Bechler River Traverse
Guided Backpacking Trips
4 to 6 Days, 3 to 5 Nights 35MI / 56KM
Trip Highlights
The Bechler River Valley Traverse is our most popular Yellowstone trek, offering a rare chance to experience the park’s signature features in true backcountry solitude. You’ll hike through a wonderland of remote geysers, clear streams, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and vast river meadows—far from the crowds. Highlights include soaking in backcountry hot springs, fishing world-class trout waters, and picking wild berries along the trail. This unforgettable journey through Southwestern Yellowstone is a one-of-a-kind wilderness experience.
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Breathtaking Waterfalls
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Riverside Hot Springs
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Wildlife Habitat
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Amazing Bechler Valley
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Shoshone Lake & Geyser Basin
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Backcountry Geyser
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Vast Meadow Systems
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
4 to 6 Days, 3 to 5 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
5-9 mi -
Group Size
2-10 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
The climb up and over a mountainous knob on Day 2 is fairly steep. Descending the canyon can be loose and steep in places, and there are three major river crossings, one of which is fairly deep and swift. Other than these factors, it is the longer days of hiking and pack weight that gives this trip a level 3 difficulty.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Shuttle to Trailhead: 2.5-hour drive
Hiking Mileage: 6.3 miles + 5-mile optional day hike
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Elevation Loss: 150 feet
This Yellowstone backpacking trip begins with a bang as we hike to the largest backcountry geyser in Yellowstone: Lone Star Geyser. If we’re lucky we’ll see its 30-45 foot eruption of scalding water. From Lone Star we hike along the Firehole River and over the Continental Divide before arriving at our camp, Shoshone Meadows. After setting up camp we will 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, each seeming to possess its own personality: there are bubbling pools, frothing potholes, bizarrely shaped mounds spewing fountain-like streams into the air and grumbling crevasses.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 8.5 miles + 1-mile optional day hike
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Elevation Loss: 1,100 feet
The second day’s hike begins with a climb to the high point of the trip, a plateau of lush meadows and thick forests. A long day’s hike brings us to the headwaters of the Bechler River and then a ways into Bechler Canyon. After making camp near the river we’ll explore the valley’s first remarkable feature: “Mr. Bubbles,” a series of hot springs fit for royalty. Bring your bathing suit because we’ll take some time to lounge in the hot water while enjoying the peaceful scenery of Bechler Canyon.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 5.1 miles
Elevation Loss: 800 feet
Hiking further downstream we’ll encounter two long river crossings which could be as deep as three feet – your guide will 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 – the second of which is the highest on the hike, and Iris Falls. Camp will be a mere five minute hike from Colonnade Falls.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 7.1 miles
Elevation Loss: 200 feet
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
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 we sometimes see moose and bison) and make camp near the luxurious hot springs at the base of Dunanda Falls; where Boundary Creek flows over a large cliff.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 8.1 miles
Elevation Loss: 200 feet
Shuttle: 2.5-hour drive
After our final breakfast in the backcountry, we pack our gear and hike 8 miles through the lush meadows and stands of lodgepole pine where we arrive at the Bechler Ranger Station. Once in the vehicle and heading back to town, we sit in quiet contemplation of the wonderful memories of our Yellowstone adventure.
Variations
This hike is often done in four or six days. For a 4-day itinerary we’ll skip Dunanda Falls and hike on to the trailhead. For the 6-day itinerary a layover day is added either on day 2 at Shoshone Geyser Basin or day 5 at Dunanda Falls.
Important: this trip is operated as either a 5-day or 6-day itinerary, and is confirmed as such in advance. Variation of trip length does not mean guests can choose to leave a trip or early or extend it a day.
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
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What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
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High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Jackson Hole, WY; Victor, ID or Driggs, ID
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Entrance fees and national park permits
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Bear safety equipment including bear spray cannisters and food-hanging gear
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
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Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yellowstone
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
BACKCOUNTRY SLEEPING
Tent Camping
Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
BACKCOUNTRY CUISINE
Fresh & Delicious
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
AMAZING CAMPSITES
In the Action
Campsites vary by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
At 5:00 PM the evening before Day 1, your guide will conduct a virtual orientation meeting (via conference call) at 5:00 PM to review the packing list, communicate the first day’s logistics and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will give you the phone number for this call during the pre-trip contact, approximately 10 days before your trip start date.
Early on the morning of Day 1 your guide will pick you up from your accommodations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Driggs, Idaho; or Victor, Idaho.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel Details
This trip begins and ends in Jackson, WY, with pick-up also available in Driggs and Victor, ID.
You can fly into:
- Jackson Hole – some hotels and several transportation companies provide airport shuttles.
- Idaho Falls – small, more affordable airport; Salt Lake Express (208-656-8824) offers 2 daily shuttles between Idaho Falls and Jackson.
- Salt Lake City – Salt Lake Express (208-656-8824) and Alltrans (800-652-9510) offer daily shuttles (4.5 hours). Advance reservations required.
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Pre and Post-trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Jackson, Wyoming as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Start/End Times
You can expect the first day’s pick-up time to be between 5 and 7 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day no later than 7 PM.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
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Hanna G
1 year agoThank you for the great trip!
My husband and I joined Wildlands Bechler Traverse hike in Yellowstone and we can't recommend it highly enough. This was our first time backpacking in the backcountry and in grizzly bear territory, so we had a lot to learn. Our guide (Danni Tilley) was absolutely amazing. She shared her extensive experience and knowledge of the backcountry backpacking and about Yellowstone's unique geologic and natural environment. We were impressed by the thought and preparations that she made to make sure that we were comfortable and safe throughout the experience. We read in other reviews that Wildland guides prepared excellent meals and that was our experience with Danni as well. I'm still not sure how she prepared such a variety of excellent meals (chicken fajitas and oatmeal pancakes with maple syrup to name just 2) in the middle of the forest with just a camping stove and two pots. But of course, we didn't join this trip for the food. We were able to experience parts of Yellowstone that very few people have the privilege to see. By getting a few miles away from the roads, we got to enjoy the Lonestar geyser, cross rivers and streams, and soak in Mr. Bubbles. We snacked on berries as we passed by stunning waterfalls. We feel so lucky to have had this amazing backpacking experience. Wildland and Danni made it possible for us to have this experience and we would recommend it to anyone who's interested in getting away from the crowds and more into nature.
Rufie R
1 year agoThe trip was absolutely amazing.
I would totally recommend booking your guided trekking trips/tours via/with WildLife Trekking. I have had genuine experience on the phone while booking and with the guides I’ve had the pleasure of having on the two trekking trips I have taken. Definitely have more trips in mind and it will be booking with Wildland Trekking. Thanks again for the lifetime of experience. More to come!
Gina H
1 year agoWould definitely join another Wildland tour.
Bechler Llama Traverse was very well organized. Guides Oakley & Noah were amazing and so was the food they prepared. Scenery was amazing and the llamas just added to the whole experience. I would definitely join another Wildland tour.
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