Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 5 Day Hiking and Backpacking Yellowstone's Bechler River Traverse. Hike the famous Bechler River Valley Traverse in Southwestern Yellowstone National Park and experience the hallmark features of Yellowstone in the backcountry, away from the crowds. See stunning geysers, serene rivers and streams, crystal-clear lakes, hot springs (yes, you can soak in them), tumbling waterfalls, wild berries, world-class trout waters, and the vast river meadows of Yellowstone with an expert leader who knows all the best spots. Multiple geysers with bubbling pools...read more and frothing potholes add yet more reasons to visit. Sleep under the stars on a backpacking small group Intrepid adventure.
Itinerary
Get picked up at Jackson Hole and kick off your Yellowstone hiking adventure with the largest backcountry geyser in Yellowstone: Lone Star Geyser. From Lone Star, we will hike along the Firehole River and over the Continental Divide before arriving at our camp, Shoshone Meadows. After setting up camp, hike without packs to Shoshone Lake, one of the largest wilderness lakes in in the lower 48 states and the backdrop for the Shoshone Geyser Basin. The basin contains an abundance of geysers with bubbling pools, frothing potholes, and mounds spewing fountain-like streams into the air. It’s a truly spectacular sight. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, today’s hike begins with a climb to the highest point of the trip, a plateau of lush meadows and thick forests. Enjoy the views then continue on the long but rewarding hike that brings us to the headwaters of the Bechler River and into Bechler Canyon. We will make camp near the river here and explore one of the valley’s most remarkable features - Mr. Bubbles - a series of hot springs fit for royalty. Bring your bathing suit because we’ll have some time to lounge in the hot water while enjoying the peaceful Bechler Canyon and soaking up the beauty of our surroundings. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we’ll hike further downstream and take on two long river crossings which could be as deep as one metre (3 feet). Your expert leader will be on hand to carefully assist the group across each one. Our exciting work fording the river will be rewarded with two grand waterfalls: Colonnade Falls, a two-part waterfall which is the highest on the hike, and beautiful Iris Falls. Camp will be a mere five minute hike from Colonnade Falls if you can’t resist going back to see it again. (B/L/D)
Today we’ll hike the lower part of the canyon which is flanked on the south by berry-laden boulder fields, a popular foraging ground for black bears and hikers alike. Once we exit the canyon, we’ll hike through beautiful Bechler Meadows, where moose and bison sightings are common, and make camp near the relaxing hot springs at the base of Dunanda Falls where Boundary Creek flows over a large cliff. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing soak at the end of the day. (B/L/D)
After our final breakfast in the backcountry, we will pack up our gear and hike through lush meadows and stands of lodgepole pine until we arrive at the Bechler Ranger Station. From here, we will load up the vehicle and drop everyone back in Jackson Hole at approximately 7 pm. (B/L)
Trip Inclusions
Experience the hallmark features of Yellowstone in the backcountry, away from the crowds, with an expert leader to show you all the best spots.
Hike the lower part of Bechler Canyon which is flanked on the south by berry-laden boulder fields, a popular foraging ground for black bears and hikers alike.
Marvel at multiple geysers with bubbling pools, frothing potholes, and mounds spewing fountain-like streams into the air at the spectacular Shoshone Geyser Basin.
Bring your bathing suit and sit back and relax for free with Mr Bubbles, a series of natural hot springs with a quirky name and blissfully soothing waters.
See beautiful Iris Falls and Colonnade Falls, a two-part waterfall that is the highest on the hike and an easy 5 minute walk from our camp.
Backcountry camping (4 nights)
5 Breakfasts included
5 Lunches included
4 Dinners included
Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Intrepid USA (2022-24)
Your time is precious. North America is huge. Our trips are your shortcut to the heart of each thumping city or rugged national park. We’ll take you to the hidden diners, show you the best place to watch the sunrise over the canyon, point out the trail that suits your fitness level, and introduce you to local characters.
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Note Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.