Greybull Pass Thru Hike
Cody, WY
5.0 (3 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Mountain Solitude
- Mining History
- Alpine Views
- Pristine Creeks & Rivers
- Remote Wilderness
- Abundant Wildlife Habitat
- World-Class Backcountry Fishing
Description
Get off the beaten path with this epic Wyoming alpine experience. This 6-day trip includes one base camping night just outside of our wildly remote trailhead and 4 nights of backpacking. On day one, we will drive deep into the 2.4 million acre Shoshone National Forest, the first National Forest established in the United States. Scenic roads will lead us to the historic settlement of Kirwin, a mining ghost town that few people have heard of and even less have the ability to visit. That night, we will marvel at the beauty and history here, have a cookout and car camp just outside of our trailhead to set ourselves up for a burly first day of hiking. With everything we need for the next 5 days on our backs, we will ascend Greybull Pass. Views will increase with dramatic beauty as we climb, climaxing at the craggy pass with our first glimpse of the deep alpine valley on the other side. After an initially steep descent, the grade will ease as we continue down through the open meadows. We will keep our eyes peeled for elk, bears, trout and other wildlife. These 5 days will have us following the Greybull River, watching it build speed and gain volume as it winds down the mountain valley through changing landscapes. Day 5 will be a layover day offering a chance to climb Irish Rock for an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding peaks, reminding us that we are nestled miles deep in nothing but mountains.
This trip is operated by Wildland Llamas, a permitted outfitter in Shoshone National Forest.
$1980 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This route requires significant elevation gain on the first day to reach Greybull Pass as well as a steep descent thereafter. The trails are lightly maintained and sometimes have loose rock, uneven surfaces, or high exposure. We cross many creeks and rivers on this trip. The longest, hardest day (Day 5) is with light day packs.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 10 miles
Backpack Weight:
35-45 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 3000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- River crossings
- Hiking with occasional heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 5
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Wyoming backpacking trip a solitude 5. You can expect to see a couple other groups of hikers over the duration of the trip.
MINIMUM OF 2 GUESTS
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 4-6 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 1.75
- 4 People: Rate x 1.25
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
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Itinerary
DAY 1
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 2.5 hours
- Accommodations: Camping
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cody, Wyoming where you’ll meet the rest of the group. We’ll conduct a short orientation and ensure everyone has the necessary gear and clothing before setting off to the trailhead. Our drive takes us into a stunning corner of the Rocky Mountains, across creeks and past breathtaking scenery. We will reach our campsite for the night, near our trailhead and the picturesque ghost town of Kirwin. Nestled in the mountains here, Kirwin boomed as a mining town in the late 1800s complete with a post office, hotel, and saloon. Mining explosions, avalanches, and the loss of prosperity drove its 200 residents to abandon the settlement, but most of its structures are still standing. We will marvel at the buildings and artifacts still remaining and set up camp here at 9,200 feet. Your guide will distribute camping equipment and food as we prepare our packs for our journey. We will complete the evening with a cookout in this unique, secluded setting.
DAY 2
- Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2500 feet
- Elevation Loss: 1500 feet
The next day, we will be glad to have placed ourselves just outside the trailhead for an early start because this backpacking trip kicks off with a hearty challenge. After breakfast, we will climb up through Brown Basin, ascending 2,500 feet in just 3.5 miles to reach Greybull Pass. Reaching this craggy pass will give us our first view of the epic alpine valley below, the headwaters of the Greybull River, and the highest point in the Absarokas, Franc’s Peak, in the distance. After an initially steep, rocky descent, we will reach the river and enjoy a gently sloping valley trail until we reach Yellow Creek and an impressive backcountry cabin. We will make camp somewhere near this junction and enjoy a well-earned backcountry feast.
DAY 3
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: minimal
- Elevation Loss: 700 feet
After a filling breakfast, we will continue along the Greybull River, winding up and down the grassy hills, but ultimately making a mellow descent down the valley. Along the way, we will admire lush drainages, the unmistakable form of Pyramid Peak, and the impressive height of Franc’s Peak. With skilled eyes, it is possible to see bears along these talus slopes flipping over rocks to find some of their favorite delicacies, Army Cutworm Moths. We will camp, eat, and enjoy the stars along another beautiful creek.
DAY 4
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: minimal
- Elevation Loss: 600 feet
On today’s hike, the valley will expand before us, offering more diverse views and new peaks in the background. We will continue descending ever-gently along the river, noticing it swell in size and increase with fish along the way. In the Fall, this area is a prime hunting post because of its rich elk habitat. After passing another old backcountry cabin, we will make camp near Haymaker Creek where we will stay for 2 nights.
DAY 5
- Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2100 feet
- Elevation Loss: 2100 feet
Today we get to leave our heavy loads safely stored at camp and day hike up to a high point for spectacular views. If the whole gang is up for a full day, we can reach the summit of Irish Rock. No matter how far we go, we are sure to see a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks, reminding us how deeply embedded we are in this incredible mountain range. This layover day also offers one of our best fishing opportunities for any avid anglers on the trip. Due to grizzly bear safety protocol, we need to stay in groups of 3 and so will have to make a group decision on what to do on this layover day.
DAY 6
- Hiking Mileage: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: minimal
- Elevation Loss: 800 feet
- Shuttle to Cody: 1.5 hours
After one last hearty breakfast, we will continue along the Greybull River, even crossing its rushing waters a few times. As we descend even further in elevation, this landscape will transform before our eyes becoming a tight canyon and exploding with riparian foliage we have yet to see thus far. Eventually, the mountains that hug us will shrink, and with a final push, we will emerge into wetlands and rolling hills where we commonly see moose, pronghorn, and our friendly pick-up driver. Relishing the trip along our shuttle drive home, we can generally anticipate arriving back in Cody before 5pm.
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.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- 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.
- Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own.
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Cody, Wyoming
- 1 night of car-camping and a cookout outside of the historic ghost town of Kirwin, Wyoming
- Bear safety equipment including bear spray cannisters and food-hanging gear
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Waterbottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-15% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Sierra Designs or Mountain Hardware tents
- Sierra Designs, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
- Leki trekking poles
- Mountain Safety Research cooking stoves
- Mountain Safety Research cookware
- Bear spray cannisters and food-hanging gear
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
Trip Logistics
Where Do We Meet?
You will meet your guide and group in Cody, Wyoming on the morning of Day 1 around 11:00 AM. Your guide will contact you approximately 2 weeks before your trip to coordinate the exact meeting place and pick-up time.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Cody, WY
TRAVEL TO CODY
This trip begins and ends in Cody, Wyoming. Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody is served by United, Delta and SkyWest airlines. Cody is also relatively easily accessed via personal or rental vehicle. It is roughly 2 hours from Billings, Montana; 3.5 hours from Bozeman, Montana; 3.5 hours from Casper, Wyoming; and 4 hours from Jackson, Wyoming.
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 4 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 normally before 7 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).
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.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Weather in the Absaroka Mountains
Being a high mountain environment, the Absaroka Mountains are prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. This is an exciting aspect of being in Wyoming’s high country. Rain and wind is always a possibility on your trip. Snow is also possible, though less probable in August. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). See below for average summer temperatures:
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| August | 56° | 30° |
| September | 47° | 24° |
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 Reviews
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Jonathan F
Wildly Impressive
Now my 5th trip with Wildland, and we were lucky enough to have Rosey as our guide for a 2nd time. I would never consider using another company and Rosey is the ultimate guide for a backcountry backpacking trip. The way she balances fun, safety and education while staying in tune with each individual's needs and challenges is wildly impressive and clearly the result of some very extensive planning and experience. Yet, somehow she makes it look easy! Wildland as a whole is always a pleasure to book with, but Rosey is an absolute rockstar.
Kevin P
Never Been Disappointed
I love hiking with this company. From the registration process, through the logistics management to the quality of the guides, I have never been disappointed. They do a great job in planning routes to maximize the hiking experience and provide real professionals that make the experience enjoyable and safe. I will definitely hike with them again.
Simion P.
Challenging and Rewarding Trek
The Greybull Pass Trek is a challenging and a rewarding trek. It definitely tested both my body and my mind. The end result was very rewarding.
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