Yellowstone Women's Backpacking - Black Canyon

Daily mileage and elevation may change.

This trip begins at our host hotel in Bozeman, Montana. We meet our backpacking companions in the morning and, after a gear check and brief orientation, we jump into our van and set out for the two-hour drive to magnificent Yellowstone National Park. Once into the park we continue on to the Hellroaring Creek Trailhead where our adventure begins in earnest. Descending 500 feet to the Yellowstone River, we breathe in the fresh mountain air as we make our way to tonight's campsite, where we enjoy a tasty camp dinner and our first views of the Black Canyon. Lunch and dinner included.

Backpacking: 6-10 miles, Elevation loss: -750'; Van transfer: 2 hours

After breakfast, we break camp and continue backpacking downriver. Today's hike leads us along the north bank of the Yellowstone River on a well-maintained trail with a relatively gentle grade. We navigate a few short creek crossings on our way to our next camp, arriving early enough to drop our packs, pitch our tents, and head out on an afternoon exploratory hike of the surrounding wilderness. This section of the Black Canyon generally offers a chance to observe Yellowstone's abundant wildlife including elk, bison, coyotes, moose, deer and an occasional bear. After dinner this evening, we slip into our cozy tents and fall asleep to the relaxing sounds of the nearby riversong. All meals included.

Backpacking: 5-7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +350' / -600'

After a hearty breakfast, we start out for our next campsite, providing us with the opportunity to really soak up the solitude of the Yellowstone backcountry. We explore our surroundings heading upstream on our way back to Knowles Falls for a final glimpse before continuing towards our camp for the evening. Fantastic views of the Yellowstone River—the longest undammed river in the Lower 48—greet us as we immerse ourselves in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Our guides are standing by to answer any questions that come to mind about the national park and its fascinating natural history. Tonight, we relish one final evening in the wilderness with our backpacking companions under the vast Rocky Mountain sky. All meals included.

Backpacking: 1-6 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +'' 825"/ -600'

We pack up our camp this morning and set out on our upstream hike along Blacktail Deer Creek, en route back to the trailhead. The trail ascends sharply, before leveling off in a beautiful valley of huge meadows and isolated stands of trees. Now out of the canyon, our views open up and more of Yellowstone's high-country landscapes materialize before our eyes. Finally, back at the trailhead this afternoon, our van awaits to transport us back to Bozeman. We expect to arrive back at our Bozeman host hotel between approximately 3-4pm. Breakfast and lunch included.

Backpacking: 2-7 miles, Elevation gain: +350'; Van transfer: 2 hours