Yellowstone National Park is the crown jewel of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, spanning across three different states over 3,472 sq miles of land. From the gurgling geyser basins, to snow kissed peaks, to massive natural lakes, Yellowstone National Park has a vastly varied geography that transforms season to season and the park is home to some of North America’s largest and most impressive mammals. From summiting the highest peak at 11,358ft to walking along Reese Creek at 5,282ft, the geological variety offers a variety of activities.

Yellowstone became the United State’s first national park in 1872. Thanks to its unique geology and beauty, it continues to draw in tourists every year. But where is Yellowstone? What are the options for Yellowstone lodging? Our complete guide answers all your Yellowstone questions.

If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, this is your guide to where to stay, what to do, what to see, and how to maximize your time in this stunning area. 

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Yellowstone National Park encompasses nearly 1,000 miles of trails, 466 miles of road, and 15+ miles of boardwalks. All of these paths sit atop a super volcano with 290 waterfalls, 67 species of mammal, and over 500 active geysers dotted across the landscape. That’s a ton of numbers! Overwhelmed thinking about how to see as much as possible on your hard-earned hiking vacation?

We’ve got you covered.

You’re always welcome to hit the trail with one of our certified, professional hiking guides and leave all of the details to us. However, if you’re a plan-it-yourself kind of adventurer, here are a few of our favorite trails to get you started.

The post Yellowstone’s Top Trails appeared first on Wildland Trekking.

Camping trips immerse us in nature in a way we don’t get in our everyday lives. Imagine returning to camp after a long, satisfying day of hiking through a  National Park wilderness. You mosey around camp, thinking about that giant bison you saw along the trail, while smells from the grill swirl around you. Once you’ve had dinner, you relax by the crackling campfire with your marshmallow-topped stick hovering near the flames.

When it’s time to crawl into your tent, you open your rainfly so you can look at the glimmering stars in the Milky Way as you drift off to sleep. In the morning, you rise to the smell of fresh coffee. Then, after breakfast, you lace up your boots for another fantastic day of hiking. What’s on the agenda for today? With the help of your expert guide, you’re off to summit a 10,000-foot peak with 360-degree views of the wide, open country in Yellowstone.

If you’re looking for a fun, action-packed adventure that melds some of the comforts of inn-based hiking tours with a bit of the wildness of backpacking trips, our basecamp trips may be just what you’re after. Sometimes, you’ll want to hike remote trails while also seeing the iconic sites of our country’s most beloved public lands. Well, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up our top camping trips for 2022 so you can choose the perfect U.S.A. destination for your camping adventure.

what is a camping tour?

A camping tour (or basecamp trip) is a unique trip style that combines day hiking with traditional, vehicle-accessible camping. Wildland Trekking offers these tours for travelers who want a mix of adventure and comfort. You’ll set out on fantastic day hikes with a knowledgeable guide and return to a developed campground every night. As you lounge in your tent or take a hot shower, your guide will be cooking up a hearty dinner (complete with dessert!) You’ll get some small luxuries — camp chairs, cushy sleeping pads, pillows — while also working hard to accomplish some big hikes.

On your day hikes, you’ll carry a light daypack instead of a heavy backpacking pack. Plus, you’ll have access to hot showers, fresh meals, and (maybe) cell phone service.

Wildland Trekking plans all the logistics — from campsites, to meals, to transportation, to hiking itineraries. Plus, we provide you with comfy camping gear, a daypack, and trekking poles. All you’ll need to do is show up ready to hike!

We offer camping tours in mountain and desert destinations all around the U.S.A. Mountain camping destinations include Yellowstone, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Pacific Northwest (Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks.) Canyon destinations include Grand Canyon, Utah’s national parks and monuments (Zion, Bryce, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument), Sedona’s Red Rock Country, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree. Additionally, we offer international camping trips in Iceland.

The top five basecamp trips

Pacific Northwest Basecamp Tour

This six-day camping adventure takes you to two stunning Pacific Northwest destinations: Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park. Although this itinerary is packed to the brim, you need all this time to take in the sights and sounds at these two parks. The rain that falls in Washington throughout the year creates vibrant green landscapes, raging waterfalls, and happy wildlife.

On the first three days, hike through lush rainforests (look out for banana slugs!), along rocky coastlines, and across an alpine ridgeline to experience the three unique ecosystems in Olympic. Then, head east to Mount Rainier National Park, where a 14,000-foot volcano looms high above wildflower-filled meadows and cascading rivers. Here, you’ll stand in the shadow of an active volcano and even have the opportunity to catch one of the historic ranger talks at Longmire or Paradise.

Can’t commit to six days? We’ve got a three-day option that lets you experience the best that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer!

Highlights: Old-growth rainforest, rugged coastline, and glaciated volcanoes all in one trip!

Potential wildlife sightings: Elk, whistling marmots, banana slugs, black bears, and river otter.

Trip Length & Total Mileage: 29+ miles over six days

Best Time for Travel: July through September

 Pacific Northwest Basecamp Tour

Yosemite Basecamp tour

This camping trip is tailored towards adventure seekers who want to experience both the popular trails of Yosemite National Park and the alpine destinations around Tuolumne Meadows. Yosemite is full of big scenery, and every step you take will transport you deeper into the wilderness. As you travel from your campsite to the Valley each morning, you’ll see evidence of how ancient glaciers carved this granite landscape. After four days in Yosemite, you’ll know both the geologic and cultural history of this unique region.

On the first day, you’ll hit one of the most iconic destinations — the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. While the crowds are high, this is not a trail you want to miss. Later in the trip, you’ll attempt to summit not just one but two Yosemite peaks — North Dome and Mount Hoffmann. Then, you’ll hike to the Cathedral Lakes where you can bask in the sun on the granite slabs by a glittering alpine lake. In the evenings, you’ll return to camp on the quiet side of the park via Tioga Pass.

Highlights: The iconic Yosemite Valley views mixed with some low-traffic high country magic.

Potential wildlife sightings: Black bear, coyote, marmots, and overly-enthusiastic squirrels.

Trip Length & Total Mileage: 27 miles over four days

Best Time for Travel: July through September

See Yosemite Basecamp Tours

women’s death valley basecamp tour

Explore the largest national park in the contiguous United States on this Women’s Death Valley Basecamp Tour! (Don’t worry, we have a general Death Valley basecamp trip for all our guests, too.) This all-female trip (run by a female guide) is perfect for solo travelers looking to join a like-minded hiking group to explore some incredibly unique desert sights. Death Valley is not the most popular hiking destination, but that is precisely what makes it so spectacular. In this unique ecosystem, a guide can come in handy to interpret what you’re seeing. The desert is subtle but full of life, and your guide will happily teach you how to notice it.

On this trip, you’ll cover diverse terrain — from a lush oasis, to striated sand dunes, to the pinyon and juniper-studded peaks in the Panamint Mountains. You’ll trek through history as you pass colorful volcanic deposits, petroglyphs, and rusted remnants from the area’s mining history. At night, you’ll head back to camp to fall asleep to some of the most mesmerizing night skies you’ll find in this country.

Highlights: The incredible diversity of each trail and the surprising life you find in the desert between the cracks.

Potential wildlife sightings: Desert tortoise, jackrabbit, and bighorn sheep.

Trip Length & Total Mileage: 17 – 24 miles over four days

Best Time for Travel: January through March and November/December

See Womens Death Valley Basecamp Tour

Yellowstone national park

Yellowstone covers over two million acres and hosts over 900 miles of hiking trails, so it’s hard to know what to prioritize when you’re visiting this magnificent park. Lucky for you, we’ve developed a five-day hiking and camping itinerary that packs in both the classic, roadside destinations (you can’t miss Old Faithful!) and quiet, backcountry trails. On this all-encompassing camping tour of Yellowstone, we’ll shuttle you around to sights and trailheads, mixing hiking miles with boardwalks. You’ll see the Mammoth Hot Springs on the same day that you hike the charming Beaver Pond Loop. Then, you’ll pair the Upper Geyser Basin with a fantastic backcountry geyser that ricochets water into the air, painting a rainbow across the landscape. On the last day, you’ll hike across meadows and through lodgepole pine forests to the 220-foot Fairy Falls before ending your trip at yet another classic: the swirling colors of Grand Prismatic Spring.

On the days in between, you’ll summit peaks — Mount Washburn and the Elephant Back Mountain — and hike along lakeshores through Grizzly bear territory. The greatest thing about this tour? You’ll leave feeling like you know Yellowstone like the back of your hand.

Highlights: Escaping the crowds to experience the true wilderness of Yellowstone. Oh, and the almost-guaranteed wildlife sightings.

Potential wildlife sightings: Bison, elk, grizzly bear, wolves, and more.

Trip Length & Total Mileage: 30 miles over five days

Best Time for Travel: June through September

See Yellowstone Basecamp Tour

the best of Utah (Bryce, Zion, & Escalante)

Southern Utah is home to five amazing National Parks and countless acres of National Monument and BLM land, so you’ll never run out of sights to see. On this six-day hiking and camping tour of southwestern Utah, we take you through two of these National Parks — Zion and Bryce Canyon — and into Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument. You’ll squeeze through dark, narrow slot canyons in Escalante, weave your way through the sea of hoodoos in Bryce, and gain expansive views as you huff and puff up a mountainside above Zion Canyon. When you return to camp at night (in either Zion National Park or Escalante Petrified Forest State Park), you’ll kick up your feet as a reward for your hard work during your day’s adventures.

Want more time in Zion? We offer a three-day Zion-only trip. Or, cut down on driving and spend five days in Bryce and Escalante! On this off-the-beaten-path trip, you’ll spend the majority of your hiking time on less-populated trails so you can experience the solitude of the red rock desert.

Highlights: Incredible geologic features, including narrow slot canyons, tall sandstone walls, and bright hoodoos.

Potential wildlife sightings: Bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, and other desert critters.

Trip Length & Total Mileage: 30+ miles over six days

Best Time for Travel: March through June and September/October

See Best of Utah Basecamp Tour

Is a Camping trip right for you?

Many types of hikers would enjoy a guided camping adventure. If you love to camp and day hike, a camping trip this year might be right for you. Or, if you want to learn the skills to set out on adventures yourself, our guides can supply you with the knowledge you need. A basecamp tour might be up your alley if:

• You enjoy hiking and camping with local, professional guides to increase the safety and enjoyment of your national park adventure.
• You’re new to camping and don’t own the gear, joining a tour might make practical and financial sense.
• You’ve been dreaming of a specific camping and hiking vacation (such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, or southern Utah). You’ll want to ensure you make the very most of your big trip with a hand-crafted, expert itinerary.
• You’re interested in the educational aspect of learning about your hiking destination and its natural and cultural history. Joining a professionally guided tour provided by a reputable company will enrich your experience!
• You want the ease and convenience of letting us handle the logistics. That way, you can focus entirely on enjoying the hiking and camping experience.

why wildland trekking?

We know the quality of your guiding company can make or break a trip. When you let a trekking operator plan your vacation — including the trails you hike and the meals you eat —you want it to be top-notch. Plus, you’re spending entire days with your group and your guide, so you want to ensure that group dynamics run smoothly. If you’ve planned your dream hiking vacation, why would you settle for anything less than excellence? That’s where Wildland Trekking comes in.

We offer premier hiking vacations across the U.S.A. and the globe. Many adventure companies focus on multiple sports, but not us – we’re 100% focused on the trekking experience. With exceptional guides, fantastic meals, top-of-the-line gear, dialed-in logistics, incredible support staff, and award-winning itineraries, we are passionate about providing unforgettable trekking experiences for guests all over the world!

But don’t take it from us, click any of these trip pages and read the trip reviews so that you can know with certainty that you’ll be happy with your choice. Or, head to Tripadvisor to see how our trips fare in your desired destination. We want you to love every minute of your adventure, so contact us today to get started.

The post Top USA Camping Trips and Tours for 2022 appeared first on Wildland Trekking.

Luckily, the USA is filled with serene landscapes made up of quiet nooks and crannies. While hiking is helpful for our fitness, our minds need silence on the trail to regenerate too.

Hiking is a great way to reap the benefits of what nature has to offer. The elements whip us into shape, and we sweat out our frustrations. As our muscles scream for solitude and our toes rub in our boots, we seek shade and relaxation.

All-inclusive Hiking Vacations

With a country filled with such diverse adventure and eye-popping scenery, we have a smorgasbord of outdoor adventure right at our doorstep. Sometimes the fatigues of everyday life try to dissuade us from getting outdoors, but in the end, the rewards of trekking unknown paths are too great. Hiking is a way for nature to give us some much-needed wilderness therapy.

Choosing Your Adventure

Before we jump into the trips, we’ll first cover some basics about exploring this country’s amazing wilderness. But if you’re in a hurry, the table below provides a quick overview of every trip detailing its difficulty and mileage.

Now, let’s take a look at important hiking tips that you should know regardless of where you’re adventure takes you. If you’re just starting to get into hiking, be sure to check out our beginner’s guide to hiking to make sure you’re fully prepared!

Know Before You Go

Leave No Trace

Every hiker should be aware of the Leave No Trace code of ethics. Whether you’re taking a walk in the park or a hike up a mountain, everyone can and should leave no trace.⁠

One part of Leave No Trace is to stay on the trail. Damaged trails can take hundreds of years to repair, especially if the soils and vegetation are new. So, although it is tempting, don’t take shortcuts and follow marked paths. This is good for the ecosystem of the area and prevents you from getting lost along the way.

Wildlife

USA hiking brings you into contact with wildlife, from bears to moose to squirrels. Approaching or feeding wildlife is DANGEROUS and ILLEGAL while on federal or state land.

Wild animals that get used to human food are more likely to approach other humans to beg, resulting in an attack. Over time, an animal’s digestive system forgets how to breakdown the food they were once accustomed to, which could lead to death. It can also lead them to forget how to “hunt” and puts them at a disadvantage in the winter months when people aren’t out on the trails.

As they say, a fed bear (or any animal) is a dead bear. Being a good steward in the outdoors means respecting the wildlife from a safe distance.

Food Management

While not directly feeding wildlife is important, it’s equally crucial that you don’t let them accidentally find your food! To this end, National Parks often have very strict rules about storing your food overnight. Be sure to review these requirements before your trip!

If you’re just heading out for a day hike, be sure you never leave your food unattended! Critters in highly trafficked areas can be very bold and will steal your lunch in a heartbeat. So be careful, and keep your food safe!

Safety

It’s always essential to let others know where you’re going and when you expect to be back before heading out for your hike. Additionally, make sure that you bring along a basic medical pack, some form of navigation, and plenty of general gear (discussed below).

Trust me; it’s always better to have everything you need than to find yourself in a pinch without a crucial piece of gear.

Appropriate Gear

Below you will find a list of items that you should pack in your emergency kit in your day pack. Yes, those items are more along the lines of a full day hike, but even for short hikes, stuff happens. The weather changes, you can slip and fall, you could get lost, it might get dark quicker than you expected, etc.

Having extra snacks, an additional warm layer, your first aid kit, and a headlamp will become second nature when you hit the trails.

• Navigation (Map, altimeter, compass)
• Headlamp (plus extra batteries)
• Sun protection
• First aid (basic)
• Knife (or a multi-tool)
• Matches/Fire
• Extra food/snacks
• Plenty of water
• Extra clothes/layers

Weather

Weather is, hands down, one of the most essential factors to consider when picking a hiking trail. If it is raining in the hiking area, change your plans. Hiking can become extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening in certain weather conditions, like heavy rain, high heat, and high snow.

Check with NOAA before heading out on your hike. They provide barometric pressure, climate, and weather conditions for the day based on an hourly schedule. Having an hourly schedule isn’t always necessary, but it can be important when hiking in mountainous regions where the weather changes frequently and dramatically.

Fees and Permits

National Park Hiking Reminder: You will have to pay the standard entrance fee when hiking in the wilderness areas of our National Parks. For more information about fees or purchasing a pass, visit the National Park website.

Additionally, if you’re heading out for multiple days on a backpacking trip, be aware that you’ll need camping permits and may need to pay additional fees. Each National Park will have location-specific information for all required permits on their website, so be sure to check the park website before you head out!

Overnight Hiking

While we’re going to focus on day-trips in this article, remember that our National Parks are full of backcountry camping opportunities! However, spending a night or two in the backcountry takes significantly more preparation than a day hike! In addition to camping permits and food storage, be sure that you have adequate sleeping gear – tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc. – along with appropriate hiking footwear and backpacks. Take a look at our guide to backpacking to make sure your trip is as smooth and epic as possible!

Now that we’ve covered the general hiking tips, it’s time to dive into our 5 epic USA hiking adventures! Remember, there are tons of other hikes in every National Park we’re about to cover, and you can always plan several additional activities and hikes to make your trip as amazing as possible. Also, keep in mind that Wildland Trekking offers unforgettable hiking adventures to many of our National Parks. So if you get hooked on exploring the wilderness, consider hiking with us for a fun-filled adventure!

1. Exit Glacier/Harding Icefield Hike – Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Length: 8.4-mile out and back | Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous | Elevation Gain: 3812 feet

The Hike

Few scenes in the world compare to the view across the frozen expanse of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield. Rising peaks break the white horizon, glaciers spill from the ice field’s edge, and mountains fill the frame in every direction.

You’ll be impressed by the sheer power of the place and the fleeting nature of this precarious landscape in a changing world. You’ll also gain a sense of accomplishment, reaching the end of the trail.

Even if you don’t go all the way, this high alpine trek will take you through scattered wildflower meadows, give you the chance to spot mountain wildlife (like marmots, goats, and black bears), and grant a new perspective on the shifting natural world.

The Itinerary

As the only land-accessible glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, Exit Glacier draws many visitors for its unparalleled scenery. The Harding Icefield Trail starts near the Exit Glacier area and ascends alongside the glacier with spectacular views of its crevasses and moraines (glacial deposits).

The trail is a combination of dirt switchbacks and open dirt trails leading to the ice field. Snow can be present on the trail, which will make it slushy as you reach higher altitudes.

When To Go

The best time to hike Exit Glacier is between June and early September. This is mostly due to late snow in the spring and early snow in the fall. The snowfield can be covered with deep snow, which will make the trail hard to find and dangerous to navigate outside the summer months.

Permits & Fees

National Park entrance fee required for all National Park’s but no specific permit for this day hike.

USA Hiking With a Guide

Although Wildland Trekking does not offer hiking tours in Alaska, we offer trips to similar destinations, such as the Tetons and North Cascades National Park.

2. Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Loop – Acadia National Park, Maine

Length: 4.8-mile loop | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 1315 feet

The Hike

Cadillac Mountain is the highest point in Acadia National Park in Maine. It is also the highest mountain along the Atlantic Ocean anywhere north of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the fall and winter, it is the first place in the U.S. that sees the sunrise. There is something extraordinary about seeing the Ocean from the top of a mountain.

Reaching the Cadillac Mountains summit will start with an immediate steep rise. The trail then eases off, giving your legs a little break. There is one further section that is slightly steeper, but it’s still a more gradual incline to the finish line.

The Itinerary

This hike starts on the Park Loop Road not far after it begins at the Route 233 entrance. There is a parking lot on the left and a small overlook of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. The trailhead is across the road from the parking area.

In the beginning, you will travel through the forest and more open rocky ledges. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. After passing through one last set of trees, and a steeper section, the trail steps out onto open ledges that continue to the top.

From these ledges, you have 180-degree views from Eagle Lake to the left, through Bar Harbor in the center, and Dorr Mountain to the right.

When To Go

The best time to hike Cadillac Mountain is between late May and late October. This is mostly due to late snow in the spring and early precipitation, and cooler temps in the fall.

The trail can become very cold and windy with large amounts of precipitation, which will make the trail slippery and dangerous to navigate outside the summer and fall months.

Permits & Fees

National Park entrance fee required for all National Park’s but no specific permit for this day hike.

Hike with a Guide

Although Wildland Trekking does not offer hiking tours in Maine, we offer similar destinations, such as the fall colors hike in Vermont.

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3. Chesler Park Loop – Canyonlands National Park (Needles), Utah

Length: 10.4-mile loop | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 1820 feet

The Hike

Chesler Park Loop Trail is one of the most stunning hiking trails in the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves, because it takes a lot of sweat, tenacity, and sunscreen to get you through the full-day adventure.

You could do this in a day if you start early and have plenty of water to bring along. Regardless, you’ll be rewarded with splendid desert grasslands surrounded by fantastic sandstone formations.

If you are a fan of geology, then this hike is for you. You’ll weave through pinnacles, squeeze through slot canyons, marvel at curious mushroom rocks, scramble across slickrock, shimmy through joins, dip through canyons, and take in the views atop a mesa. Altogether, they make a memorable hike in what feels like another world!

The Itinerary

Starting at Elephant Hill, the hike out to the Chesler Park Loop Trail is roughly 3 miles long. The loop is 5 miles for a total of 11 miles if you decide to do it in one day. The trek is strenuous, with numerous ups and downs, various terrain including uneven rocks, slickrock, and sandy streambeds.

When To Go

The best times to access this hike are in spring and fall. I would suggest that you not attempt this during the summer since day temperatures often exceed 100° F or 38° C.

The heat index will warn hikers to stay indoors during the summer months. The lack of shade and exposure to the sun makes this a dangerous combination.

Permits & Fees

National Park entrance fee required for all National Park’s but no specific permit for this day hike.

Hike With a Guide

Please check out our 4-day itinerary in the rugged landscape of Canyonlands National Park.

4. Mt. Washburn – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Length: 6.8-mile out and back | Difficulty: Moderate  | Elevation Gain: 1384 feet

The Hike

One of Yellowstone National Park’s best viewpoints is a hike to the top of Mount Washburn, the most central summit in the park.

Although the park would list it as strenuous for its visitors, it could be considered relatively easy for avid hikers. The summit offers panoramic views of about 45 miles in all directions, including the Teton Range to the far south. During July, wildflowers carpet the slopes, and wildlife like bighorn sheep are common sightings all summer.

The Itinerary

There are two trails to the top, both similar in gain and distance. The southern trail starts at the Dunraven Pass Trailhead, and the northern trail begins at the Chittenden Road parking area. The road-trail is open to bikes.

The well-used trail climbs gently up to the summit of Mt. Washburn, where you will find a small radio station.

As you hike, you will come across some of the best views in the park, including wildflower-studded meadows, dense forests, and expansive canyons. Across the road, you will see the grassy Dunraven and Hedges Peak. Hiking north, you will be able to see the mountains of the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness on the park’s boundary.

After most of the climbing is done, you will pop out onto a rocky ridge, where the apex of the good views is located. You will be able to see the lookout tower at the top of Mt. Washburn. As you advance to the final approach to the summit, you will gain the shoulder of the Mt. Washburn Spur Trail. Turn left and go up to the very summit, turning counterclockwise as you climb.

The views from the top are enhanced versions of what you have seen hiking up, offering a fantastic finale to an excellent day hike. Look down and enjoy the landscape into the brink of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone on this hike and the numerous rolling, grassy hills surrounding it.

The hut at the top has a washroom and can shield yourself from the famously strong winds present at the summit.

When To Go

Mt Washburn is best hiked from late May until mid-October, with July being the optimal time for viewing wildflowers. The road over Dunraven Pass is one of the last to open in Spring and first to close in the fall.

Permits & Fees

National Park entrance fee required for all National Park’s but no specific permit for this day hike.

Hike with a Guide

We don’t offer this exact trip as a guided option, but we have a phenomenal 5-day Best of Yellowstone Inn-based Hiking Tour that incorporates day hikes in this area.

5. Ptarmigan Lake – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Length: 11.8-mile out and back | Difficulty: Strenuous | Elevation Gain: 3850 feet

The Hike

A strenuous hike to a seldom-visited off-trail lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a real gem in the Rocky Mountain state.

The hike to Ptarmigan Lake has plenty of elevation gain for mountain lovers wanting a challenge and views for miles from the Continental Divide.

The Itinerary

If you want to reach this spot for sunrise, you’ll need a very early start in the morning, but that also means you won’t have to use the shuttle system to Bear Lake. The last half-mile of the hike is off-trail so make sure to watch your step and practice Leave No Trace Principles. You might also encounter a herd of elk foraging for summer greens on Flat Top Mountain.

From the Bear Lake parking area, head right on the Bear Lake Trail loop to a fork in .25 miles. Take this steep connector trail up Flat Top Mountain Trail and stay left at a junction with Fern Lake Trail at mile Follow the trail to the top and stay straight at the junctions after mile 4. After 5 miles in, you should see the lake 700’ below you and carefully choose your path down. From the outlet of the Ptarmigan Lake, you can see numerous photogenic tarns and the North Inlet.

When To Go

The summer months of late May through September are prime time for Rocky Mountain National Park. You will incur cooler temperatures and more precipitation outside of these times, including snow at high altitudes. 

Permits & Fees

National Park entrance fee required for all National Park’s but no specific permit for this day hike.

Hike With a Guide

While Wildland Trekking doesn’t have a specific guided trek to Ptarmigan Lake, we do have various hikes and tours in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The post 5 Epic USA Hiking Adventures appeared first on Wildland Trekking.

The South Boundary trail thrusts you into a wilderness adventure right off the bat. It starts by crossing the 30-foot wide Snake River, a serious task with early season runoff. Next, you’ll walk along a small lake, open meadows, and a smattering of thermal features. From there, most of the trail is an old growth forest corridor teaming with berry bushes and mushrooms. There’s no wonder why this area has one of the highest Grizzly bear populations in the park. Finally, the forest opens up and the Snake River is alongside you once more. There is a spot along the river where you can safely soak in the runoff from the Snake Hot Springs. Follow our description to your private back country spa.

Explore Yellowstone with Expert Guides

Getting to the South Boundary Trailhead

The South Boundary Trailhead is located just north of the South Entrance gate in Yellowstone National Park. Parking for the trail is located at the Snake River Picnic Area. Click here for directions to the trailhead. There are restrooms but no water at the picnic area.

Fauna of the South Boundary Trail

Bears

This area offers prime food sources for both grizzly and black bears. They can be found in the forests eating mushrooms, huckleberries, and white bark pine nuts. You might also see them in the meadows eating biscuitroot and horsetail. If they are splashing in a lake or river, they are probably trying to scoop up cutthroat trout or algae. The Red Mountains, including Mt. Sheridan, offer the alpine habitat of their most calorically dense food source, army cutworm moths. You can sometimes spot them along the mountainside, turning up rocks to lick up these fattening insects. If you see a bear, they will most likely be eating.

Sandhill Cranes

You will most likely hear a sandhill crane before you see one. They have a distinct guttural call that can be heard more than 2 miles away. It may take you a minute to distinguish them, as their gray feathers are designed to blend in with their grassy roosts. The grasslands and wetlands along the South Boundary offer perfect habitat for these charismatic birds. When you finally get a good look at them, you’ll be impressed with their slender 4-foot-tall figure. As the tallest birds in Yellowstone, they are sometimes mistaken for people standing off in the distance.

Moose

Moose are a rare sight in Yellowstone. Habitat loss and hunting outside the boundaries have brought their numbers below 200 in the park. However, the old growth forests and wetlands around the South Boundary area make this trail one of the most likely places to spot them. They are usually seen around meadows, rivers, and lakes. Keep your distance though! They are notorious for protecting their territory with brute force.

Day Hiking on the South Boundary Trail

Snake Hot Springs

This day hike has all the merits of a backcountry adventure: Big mileage, a river ford, off-trail route finding, and virtually complete solitude. From the trailhead sign, you will wind through tall reeds for about a minute before reaching the edge of the Snake River. This water can be around 3 feet deep in July. Unbuckle your hip belt, face the current and cross carefully at an upstream angle. There are reflective orange signs marking the trail on both ends. The next mile crosses wet meadows, a lake, and several small thermal features. From there, you will enter a shaded tree tunnel of old growth Lodgepole pines, spruces, and firs. The forest floor is bursting with wildflowers, berries, and mushrooms. You will cover slight elevation change here and there.

After about 4 miles, the forest opens up and the trail runs parallel to the river. Continue about a half mile to check out the Snake Hot Springs themselves. You will cross a footbridge over a small thermal stream. Shortly thereafter, there will be 2 large steaming pools to the right of the trail. If you’ve reached campsite 8C1, you’ve gone too far. Look for social trails through the tall grass to reach the hot springs. Admire the unique colors, patterns, and textures but be extremely careful not to step too close. 

When you’re done admiring the hot springs, return to the trail. It’s time to find the well-hidden soak spot. The small stream you recently crossed via bridge is being fed by thermal water from the Snake Hot Springs. The point at which the hot stream and cold river meet will be your soak spot. You need to plant yourself on the land between the stream and river. From where you are now, look North at the land between you and the river. You are already on the right side of the stream so just walk toward the river a few paces and turn left heading West. There should be a social trail in the grass. However, it changes with regrowth every year. As long as you are walking West with the thermal stream on your left and the river on your right, you will end up in the right place. Be mindful not to step on any major vegetation as you travel off trail. At one point, you will cross a thin branch of dry river bed to get to the next bit of land in front of you. Continue West and the land bar will continue to get narrower. When there is no more land to walk on and these bodies of water rejoin before you, you’re there.

You’ll see the branch to your left is steaming hot and not safe to touch. Where the stream and river meet, there are a couple rock pools built up that are also extremely hot. The temperature immediately downstream of them is heaven. Sit down and soak it up! In August, it is usually necessary to lay down if you want to be fully immersed. By September, the water level can be entirely too low for soaking. Be careful not to step too far into the Snake River as there’s always risk of being swept away.    

When you’ve had your fill, retrace your steps back through the social trail to limit the impact on the vegetation. Return to the proper trail and head back the way you came. The tree tunnel has a lot of bear food and low visibility. Aim to finish your hike before dusk to avoid a dangerous encounter. Because of the long mileage, route finding, and soak time, you should plan for this hike to take you all day. Unless you’re into 25-mile days, this out and back is really the only good day hike option for this trail.

Maximize Your Visit to Yellowstone National Park on a Hiking Tour

Guided day hike tours and multi-day packages allow visitors the opportunity to make the most of their time in Yellowstone National Park and to do it hassle-free. Guided tours include gear (backpack, trekking poles, crampons in winter), meals, accommodations on multi-day tours, local transportation, and a professional Yellowstone hiking guide. Through their knowledge, stories, and personal passion, guides can bring a place to life in a way that’s much more difficult to do on your own. Read more about Yellowstone Hiking Tours.

Award Winning USA Hiking Adventures

3 South Boundary Trail Backpacking Trips

The South Boundary trail has backpacking options ranging from an overnight “out and back” to a 5+ day thru-hike.

1. Snake Hot Springs (2-3 days)

This trip offers all the rewards of our Snake Hot Springs day hike with the slower pace of a backpacking trip. Follow the description above. If you are planning an overnight, you can either visit the hot springs that afternoon when you arrive or the next morning before you leave. Either way, it is safer to visit the hot springs with just day hike essentials leaving your food and backpack weight at camp. Take the utmost care in bear-proofing your camp before this excursion.

You will either stay at 8C1 or 8C6. 8C6 is a mile further after the next Snake River ford. 8C1 is gorgeous and closer to the hot springs, but a bit inconvenient for using the bathroom. Leave No Trace ethics require cat-holes be dug at least 200 yards away from any water source. This site is so close to the river that it is necessary to climb the hill into the forest to make your deposit. As scrambling off trail into a Grizzly rich forest poses extra risks, we recommend a bathroom buddy system. Just stand nearby, facing away from your pooping friend, making occasional bear calls. No need to hold hands for the task.

Our favorite way to plan this backpacking trip is to spend 2 nights out with a full layover day at the same site. You can sleep in, take your time exploring, and spend as much time as you want soaking. Lounging along the river just east of 8C1 is a lovely past time, sure to earn you a visit from the Marmots living underneath the rocky bank. If you have more time to kill that afternoon, you can stroll Southeast along the South Boundary trail or Northeast up the Heart Lake trail. There is beauty in all directions.

2. Snake River/Basin Creek Loop (4-6 days)

Venture deeper into Yellowstone’s southern backcountry with this lollipop shaped route. Start with the South Boundary trail as we’ve described above. At your first junction 5.6 miles in, turn right to continue Southeast along the South Boundary trail. 2.7 miles later, turn left at the junction onto the Snake River trail. This will soon head North offering beautiful riverside views. Continue straight past the next 2 junctions. After 7.8 miles of the Snake River trail, you will join the Heart Lake trail. Turn left (South) here to reach Basin Creek Lake. To complete the loop, continue South climbing small hills and passing gorgeous wetlands. Keep your eyes peeled for moose and sandhill cranes! After 4 miles, you will ford the Snake River. Just a half mile further and you will return to your first junction with the South Boundary trail. On familiar terrain once again, follow the stick of this lollipop back to the trailhead. 

For all variations of this trip, we recommend starting off by visiting the Snake Hot Springs. We like having shorter mileage at the beginning of our trips when our packs are heaviest. For night 2, 8C4 along the Snake River is the best. 8C2 at Nine Mile Meadows is a good back up option but it will lengthen your next day by 3.2 miles. Our favorite Basin Creek Lake site is 8B2 for its beauty and proximity to the lake. The trees bearing the food pole here have menacing bear scratches on them. We appreciate this omen as a friendly reminder to keep a neat, clean, bear-proof camp.

To hike this route in 4 days, you will have 3 days that are 5 to 6 miles and 1 day that will be 10 miles or more. To pick your sites, decide whether you’d prefer to hike 10+ miles on your 2^nd, 3^rd, or last day. Of course, the backcountry office will ultimately make that decision for you. A 5-day itinerary perfectly spaces out the best sites between 5 and 6 miles. The 6-day option is our favorite as it offers the same daily mileage as the 5-day, but with an added layover for a full day of lounging around the Snake Hot Springs.

3. Heart Lake to Snake River Thru Hike (5-6 days)

This route is one of the best backpacking trips in the park. It is easily the best way to enjoy the highlights of the South Boundary trail while adding a ton of variety for a holistic Yellowstone experience. We consider the Snake Hot Springs to be the perfect climax, so our recommended route is North to South.

Start from the Heart Lake trailhead into a thick Lodgepole tree tunnel. After several miles, your view will open up to mountains, a geyser basin, and a far-off lake. The trail will zig zag down several hundred feet and you will pass through three miles of thermal features. The most exciting hot springs are well-visible from the trail. After 7.3 miles you will reach the Heart Lake Patrol Cabin and the gorgeous shore of Heart Lake. Your first camp should be any one along the West shore of the lake.

If you have time for a 6-day itinerary, spend 2 nights at this first site so you can climb Mt. Sheridan. This is a challenging hike with dynamic scenery the whole way and epic views at its 10,299-foot peak. If they’re around, be sure to say hello to the watchman on-duty at the Fire tower.

The Heart Lake trail will continue South through a Lodgepole tunnel, cross a decent sized stream, and meander through luscious meadows. Ignore the junction with the Snake River trail and continue straight if you’re staying at 8B2, right next to Basin Creek Lake. The other Basin Creek sites are great too, they will just require a bit of back tracking. The next day you will cover more classic Yellowstone wetlands, cross another creek and climb up a plateau. Shortly thereafter, you will climb back down to reach your first major ford across the Snake River. Your campsite might be here at 8C6, which is a great site. When you’re ready to cross the river, take your time scouting the safest route. After half a mile, you will join the South Boundary trail. Turn right heading West along the river. See our description for the Snake Hot Springs backpacking trip and day hike to learn how to spend your layover day. On your last day, continue West along the beautiful South Boundary trail and ford the river one last time to get to the trailhead. 

This backpacking trip requires great physical fitness. The route includes 2 serious river fords. Review Yellowstone’s Backcountry Situation Report before your trip to make sure water levels are low enough to cross. Check out these pro tips to learn how to ford a river safely.

Join a Guided Yellowstone National Park Backpacking Trip

Joining a Yellowstone backpacking tour is a worry-free, adventurous way to experience Yellowstone. With your gear, meals, local transportation, permits, and fees taken care of for you, you can travel light and focus 100% on enjoying the hiking experience, while the guide company takes care of everything else. Also, by going with local experts you’ll enjoy a greater level of safety and gain a much better understanding of the history and ecology of this remarkable region. Read more about a guided Yellowstone backpacking trips.

All-inclusive Yellowstone Backpacking Trips

When to Hike and Seasonal Considerations

The South Boundary trail is best hiked August through October. The trail is often times inaccessible until late July due to high waters in the Snake River. Review Yellowstone’s Backcountry Situation Report before your trip to make sure water levels are low enough to cross. Check out these pro tips to learn how to ford a river safely.

In the Fall bears are experiencing hyperphagia. This is the period when they are consuming as much food as possible to fatten up for hibernation. Be extra mindful of procedures for hiking safely in bear country if you plan to hike during this time.

Traveling Around Thermal Areas

Thermal features, though fascinating, can easily scald or kill people who underestimate them. Even what appears to be solid ground in a thermal basin can give way to scalding water below. Backcountry basins require visitors to be even more educated as there are no boardwalks and safety boundaries are not as clearly defined. Thermal environments and the precious microorganisms that inhabit them are also extremely sensitive. Both biology and geology can be irreparably damaged by human contact. Follow these guidelines around thermal basins of any kind.

• Always stay on boardwalks and designated trails
• Do not touch thermal features
• Do not touch or step on thermal runoff
• Swimming or soaking in hot springs is prohibited and likely fatal
• Pets are not allowed in thermal areas
• Do not throw objects in features
• Toxic gases can build to great intensity in some areas. If you feel sick, leave immediately. 

Animal Safety 

Wildlife is one of the best reasons to visit Yellowstone. With the privilege of hiking through their habitat comes great responsibility to uphold respect and safety. Becoming accustomed to humans is not good for the well-being of any wild animal. Even our docile herbivores can maim or kill people. The key to these guidelines is to just let the animals be.

• Never feed wildlife (Not even a squirrel)
• Do not approach wildlife
• Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves
• Stay at least 25 yards away from all other animals
• Do not shout, whistle, or otherwise harass wildlife

If you want to view wildlife from the road, always stop in a designated pull out.

Bear Safety

Yellowstone is black and grizzly bear country. Special practices are necessary to improve the safety of yourself, other visitors, and the animals. Most of these tactics aim to avoid making a bear react defensively. A bear will feel threatened if we surprise it, approach its cubs, or encroach on its food source. We must also do everything in our power to prevent a bear from eating human food or smelling an attractant where we sleep.

While Hiking

All of the following practices are necessary whether you are hiking in bear country for 5 minutes or 5 days.

• Don’t hike alone (At least 3 people is best)
• Always be alert
• Make noise
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it
• Never feed a bear
• Do not leave packs or any food unattended
• Stay on maintained trails
• Avoid carcasses
• Avoid hiking at dawn, dusk, or night
• Stay out of areas closed for bear management

While Camping

All of the following practices are necessary if you are sleeping outside in bear country.

• Sleep away from where you cook and eat (100 yds in backcountry)
• Do not sleep in clothing that smells like food
• Keep all sleeping gear away from food odors
• Strain your dishwater, putting particles in trash
• Keep camp clean and free of trash
• Store all attractants in a bear proof container or hang from food pole. (This includes: food, garbage, toiletries, stoves and fuel bottles, utensils, food containers and anything scented)

Bear Encounters

As the park service says, safety cannot be guaranteed in these wild places. These are best practices to lower the risks of an aggressive bear encounter.

• Do not run
• Slowly back away (taking any food with you)
• Speak calmly, do not shout
• Group together, make yourselves look large
• When necessary, use bear spray
• Report conflicts to park rangers

Check out Yellowstone National Park’s great reference on how and when to use bear spray.  

Necessary Permits

Day Hike Permits

There are no permits required to do any day hiking in Yellowstone National Park. However, some areas can be closed to due high bear activity. Before you head out, you can check to see which Bear Management Areas are closed by clicking here.

Backpacking Permits

All overnight stays inside Yellowstone require an overnight camping permit. Actual permits must be picked up in person no more than 48 hours before a trip. Most sites can be reserved in advance by mail, fax, or in person. Requests received before April will be granted by random lottery. When the lottery is complete, all requests submitted after April 1^st are processed in the order they are received. For more information on Yellowstone’s permit system, click here.  

Suggested Packing List

Day Hike Packing List

• bear spray
• 2-3 liters of water
• salty, calorie-rich snacks
• lunch
• backpack
• trekking poles
• wide-brimmed hat
• sunscreen, sunglasses
• bug spray
• non-cotton hiking shirt
• rain jacket
• warm non-cotton layer
• 1st-aid kit
• water shoes or sandals

Backpacking Packing List

• all items listed for day hikes PLUS
• multi-day backpack
• 3-season tent
• sleeping bag
• sleeping pad
• rope for hanging food (at least 35 feet)
• backpacking stove and fuel
• eating utensils and straining device
• backpacking meals
• 3 pairs wool socks
• extra t-shirts
• warm layers
• trowel, toilet paper, ziplocks
• water filter or purification method

Please Respect Our National Parks – Leave No Trace

We strongly recommend abiding by all Leave No Trace ethics guidelines and practices so that our national parks and public lands are preserved for the enjoyment of future generations and for the people and animals who call these places home. Simple things like packing out your trash, obeying national park rules, and respecting the peace and quiet of our national park trails is a great start. If you’re going on a backpacking trip, you can read about more about the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.

The post South Boundary Trail appeared first on Wildland Trekking.

Mount Washburn is one of the most popular day hikes in the park and with good reason. The trail climbs 1,400 feet of moderate switchbacks with diverse plant life and open views along the way. The 10,243-foot summit offers an endless panorama from the Tetons to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and beyond. The peak also boasts a fire lookout tower with restrooms and an enclosed deck. 

Explore Yellowstone with Expert Guides

Getting to the Mount Washburn Trailhead

The Mount Washburn Trail is located at the top of Dunraven Pass on Grand Loop Road. Click here for directions to the parking area. If you are choosing to take the Chittenden Road trail to the summit of Washburn the parking area is located 5 miles north of Dunraven Pass on Grand Loop Road. There is no water at either trailhead. The closest potable water is located at Tower Junction. There are composting toilets at the top of Dunraven Pass.

History of the Mount Washburn Trail

This mountain is named after Henry Washburn, one of the leaders of the famous 1870 Washburn-Langford-Doane expedition. Members of this voyage made the first documented ascent on August 29th, 1870 using a rugged version of the current trail. Shortly thereafter, the route was polished to accommodate stagecoaches. Until automobiles were allowed in the park in 1915, visitors would rise to the summit via horse drawn wagon. The Chittenden route still accommodates service vehicles.

Atop the summit sits a fire lookout tower which is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. Construction of the tower took place between 1939 and 1940. It has been continually occupied each year during fire season. Visitors of the viewing deck can sometimes meet that season’s firefighter who lives alone in the tower from June to August watching for signs of fire.

3 Best Day Hikes on the Mount Washburn Trail

A trip to Yellowstone is not complete without a day hike to the summit of Mount Washburn. Big views, eye-popping wildflowers, and the possibility of seeing big horn sheep are a few of the rewards one receives on this moderate climb.

Below are the primary options for day hiking the Mount Washburn Trail:

1. Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn

This route is as classic as they come in Yellowstone. From the Dunraven Pass trailhead, the wide paved path heads Southeast with a gentle uphill grade. After about half a mile it will bend sharply North to continue wrapping around the bottom of a small peak that is connected to Mount Washburn. The trail finally hits the Southwest slope of Mount Washburn and continues to scale North before making a series of switchbacks. The alpine plant life along the trail boasts a palette of wildflowers in July and August. Even the slope of Dunraven peak across the road pops with color.

Keep your eyes peeled for the families of bighorn sheep who frequent the mountainside. You may even see them walking along the trail, sometimes obstructing the path for quite some time. Do not approach, whistle to, shout at or otherwise harass the animals. Maintain that distance of 25 yards for safety as bighorn sheep, especially with young, have been known to gore humans. Just enjoy your lucky chance to view them up close, no matter how long it takes for them to move on.

The trail begins to scale the southern spine of the mountain allowing for big views on either side. With one last mile long push strait North, you arrive at the summit. There is so much room up there, it takes a 360 degree walk around the edge to appreciate the view in all directions. As the top tends to be wickedly windy, you should also check out the viewing deck in the shelter of the fire tower. There are bathrooms, trash cans, and maps to show you which landmarks you are looking at in each direction. When you’ve had your fill, return the way you came. If you are able to drop a vehicle prior or willing to hitchhike, you can head down the Chittenden trail for a different perspective. You should plan on this hike taking 4-6 hours.

2. Chittenden Road to Mount Washburn

If you want the fastest route up the most popular peak in Yellowstone, try the Chittenden trail. In just 2.7 miles you scale straight along the Northwest spine of the Mountain. It is a gradual incline with no switchbacks. Like the Dunraven Pass trail, you will enjoy alpine vegetation, wildflowers, and big horn sheep habitat. Unlike the more popular route, you may also share the trail with cyclists, horses, and service vehicles. The width of the trail accommodates these travelers well. Whereas Dunraven is asphalt, Chittenden is a gravel road. It is still very easy terrain and the views are wide open for the entire hike.

Return the way you came so you can face the epic scenery the whole way down and appreciate it even more. As an alternative, we are big fans of arranging a vehicle drop at the Dunraven Pass parking lot, so you can enjoy both trails. Hitchhiking is also a good option as the 5 miles between trailheads is very well trafficked. Either way, this hike typically takes 4+ hours to complete.

3. Mount Washburn to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

If you want your day on Mount Washburn to include miles of solitude and greater diversity, Washburn to Grand Canyon is your route. You get to scale the most popular peak in the park and then leave the summit on a trail that sees a fraction of the use of Dunraven or Chittenden.

Start off by enjoying either classic trail up to the summit. Don’t let the crowds get to you. You will soon escape them on a trail that none of them knows exists. When you’re ready to leave, head back down to the junction with the Chittenden trail. Chittenden, on your left, is wider and more noticeable. However, there is a thinner trail on your right heading Southeast. This is your get away. The first 1.5 miles follows the Southeast spine of the Mountain with a gradually increasing downward grade. At times, you are immersed in a cozy tree tunnel. Still, there are many more open views along the way, particularly of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Next, you leave the ridge and head virtually straight down to the base of the mountain. You will descend 1,200 feet in 1 mile through thick forest. The trail is steep, narrow, rocky and free of switchbacks. Trekking poles are a great asset. Once the hard part is over, you enjoy a virtually flat trail through the glorious Washburn Meadows. After a mile, the trail passes through a backcountry geyser basin with sulphurous vents and bubbling hot springs. Stay on the impacted path for safety. The route continues through meadows and tree tunnels for another couple miles. The last mile hugs the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone offering awe inspiring views of the colorful walls and river below. You have completed your hike when you’ve reached Glacial Boulder trailhead. Like any through-hike, this route requires a shuttle or vehicle drop, but it is well worth it! Plan on a minimum of 6-8 hours to complete this hike.

Maximize Your Visit to Yellowstone National Park on a Hiking Tour

Guided day hike tours and multi-day packages allow visitors the opportunity to make the most of their time in Yellowstone National Park and to do it hassle-free. Guided tours include gear (backpack, trekking poles, crampons in winter), meals, accommodations on multi-day tours, local transportation, and a professional Yellowstone hiking guide. Through their knowledge, stories, and personal passion, guides can bring a place to life in a way that’s much more difficult to do on your own. Read more about Yellowstone Hiking Tours.

Award Winning USA Hiking Adventures

When to Hike and Seasonal Considerations

The Mount Washburn trail is best hiked from late May until mid-October with July being the optimal time for viewing wildflowers. The road over Dunraven Pass is one of the last to open in Spring and first to close in the fall. Dunraven Pass can also close unexpectedly due to snowfall at any time. You can check the park’s roads current conditions by clicking here.

Weather can change drastically at any time in Yellowstone. Always check the forecast at the start of your hike. Pack proper layers for wind, rain, and cold. The summit of Mount Washburn is not a good place to be in a thunderstorm.

Another condition to consider is fire. If there are active fires in the area, views will be hazy and air quality poor at the summit. Consider saving Washburn for a clear day in fire season.

Animal Safety 

Wildlife is one of the best reasons to visit Yellowstone. With the privilege of hiking through their habitat comes great responsibility to uphold respect and safety. Becoming accustomed to humans is not good for the well-being of any wild animal. Even our docile herbivores can maim or kill people. The key to these guidelines is to just let the animals be.

• Never feed wildlife (Not even a squirrel)
• Do not approach wildlife
• Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves
• Stay at least 25 yards away from all other animals
• Do not shout, whistle, or otherwise harass wildlife

If you want to view wildlife from the road, always stop in a designated pull out.

Bear Safety

Yellowstone is black and grizzly bear country. Special practices are necessary to improve the safety of yourself, other visitors, and the animals. Most of these tactics aim to avoid making a bear react defensively. A bear will feel threatened if we surprise it, approach its cubs, or encroach on its food source. We must also do everything in our power to prevent a bear from eating human food or smelling an attractant where we sleep.

While Hiking

All of the following practices are necessary whether you are hiking in bear country for 5 minutes or 5 days.

• Don’t hike alone (At least 3 people is best)
• Always be alert
• Make noise
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it
• Never feed a bear
• Do not leave packs or any food unattended
• Stay on maintained trails
• Avoid carcasses
• Avoid hiking at dawn, dusk, or night
• Stay out of areas closed for bear management

Bear Encounters

As the park service says, safety cannot be guaranteed in these wild places. These are best practices to lower the risks of an aggressive bear encounter.

• Do not run
• Slowly back away (taking any food with you)
• Speak calmly, do not shout
• Group together, make yourselves look large
• When necessary, use bear spray
• Report conflicts to park rangers

Check out Yellowstone National Park’s great reference on how and when to use bear spray.  

Necessary Permits

Day Hike Permits

There are no permits required to do any day hiking in Yellowstone National Park. However, some areas can be closed to due high bear activity. Before you head out, you can check to see which Bear Management Areas are closed by clicking here.

Suggested Packing List

Day Hike Packing List

• bear spray
• 2-3 liters of water
• salty, calorie-rich snacks
• lunch
• backpack
• trekking poles
• wide-brimmed hat
• sunscreen, sunglasses
• bug spray
• non-cotton hiking shirt
• rain jacket
• warm non-cotton layer
• 1st-aid kit

Please Respect Our National Parks – Leave No Trace

We strongly recommend abiding by all Leave No Trace ethics guidelines and practices so that our national parks and public lands are preserved for the enjoyment of future generations and for the people and animals who call these places home. Simple things like packing out your trash, obeying national park rules, and respecting the peace and quiet of our national park trails is a great start. If you’re going on a backpacking trip, you can read about more about the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.

The post Mount Washburn Trail appeared first on Wildland Trekking.