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
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
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
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
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
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.
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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
Clothing
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Group sizes and pricing
A Sky Rim Trail backpacking adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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 insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.