Hiking Yellowstone’s Northern and Southern Loop

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 Yellowstone please refer to the National Park Service’s website.

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!

What you get on this adventure:

• • A professional, knowledgeable, medically-trained hiking guide
  • A full day of hiking
  • Deli lunch, water, and snacks
  • Quality optics for viewing wildlife
  • Transportation to the trailhead

What’s not included:

• • Transportation
  • Accommodation
  • Yellowstone Entrance Pass

The best thing about hiking in Yellowstone is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. For beginner hikes, if you can walk for four to six hours with little elevation gain, you are good to go! Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

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.)
  • 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.

Group sizes and prices:

• • The tours listed above are private. Pricing is per person, and costs decrease as your group grows, making it the perfect opportunity to hike with family or friends!
  • The standard group size on these private Yellowstone day-hiking tours is six guests and one guide, but larger groups can be accommodated.

If you’re traveling with a larger party, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • Everybody over the age of 18 is welcome to book this hiking adventure.
  • Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis. Children under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

If you plan to hike with anyone under the age of 12, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

The park has five entrances, depending on the direction you’re traveling from.

• • If you plan to enter through the south entrance, Jackson Hole, Wyoming is the closest airport.
  • If you plan to enter on the north side, Bozeman, Montana is the closest airport.
  • To the west, it’s Idaho Falls, Idaho and to the east, it’s Yellowstone Regional Airport near Cody, Wyoming.

Here’s a map of Yellowstone from the National Park Service to make planning your trip easier.

All the tours start early to take advantage of wildlife activity and small crowds. Specific pick up time and location will depend on the itinerary you choose. Your guide will contact you approximately one week before your hike to coordinate the exact time and location.