Wyoming $2,000 (inclusive*) • July 8-12, 2024
The upper Lamar River in Yellowstone and its tributaries cut beautiful valleys through the mountains and plateaus of Yellowstone’s northeastern backcountry. Sometimes called “North America’s Serengeti”, this is usually a great area for viewing wildlife! Bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, and bear are abundant, and this is the exact area in which wolves were first re-introduced into Yellowstone back in 1995. It is still not at all unusual to hear them howl or even to catch a lucky glimpse. This Yellowstone landscape is a rich mix of verdant wildflower-strewn meadows and young forest dating back to the 1988 fires, plus areas of deep shady old growth. Big rocky peaks tower above the Yellowstone valleys, and the clear cold streams are loaded with fish. This Yellowstone guided hike will take you to the headwaters of the Lamar, cross an Absaroka Range mountain pass, and end the trek near Yellowstone Lake. We rate this trip moderate to fairly strenuous, and its base is Bozeman, Montana.
This Yellowstone backpacking trip includes big portions of the upper Lamar and Pelican Valleys; both are important centers of wildlife activity. Trail gradients are mostly gentle but with numerous moderate ups and downs on this guided hike, and the last day we’ll be backpacking about 11 miles on a gentle well-marked trail.
Trek Base: Comfort Inn, 1370 N 7th Ave, Bozeman, MT, phone (406) 587-2322. Identify yourself as a Big Wild client for a discount.
Meeting Time: Pre-trip orientation plus food and gear handout and safety talk are at 6 PM the
evening prior to the first trip day, at the Comfort Inn.
Transportation: Uber or taxi from Bozeman airport to Comfort Inn.
Trip Rating: This journey is moderate to fairly strenuous on good trails with gentle gradients. We’ll backpack day 5-7 miles per day, except for the last day, which will cover about 11 beautiful miles.
Elevations: 6500-8500 feet. Maximum one-day elevation gain with pack is about 1000 feet.
Weather: Usually lots of sun with warm to hot afternoons and wonderfully cool nights. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but prolonged rain is not. Nonetheless, Yellowstone weather can change quickly and radically, and depending upon elevation, it could snow or be in the mid-80’s!
Special Features: Early summer wildflowers, big open grassy expanses, young forest dating back
to the famous 1988 wildfires, shady old growth and rugged snow-capped peaks. The Lamar and
Pelican Valleys are wonderful! Lots of wildlife: bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, elk, bear and of course the iconic gray wolf, re-introduced here in the Lamar Valley back in 1995. With a bit of luck we may catch a glimpse or hear them howl.
Special tips: A lightweight set of binoculars will be handy for wildlife viewing. This is grizzly country,
so eschew deodorants and other good-smelling substances!
Status: The Yellowstone backcountry has yet to be fully protected as a Wilderness Area under the
Wilderness Act of 1964, only because of local/regional politics. But it is wonderfully wild.
Itinerary: The trailheads are two hours or so from Bozeman and it’s a “point A to point B” route. All campsites in Yellowstone are reserved in advance exclusively for our group.
Note: Mileages and vertical foot estimates are approximate, since we vary the route and camp locations from year to year due to changing conditions and varying group capabilities and interests.
*All trip prices include equipment (backpack, day-pack, tent, sleeping bag and pad, eating utensils), food and cooking (3 meals/day plus snacks), cooking gear, trip planning, comprehensive safety instruction, all user/permit fees, transportation from town to and from the trailheads, and our professional guide/naturalist staff. There is a $300 discount if you bring your own equipment.
Book Your Trip!
Space is limited!
Have questions? Call (406) 848-7000
