Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Wyoming Yellowstone National Park Hiking
Day 1 Hike Mammoth Terrace Loop & Howard Eaton Trail
2 hour private van transfer
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)
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
(L, D)
Day 2 Hike Grand Prismatic Overlook, Visit Old Faithful & Hike Observation Point
6-8 hours/AM: 6.6 miles with 359' elevation gain and 359' elevation loss; PM: 2.4 miles with 284' elevation gain and 284' elevation loss
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: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Wildlife Viewing in Lamar Valley & Hike Mount Washburn
2-hour private van transfer
6-8 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,467' elevation gain and 1,485 elevation loss
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: Old Faithful Snow Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Hike Avalanche Peak & Storm Point
Two 1-hour private van transfers
5-7 hours/AM: 4.5 miles hiking with 2,038' elevation gain and 2,059' elevation loss; PM 2.8 miles hiking with 124' elevation gain and 127' elevation loss
While not the tallest point in Yellowstone, Avalanche Peak is often described as an epic hike and one of the very best in the park. During this hike, you will ascend a steep climb, gaining 2,100 feet in elevation. However, once you reach above the tree line, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. You'll also get a sense of the sheer scale of Yellowstone Lake and, on a clear day, be able to see all the way to the Grand Tetons. After descending from Avalanche Peak, you'll have a picnic at Eleanor Lake before heading to the Storm Point Loop on the north shore of Yellowstone Lake. This loop takes you through forests and grasslands, eventually leading to a strip of sand dunes, 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.
Accommodation: Old Faithful Snow Lodge
(B, L)
Day 5 Hike Wapiti Trail to Lower & Upper Falls
1.5 hour private van transfer
6-8 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,099' elevation gain and 1,094' elevation loss (shorter options available)
Set out on a gentler journey compared to the challenging peaks 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
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Relax, Hike Ousel Falls & Return to Bozeman
1-hour private van transfer
1 hour/1.5 miles hiking with 400' elevation gain
Start the day off by relaxing on your cabin porch before departing for one last short hike on the transfer back to Bozeman where you'll say your final farewells.
Accommodation: 320 Guest Ranch
(B)
