wilderness. Expert naturalist guides will show us hidden viewpoints and forest trails while sharing stories of America’s first national park. After two nights in the wild, we’ll see Old Faithful erupt and witness the colors of Grand Prismatic Spring. One last hot spring soak, and we’ll head home with stories most visitors only dream of.

Adventure highlights

  • Above it all

    Hike the Sky Rim’s exposed ridgeline for Yellowstone’s most dramatic mountain views

  • Thermal wonders

    Marvel at Yellowstone’s most famous geysers and hot springs—and take a dip on the last day

  • Total wild

    Immerse yourself in park life with backcountry camping, fireside meals, and expert guidance

Itinerary

Discover Yellowstone's backcountry on this 4-day Sky Rim Trail adventure that brings together the best views of America's first national park. We'll start our journey with expert naturalist guides who'll lead us through remote backcountry terrain, sharing their knowledge of local wildlife and ecosystems along the way. We'll set up camp in carefully selected spots, with all camping gear provided and hearty trail meals prepared for our group. After exploring the high country, we'll dive into Yellowstone's classics, visiting Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful. All the details are taken care of, from airport pickup in Bozeman to park fees. Ready for an adventure that blends true wilderness with Yellowstone's greatest hits?

  • Welcome to Bozeman! After meeting the guide, we’ll head down to a remote part of Yellowstone National Park and begin the scenic hike to our first campsite. In the evening, we’ll get to know each other over camp dinner and s’mores!

    Meals: Lunch and dinner
    Hiking time: Up to 6 hours
    Hiking distance: Up to 10 mi (16 km)
    Elevation gain/loss: Up to 3,000 ft (914 m)
    Accommodation: Campsite in Yellowstone NP

    Scenic mountain range and nature in Bozeman, Montana
  • After breakfast, we’ll hike out through lodgepole pine forests and alpine meadows before beginning our initial ascent up the ridge. Expect panoramic views of some of Yellowstone’s highest peaks! After a stunning day on the trail, we’ll arrive at our backcountry campsite where we’ll cook a delicious camp dinner. We’ll listen to local ghost stories around the campfire before settling into your tent for the evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Hiking time: Up to 6 hours
    Hiking distance: Up to 10 mi (16 km)
    Elevation gain/loss: Up to 3,000 ft (914 m)
    Accommodation: Campsite in Yellowstone NP

    Landscape with pine trees and mountains in Montana
  • Today we’ll continue hiking through the national park, taking in Yellowstone’s vistas and learning about the history of the national park along the way. Once we reach the trailhead, we’ll make our way towards West Yellowstone to explore some of the most famous features of the park: Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful. Tonight we’ll spend the evening frontcountry camping in the center of Yellowstone!

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Hiking time: Up to 6 hours
    Hiking distance: Up to 10 mi (16 km)
    Elevation gain/loss: Up to 3,000 ft (914 m)
    Accommodation: Campsite in Yellowstone NP

    Wildlife and bisons traveling along the geysers in Yellowstone National Park
  • After breakfast and bidding farewell to camp, we’ll jump in the van to cram in as many of Yellowstone’s highlights as we can en route back to Bozeman. Along the way, we’ll stop at a local hot spring for a dip!

    You’ll be back at Bozeman Airport in time for your onward flight later this afternoon.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

    Aerial view of downtown Bozeman, Montana
Adventure brochure
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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

Good Trip Adventures
5.00
Good Trip Adventures
Good Trip Adventures provide world-class experiences for all trippers – from first-timers to experienced travelers. They’re not just a local operator but a national company that ensures consistent experiences of the highest quality. Good Trip guides are professionally licensed. They are vetted thoroughly, trained often, and prepared for the unexpected. Most importantly, they love what they do!
5.00 (4 reviews)
David Dillon (source: Google Reviews)

We had the most amazing time! Kelsi our guide was fantastic, I would highly recommend asking for. I thought I saw it all until this adventure. She was so knowledgeable and had a great personality. If you want to see and learn about Yellowstone, this is the way to go. Thank you so much for the memories we’ll never forget.

Patricia Guzikowski (source: Google Reviews)

Hailey was an amazing tour guide. We had a fantastic time and learned so much. Highly recommend.

Artie Lynnworth (source: Google Reviews)

Great tour with a wonderful guide. The entire team has taken great care of us, from preparation to performance. Outstanding experience.

Dora Hughes (source: Google Reviews)

We had a fantastic tour with Ian, our super knowledgeable, prepared and fun tour guide. Looking forward to our next adventure!

Things to know

  • Included:

      • Experienced, medically trained naturalist guides with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 4-day Sky Rim Trail backpacking adventure
      • Round-trip transportation
      • Accommodation for 3 nights in tents
      • Tent, sleeping pad, and group camping equipment
      • Meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4
      • Park entry fees

    Add-ons

      • Sleeping bag

    Not included:

      • Flights
      • Personal camping gear
      • Accommodation before and after the trip
      • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
  • To enjoy this Sky Rim Trail backpacking adventure, you’ll need great fitness levels and some hiking experience. You’ll spend up to 6 hours per day hiking or walking for up to 10 miles (16 km), with up to 3,000 ft (914 m) elevation change. Keep in mind you’ll be carrying your pack with water, food, and equipment with you.

    For more hiking adventures in the USA, click here!

  • Yellowstone and the Tetons experience very extreme weather—iin fact, the highest recorded temperature difference in a 24-hour period was nearby in Montana, exceeding 100°F (about 56°C)! July and August can be warm and dry during the day, but cool in the evenings, with average highs in the 70s°F (21–26°C) and lows in the 40s°F (4–9°C). Recently, daily highs have been reaching well beyond historical averages.

    Summer weather in Yellowstone is generally mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s°F (21–31°C), but evenings can be quite chilly, dropping to the 30s and 40s°F (0–9°C).

  • One small suitcase per person can be left in the vehicle. 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.

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

    Gear

      • Backpack (60L minimum)
      • Daypack (20L minimum)
      • Luggage (one small suitcase per person)
      • Pack cover
      • Earplugs
      • Insect repellant
      • Sunscreen
      • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
      • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, hand gel, sanitary wear, etc)
      • Quick-dry towel
      • Headlamp
      • Reusable water bottles or bladders (3L capacity)
      • Sleeping bag (rental available)
      • Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner — optional
      • Travel pillow — optional
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Clothing

      • Warm jacket
      • Rain jacket
      • Rain pants — optional
      • Wool socks
      • Breathable wicking layers
      • Warm hat & sunhat
      • Buff or neckscarf
      • Lightweight hiking pants
      • Comfortable clothes for camp
      • Warm clothes to sleep in
      • Sandals or camp shoes
      • Sunglasses
      • Hiking boots
  • Group sizes and pricing

      • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this Sky Rim Trail backpacking adventure to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
      • This adventure is more than welcoming to solo travelers! This trip is designed to foster group bonding and the guides are pros at making sure everyone feels welcomed. Any given trip is usually a healthy mix of solo travelers, friends, and couples.

    A Sky Rim Trail backpacking adventure 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 can join this Sky Rim Trail backpacking adventure if it’s a private tour only. Minors younger than 18 are not allowed to join group tours due to legal restrictions.

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

  • The starting point of your Sky Rim Trail backpacking adventure is Bozeman, MT. To get there, fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), where your guide will pick you up. It’s best you pick a flight that arrives before 12pm MST on Day 1. If you’re arriving in Bozeman earlier, your guides can pick you up at your accommodation in Bozeman at around 11:15am MST.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 40% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 60 calendar days (2 months) prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If you cancel the booking…

    More than 30 days before the departure date, you are entitled to a refund in the amount of 80% of the full trip price (less the booking fees). Alternatively, it may be possible to get the full credit back for use at a future date.
    Within 30 days of the departure date, no refund will be issued.

    Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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