Wyoming Yellowstone National Park Hiking Tour
Geothermal Wonders, Epic Wildlife & Untamed Beauty
- Available: June, July, August, September
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
Highlights
- Follow spectacular trails to Mammoth Hot Springs and Grand Prismatic Overlook, and summit Yellowstone's iconic Mount Washburn
- Spot free-roaming bison and marvel at the Lamar Valley, known as "the American Serengeti"
- Explore the visually stunning geothermal features of the Yellowstone caldera and see the legendary Old Faithful geyser
Itinerary
Hike Mammoth Terrace Loop & Howard Eaton Trail
Day 1
Welcome to Montana! Your guides will pick you and your fellow adventurers up this morning in Bozeman, MT. After an orientation meeting and a short drive to Mammoth Hot Springs, lace up your hiking boots and embark on a one-way hike, mostly downhill, through expansive meadows and wild hoodoo rock formations, with the peaks of the Gallatin Range visible over the hillsides. Soon, the hoodoos will come into view, and it won't be long before you find yourself walking among these large boulders and rocks that provide an excellent habitat for observing pikas. Next, continue your descent and prepare to be amazed as you connect with the Mammoth Terraces Upper Loop - a true geological wonder within Yellowstone National Park. Marvel at the world's most extraordinary travertine deposits, enhanced by the dynamic interplay of geothermal and seismic forces, resulting in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and an ever-changing landscape. Make sure to keep your camera ready, as the Mammoth terraces offer a truly otherworldly spectacle. Finish the hike by walking directly into the lobby of the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.Accommodation: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
Activity: 2-4 hours/4.6 miles hiking with 209' evalation gain and 1,238 elevation loss (additional option to extend the hike to over 6-miles)
Transportation: 2 hour private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Wildlife Viewing in Lamar Valley & Hike Mount Washburn
Day 2
Rise and shine early because today is action-packed! The Lamar Valley is often referred to as America's Serengeti due to its abundant population of large animals. Among its most famous inhabitants are the Junction Butte and Lamar Canyon wolf packs. Additionally, you can expect to encounter large herds of bison, pronghorn, badgers, grizzly bears, bald eagles, osprey, deer, and coyotes, so keep your eyes peeled! The adventure continues as you embark on your first challenge, Mount Washburn. Ascend to the summit at 10,219 feet and be greeted by a vibrant display of wildflowers, especially during July. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep along the trail, and once you reach the top, you'll discover a fire lookout tower featuring interpretive exhibits. If needed, you can find shelter from gusty winds and take in the captivating sights of Yellowstone Lake and the majestic Absaroka mountain range stretching beyond the horizon.Accommodation: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
Activity: 6-8 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,467' elevation gain and 1,485 elevation loss
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Grand Prismatic Overlook, Visit Old Faithful & Hike Observation Point
Day 3
You will literally warm up today as you walk along the boardwalks above the geothermal wonders of the Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser Crater. After that, you'll cross the Firehole River to reach the Grand Prismatic Overlook before continuing your hike to a scenic picnic spot near the magnificent 200-ft Fairy Falls, one of Yellowstone's most spectacular waterfalls. Explore the more remote Imperial and Spray Geysers before you return for a short transfer to the world's most famous geyser, Old Faithful. In the late afternoon, take the time to explore the area, including a short hike to Observation Point and the Upper Geyser Basin. Within just one square mile, you'll find over 150 geothermal features, making this one of the best places in the park to witness hot springs, geysers, and thermal pools.Accommodation: Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Activity: 6-8 hours hiking AM: 6.6 miles with 359' elevation gain and 359' elevation loss; PM: 4.9 miles with 357' elevation gain and 357' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Storm Point & West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake
Day 4
Begin your day heading to the Storm Point Loop on the north shore of Yellowstone Lake. This loop takes you through serene forests and grasslands, eventually leading to a strip of rolling sand dunes, picturesque beaches, and a rocky promontory. Along the hike, there's a good chance of spotting wildlife, particularly birds along the shoreline, yellow-bellied marmots on the promontory itself, and bison in the woods and meadows. After a fueling lunch it's time to explore the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake. Your hike winds through lush forests and meadows before reaching an overlook offering panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake, the surrounding wilderness, and distant Absaroka Mountains. Continue to explore the geothermal wonders of this area with a hike to bubbling hot springs, fumaroles, and colorful pools, including the iconic Abyss Pool. You are reminded of the reach of the historic fires of 1988 during a hike to Duck Lake.Accommodation: Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Activity: 5-7 hours hiking AM: 3.7 miles with 216' elevation gain and 216' elevation loss; PM: 4 miles with 41' elevation gain and 416' loss
Transportation: 2 hours of round-trip private transfers (1 hour in the morning and two 30-minute transfers in afternoon)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Wapiti Trail to Lower & Upper Falls
Day 5
Set out on a gentler journey compared to the challenging hikes you have just conquered, hiking the Wapiti Trail. Begin amidst picturesque meadows and serene lakes, passing through an active hydrothermal area alive with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents. You reach the south rim of the magnificent Grand Canyon of Yellowstone offering a perfect spot for a scenic picnic lunch with unparalleled views. Continuing along the canyon rim, immerse yourselves in the breathtaking vistas; get a panorama of the canyon from Point Sublime, awe-inspiring views of Lower Falls at Artist's Point, and cascading Upper Falls further along the trail. Finish the hike alongside the raging Yellowstone River, taking in the exhilarating sights and sounds of nature's power. Your transfer van is waiting at the end of the trail to take you to one of Travel and Leisure's top 10 guest ranches, located near Big Sky, Montana. Relax and recount your achievements before celebrating with a dinner together with the group and guides.Accommodation: 320 Guest Ranch
Activity: 5 hours/6.4 miles hiking with 279' elevation gain and 279' elevation loss (shorter options available)
Transportation: 1.5 hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Relax or Hike on the Private Ranch & Return to Bozeman
Day 6
Take it easy and enjoy the Montana landscape from the porch of your cabin or get out into it on an optional hike through the beautiful Gallatin River Valley on this 110-year-old homestead's property. Later you'll be transferred back to Bozeman where you'll say your final farewells.Activity: 1-1.5 hour/1.5-2 miles hiking with 100' elevation gain
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
- MT Sobek has been exploring US National Parks for more than 50 years, placing a strong emphasis on responsible travel practices that support local communities and protect the natural environment.
- In six spectacular and well-paced days, you'll focus on hiking Yellowstone's best trails. Pair epic hikes with a comfortable stay at a classic Montana guest ranch. Get the best of both adventure and comfort!
- Hike with our top-notch local guides, who have expert knowledge of Yellowstone and Wyoming. Summit the park's iconic mountain peak and follow rugged trails, taking in epic wildlife and geothermal wonders along the way.
Know Before You Book
The national park accommodations on this trip provide great access to the top activities in the area. However, they are simpler compared to what we usually consider comfortable lodgingâ€"the rooms being more basic. Some buildings date back to the early 1900s and have been minimally renovated to follow park regulations. Overall, the service might feel slower and meal quality and selection much more limited compared to other MT Sobek trips. Keep in mind that internet and cell phone service are very limited throughout the parks.
Dates & Prices
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Jerry W.
Jerry started guiding in 2007 after moving to Colorado where he discovered mountain biking in the fresh alpine air. After years of guiding multi-day hiking and cycling trips, he has built up a depth of hands-on experience and wilderness wisdom that he brings to each adventure. He was raised in Florida, followed by four years in the military, then moving to Colorado, where the magnificent wilderness inspired him to guide.
Bridger B.
Bridger grew up in Salmon, Idaho, along the banks of the Salmon River. He guided his first multi-day rafting trip at just 15 and has been on the water ever since. Since that first trip, he’s guided rivers from the Tatshenshini in Alaska and Canada to the Rio Grande through Big Bend National Park on the Texas-Mexico border. Bridger has been certified as a Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue Technician for the past six years, and he plans to continue expanding his skills in emergency medicine and technical outdoor training. Today, he still calls Salmon home and he proudly holds the title as the worst player on the local beer league hockey team.
Madison B.
Maddie’s first rafting trip was as a toddler, her parents bringing her along while rafting the Green River and camping in her home state of Utah. Loving outdoor life, she started guiding river trips and working on ranches before she settled in Salmon, Idaho, where she has been guiding since 2024. What Maddie enjoys most about guiding is helping people unplug and connect with the beautiful world around them.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Daily 3- to 7-hour hikes on steep and uneven terrain with some moderate exposure to heights. Hikes will often be broken up across multiple different trails with rest breaks. Summiting peaks exposes us to the whims of mother nature with extreme weather fluctuations from intense and hot sunshine to wind and even snow or thunderstorms.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
2-4 hours/4.6 miles hiking with 209' evalation gain and 1,238 elevation loss (additional option to extend the hike to over 6-miles)
Day 2
6-8 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,467' elevation gain and 1,485 elevation loss
Day 3
6-8 hours hiking AM: 6.6 miles with 359' elevation gain and 359' elevation loss; PM: 4.9 miles with 357' elevation gain and 357' elevation loss
Day 4
5-7 hours hiking AM: 3.7 miles with 216' elevation gain and 216' elevation loss; PM: 4 miles with 41' elevation gain and 416' loss
Day 5
5 hours/6.4 miles hiking with 279' elevation gain and 279' elevation loss (shorter options available)
Day 6
1-1.5 hour/1.5-2 miles hiking with 100' elevation gain
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Historic and modern in-park properties at Mammoth Hot Springs and the Grand Canyon and a classic Western ranch with comfortable cabins.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Originally built in 1999, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge is one of the most modern hotels in Yellowstone National Park. Its distinctive timber construction has earned it the Cody Award for Western Design and it has been recognized as Travel + Leisure's Inn of the Month. Unplug in the park, enjoying the view through wood-paned windows or warming yourself by the fireplace in the evening. Rest up in simple, efficient, modern rooms with coffee makers and refrigerators. This accommodation is full of Western lodge-style charm.
320 Guest Ranch
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
The historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is just steps from Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. The spacious lobby features the signature Map Room, where you can relax with a drink, enjoy the musical delights of a live pianist, and view a large wooden map of the United States constructed of 15 different woods from nine countries. The historic accommodations are modest and authentic providing a true National Park Lodge experience. While there is no television or air conditioning at the property, internet is available.
Weather
Most of the park lies at an elevation of 6,000 feet above sea level or higher. Expect big temperature swings, rain, or snow during every month of the year.