Wyoming $1,900 • September 9-15, 2012
This trip has it all: the huge Bechler Meadows, lush old-growth forests, rivers and big mountain views, rolling pine-covered plateaus, hot springs soaking, the largest wilderness lake in the contiguous U.S., and the greatest array of big waterfalls you’ve ever seen! The mosquitoes are gone, there’s a tinge of frost in the air, fall colors are exploding, and the spine-tingling bugle of bull elk in the rut are just a few of the wonders of early autumn in the high country. Nearly all of Yellowstone’s varied wildlife thrive here. The topography is relatively gentle, but prepare for any kind of weather! We rate this trip as moderate and its base is Jackson, Wyoming.
We usually begin this trip at one of two trailheads near Old Faithful and hike via Shoshone Lake over the edge of the Madison Plateau and then down the Bechler Canyon to the Bechler Meadows. We end the trek at the Bechler Ranger Station in the far southwest corner of the park.
TREK BASE: Antler Motel, 43 W. Pearl, Jackson WY; (800)522-2406 or (307)733-2535.
MEETING TIME: Pre-trip orientation plus safety talk and food and gear hand-out at 6 PM the evening prior to the first trip day. For example, if the trip is the 12th-18th, we meet at 6 PM on the 11th, in the Antler lobby.
TRANSPORTATION: Air service to Jackson Hole, ground transport to motel available upon arrival. Please make flight reservations promptly, as flights to Jackson may quickly
fill. Alternatives: fly to Salt Lake City, Bozeman MT or Idaho Falls and rent car. For shuttle service between Salt Lake or Idaho Falls and Jackson: Jackson Hole Express (800)443-6133 or locally (307)733-1719.
TREK RATING: This trip is moderate. Most of the route is on good trails; the terrain is a gently rolling plateau cut by the Bechler River Canyon. We do, however, cover quite a few miles, so good endurance is important. Daily backpacking mileage is 6-10 depending upon campsites; total mileage is 35-40 with one layover.
ELEVATIONS: 6400-8500 feet. Maximum single day elevation gain with backpack about 1200 feet.
WEATHER: Early fall brings widely varied weather. Clear nights are well below freezing and days are often warm and sunny. But we must also prepare for cold rain or snow. Click here for the National Weather Service forecast.
FISHING: Primarily in Shoshone Lake and the Bechler River. A Yellowstone fishing permit can be obtained when we enter the park. Please inform us if you plan to fish.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Huge waterfalls, big meadows, unusually lush forests for the Yellowstone Ecosystem, great views of the Tetons. Shoshone Lake is the largest wilderness lake (not road accessible) in the lower 48 states. Bathe in natural hot springs! Bugling bull elk and other wildlife. Fall colors. The most varied and spectacular scenery imaginable. This trip has it all. Early autumn in Yellowstone is fantastic!
SPECIAL TIPS: There are black bears and grizzlies, so eschew deodorants and other smelly products. Be prepared for a number of river and stream fords. Bring a lightweight swimsuit for the hot springs.
STATUS: The Yellowstone backcountry has not been designated Wilderness by Congress due to politics. In 1872 Yellowstone became the world’s first national park.
ITINERARY: This is usually a one-way trip with a pre-arranged vehicle shuttle. Our beginning trailhead is not too far from Old Faithful; we usually end the trip at the Bechler Ranger Station in the southwest corner of the park.
Please Note: Because we are flexible and vary the route and camps depending upon conditions, mileages and details including elevations are approximate, not exact.
