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Yellowstone National Park

Friday, July 31, 2026 - Wednesday, August 12, 2026 -- $2350 ★★★



Description

Trying to capture the magnitude of Yellowstone National Park in words is nearly impossible. Just Google it—you’ll find yourself awash in images, documentaries, and travel guides showcasing the park’s steaming geysers, vast valleys, thundering rivers, grizzly bears, towering peaks, big skies, and herds of iconic bison. Yellowstone isn’t just a national park—it’s a world-renowned wilderness and one of the crown jewels of the American West.


Our trek takes you through the Southeast section of the park, a region few visitors ever reach. Known as one of the most remote areas in the continental United States, this route offers true backcountry solitude and unspoiled natural beauty. Beginning along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, we’ll journey through wild, rarely-traveled terrain and finish near the park’s South Entrance, experiencing a side of Yellowstone that few ever do.


If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to truly disappear into wilderness—and emerge with a deeper connection to the land—this is the trip.



Topographical Map of Proposed Route

See Topo map


Weather

Weather is always an important consideration when hiking in Yellowstone’s backcountry. In July, conditions are generally favorable, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the 60s to 70s°F—ideal for hiking. At night, temperatures often dip into the 40s and 50s°F, so a warm sleeping bag and appropriate layers are essential for comfort.


Although July tends to be relatively dry, weather in the high country can change quickly. Rainstorms are always a possibility, and when they do arrive, they often come with sudden and intense thunder and lightning. Being prepared with quality rain gear and staying aware of weather patterns is part of staying safe in this dynamic environment.


We’ll be hiking in a remote section of the park where self-sufficiency is key. Layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, and a healthy respect for mountain weather will go a long way in ensuring you’re ready for whatever nature has in store.




Probable Trip Leaders

Steve Silberberg
Julie Quibodeaux
Any Other Guide(s) TBD

Cost

$2350 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. Single room accommodations are available for purchase. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Bozeman (BZN), as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals and any gratuities for guides. You may also be charged for any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel all week if you drive.


Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, storage fees, campground fees, 11 days of trail meals, airport transfers, ground transportation to/from/within the National Park, park permits, park entrance fees and awesome guides.


Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to) other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve. Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make up this shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important part of a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally account for 30-60% of their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the greatest extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted to solicit tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing exceptional customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well, please support them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small holes they've dug.



Important notes about this trip


The trails through this section of Yellowstone are generally well-maintained with good footing and moderate elevation gain and loss. However, the effort can still feel demanding, especially with a full pack. One of the biggest challenges on this trek is the weight of our food at the outset, as we will be carrying food and supplies for nine nights in the backcountry.


To account for this, the first few days of hiking will cover somewhat shorter distances. As we eat through our supplies and gain trail strength, our mileage will gradually increase. There will be one particularly long day in the middle of the trip, but we’ll pace the group accordingly and support each other through it.


July provides long daylight hours, giving us ample time each day to complete the hike and enjoy well-earned relaxation in camp.


Please note that firearms are prohibited on all Fitpacking trips, including this one. This policy aligns with both our company standards and the regulations of Yellowstone National Park. Bear spray (pepper spray) is permitted and recommended for added safety, though keep in mind that you cannot fly with bear spray, so plan to acquire it once you are in the region.


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Itinerary
Weather
Guides for this trip
Cost
Important Note
Difficulty (Please Read)
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Itinerary


Friday, July 31, 2026

Drive or fly into Bozeman Airport (BZN). The best time to arrive is between around Noon-3PM. However, if you can save a substantial amount on your flight by arriving at another time then do so.

Take the free airport shuttle to local hotel: TBD

We will assemble at: TBD, To Be Determined

Equipment shakedown. We go through your packs to make sure you're prepared for the trip equipment-wise

Make-your-own trail mix bar. You craft your personal trail mix from a cornucopia of nuts, fruits, sweets and occasional wildcard items that we provide.

Go to REI Bozeman, Stoneridge Square, 2220 Tschache St, Bozeman, MT 59718, (406) 587-1938 for last minute or forgotten equipment. Open until 6PM. Please note, there should also be other fine options in town to buy or rent gear.

Go out to welcome dinner at local restaurant. Cost of dinner not included in trip cost.

Stay in local hotel: TBD, To Be Determined


Saturday, August 1, 2026

All the items that you won't bring on the trail will be set aside and put in storage.

Free Hotel Breakfast

Shuttle to Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful (about 3 hours)

Tour around the area until geyser does its thing, typically every 60-90 minutes

Pickup backcountry permits at the on-site Ranger Station

Shuttle to Grand Loop Road, one mile south of Midway Geyser

Begin Day-Hiking, elevation 7500'.

Day-Hike 1.0 miles the Fairy Falls Trail

Day-Hike 0.9 miles the Feather Lake

Day-Hike 2.1 miles on the Fairy Creek Trail to Spray Geyser / Imperial Geyser, which sprays regularly

Day-Hike 0.6 miles to Fairy Falls

Day-Hike 2.2 miles back to the vehicle(s)

Shuttle to Bridge Bay Frontcountry Campground

Camp at Bridge Bay Campground either in Hiker / Biker site or full site (Site numbers TBD)

Miles today: 6.8. Total miles: 6.8


Sunday, August 2, 2026

Shuttle to Nine Mile Trailhead on East Entrance Road, elevation 7800'

Hike 6.1 flat miles on the Thorofare Trail to Campsite 5E8

Today's hike will pass a section of forest that burned in September, 2011. We will ford Cub Creek and Clear Creek (easy fords, relative to upcoming fords)

Camp at campsite 5E8 on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, elevation 7800'.

Good swimming available here. The water would normally be cold, save for the geothermal activity in the Yellowstone basin

Miles today: 6.1. Total miles: 12.9

Possible bailout: East Entrance Road


Monday, August 3, 2026

Hike 2.4 flat, easy miles on the Thorofare Trail, to the Southeastern Arm of Yellowstone Lake. The trail opens up for sweeping views along this portion.

Hike 8.0 miles to Campsite 5E1

Camp at Campsite 5E1, elevation 7800'

Miles today: 10.4. Total miles: 23.3

Possible bailout: East Entrance Rd., 1 day away


Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Hike 7.9 miles on the Thorofare Trail to campsite 6D2.

Camp in a big meadow at Campsite 6D2, elevation 7800'

Miles today: 7.9. Total miles: 31.2

Possible bailout: Two days distant from here


Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Hike 7.5 relatively easy miles on the Thorofare Trail to Thorofare Ranger Station

The Thorofare Ranger Station is considered to be the farthest dwelling from any road in the Continental United States, 32 miles away from East Entrance Road

Hike 1.4 easy miles to campsite 6T2

Camp at campsite 6T2, elevation 7800'

Miles today: 8.9. Total miles: 40.1

Possible bailout: Over 30 miles away


Thursday, August 6, 2026

Over the next 2 miles, ford Thorofare Creek and Yellowstone River. Extreme Caution: Either or both may be deep, cold and/or swift.

Leave the flat hiking behind and hike 1200' up Lynx Creek (with another ford) 7.6 miles to the South Boundary Trail, elevation 8600'

Camp at Campsite 6M4, elevation 8600'.

Miles today: 9.6. Total miles: 49.7

Possible bailout: Two days distant from here


Friday, August 7, 2026

Hike 3.2 downhill miles (with an easy ford of Plateau Creek) to the Fox Creek Patrol Cabin, elevation 8000'

Join the Continental Divide Trail / Snake River Trail and hike 0.8 miles to the trail junction of the South Boundary Trail

Hike 3.2 miles up the Snake River Trail / Continental Divide Trail to campsite 8C9

Camp at Campsite 8C9, elevation 8200'.

Miles today: 6.4. Total miles: 56.1

Possible bailout: Two days distant from here


Saturday, August 8, 2026

Hike 8.5 miles on the Snake River Trail / Continental Divide Trail fording the Snake River at least once to the Heart River Trail, elevation 7300'

Hike 3.1 miles on the Heart River Trail fording the Heart River three times to Heart River Campsite 8J4, elevation 7300'

Camp at Heart River Campsite 8J4, elevation 7450'

Miles today: 11.6. Total miles: 67.7

Possible bailout: South Entrance Road


Sunday, August 9, 2026

Hike 0.7 miles on the Campsite Spru Trail Trail Creek Trail, elevation 7515'

Hike 4.4 miles on the Trail Creek Trail to the Heart Lake Trail, elevation 7450'

Hike 0.6 miles on the Heart Lake Trail to the West Shore Campsite 8H4, elevation 7455'

Camp at West Shore campsite 8H4 elevation 7500'

Good swimming available here

Miles today: 5.7. Total miles: 73.4

Possible bailout: South Entrance Road


Monday, August 10, 2026

Day-Hike 7.5 steep round-trip miles to the summit of Sheridan Mountain, elevation 10,308'.

Camp at West Shore campsite 8H4 elevation 7500'

Good swimming available here

Miles today: 7.5. Total miles: 80.9

Possible bailout: South Entrance Road


Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Hike 8.4 miles to South Entrance Rd., elevation 7900'

End of hiking

Miles today: 8.4. Total miles: 89.3

Possible bailout: South Entrance Rd.

Shuttle back to Bozeman (3.5hrs)

Shuttle back to local hotel: TBD, To Be Determined

Gather your off-trail items from storage

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (Dinner cost not included in trip price)

Stay in our local hotel (included in trip cost)

This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.


Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Free Hotel Breakfast

We will Shuttle everyone to the airport early in the morning


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