Heart Lake to Snake River

Heart Lake to Snake River

Guided Backpacking Trips

4-5 Days, 3-4 Nights 25MI / 40KM

Trip Highlights

This Yellowstone backpacking trip features an amazing array of classic Yellowstone highlights in a remote, backcountry setting. Highlights include possible wildlife sightings (never guaranteed), spectacular views, deep wilderness, a peak ascent, lakeside camping, wonderful hiking, thermal features and more! This trip is also a point-to-point thru-hike, so we see all new scenery every day.

We’ll explore one of Yellowstone National Park‘s largest lakes, whose shores and waters host a fantastic variety of wildlife including elk, deer, moose, wolves, coyotes, fox, grizzly bears, black bears, swans, pelicans and more (again, wildlife sightings not guaranteed.) We’ll traverse Witch Creek, a steaming, thermal-fed stream that empties into Heart Lake. On the slopes and summit of Mount Sheridan we’ll enjoy some of the biggest and best views in Yellowstone. Then remote, vast meadows, the famous Snake River, a thermal creek we can soak in (time permitting), and more great wildlife country round out this trip and make it one our guides’ favorites!

  • Check Mark Point to Point Thru-hike
  • Check Mark Summit Mount Sheridan
  • Check Mark Hot Springs & Thermals
  • Check Mark Wildland Habitat
  • Check Mark Deep Wilderness
  • Check Mark Lakeshore Camping
  • Check Mark Guides Choice Trip

Book This Trip

View Dates

Trip Details

  • Trip Type

    Trip Type

    Guided Backpacking Trips
  • Trip Length

    Trip Length

    4-5 Days, 3-4 Nights
  • Hiking Distance

    Daily Hiking Distance

    5-11 mi
  • Group Size

    Group Size

    2-6 Guests
  • Trip Begins

    Jackson Hole, WY; Victor, ID or Driggs, ID
  • Trip Ends

    Jackson Hole, WY; Victor, ID or Driggs, ID
  • Permit Info

    No permit required

Is This Trip Right For me?

The 4-day version of this trip is Level 4 difficulty, the 5-day version is Level 3 difficulty. This trip is on mostly well-traveled trails, with two crossings of the Snake River. The first is fairly easy, the second is wide and on a cobble surface, but shallow. The final approach to the summit of Mt. Sheridan is along a ridge with very steep hillsides and drop-offs along the trail that are unavoidable, but this section is only about a quarter mile long.

Difficulty Level
4 of 5
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Solitude Level
4 of 5
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Hiking Distances
4 of 5

5-11 mi

Backpack Weight
4 of 5

35-45 lbs

Terrain
2 of 5

Lightly Rugged

Max Daily Elevation
4 of 5

3000 ft

Height & Exposure
3 of 5

Moderate

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-hour drive

Hiking Mileage: 8 miles

Elevation Gain: 300 feet

Elevation Loss: 600 feet

We begin this Yellowstone backpacking adventure in south central Yellowstone, where we’ll enter a burn area from the famous 1988 Yellowstone fires. Now over a quarter century old, the cleansing, regenerative effects of the fire are clearly evident. Factory Hill (9,607’) dominates the southern view as we ascend a gentle plateau overlooking Witch Creek and Heart Lake, two classic backcountry Yellowstone features. A number of hot springs pour into Witch Creek, raising its temperature to nearly 200 degrees Fahrenheit! We hike along Witch Creek through another burn area and then enter a meadow before joining Heart Lake. The largest trout ever caught in Yellowstone (a 43-lb. lake trout) was caught here. Along the lake’s western shore is Rustic Geyser, which is occasionally active.

Day 2

Hiking Mileage: 7.0 miles (optional day hike)

Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,800 feet each way

We’ll spend day 2 hiking to the summit of Mount Sheridan. Mount Sheridan was named in 1871 by Captain Barlow after General Philip H. Sheridan, a distinguished soldier who often visited the park and worked for its interest. At 10,308 feet the peak lies a whopping 2,858 feet above Heart Lake. Our hike winds its way through meadows and forests up the northwestern shoulder of the mountain. Once atop the peak there are spectacular 360º views of the Grand Teton, Lewis Lake, the Absaroka Mountains and Yellowstone Lake. Also atop the summit is a fire-lookout – hard to believe living up here through the summer thunderstorms!

Day 3

Hiking Mileage: 10 miles

Elevation Loss: 400 feet

Following a hearty breakfast we’ll proceed south along Heart Lake’s western shore through open country where wildflowers abound. Hiking directly beneath Mount Sheridan we’ll see a number of characteristic avalanche chutes that exhibit precisely where massive avalanches have swept down on the lake. It is no wonder forests struggle to take hold here!

Once south of the lake we’ll hike through thick forest to the open and marshy glen that holds Sheridan Lake. After passing another lake (the picturesque Basin Creek Lake) we’ll descend to our camp on the Snake River near a number of thermal springs. One of these springs flows with a surprisingly high volume and contains beautiful blue algae accustomed to extreme temperature. The spring continues for approximately 1/4 mile before flowing into the Snake River – a fantastic spot for soaking. Those who wish may take advantage of soaking in the springs with a spectacular view of the surrounding canyon.

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 5.6 miles

Elevation Loss: 300 feet

Shuttle: 2-hour drive

The final day we’ll hike out along the Snake River near the southern boundary of Yellowstone National Park. It is a beautiful 5.5-mile hike through stands of lodgepole pine, spruce, and fir with potential wildlife viewing.

5-day Variation

This route can be done in five days. The 5-day itinerary is Level 3 Difficulty, as it breaks the 10-mile day (Day 3) from the 4-day itinerary into two days. We’ll stop at Basin Creek Lake to camp on the third night. Basin Creek Lake is a beautiful spot to camp and breaks up the trip nicely by shortening the long hike between Heart Lake and the Snake River. It also allows for more time exploring the area.

Important: this trip is operated as either a 4-day or 5-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

What's Included

  • Trip Included
    Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
  • Trip Included
    High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
  • Trip Included
    Use of trekking poles
  • Trip Included
    All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
  • Trip 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.
  • Trip Included
    Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Jackson Hole, WY; Victor, ID or Driggs, ID
  • Trip Included
    Entrance fees and national park permits
  • Trip Included
    Bear safety equipment including bear spray cannisters and food-hanging gear
  • Trip Included
    Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
  • Trip Included
    Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yellowstone

What's Not Included

  • Trip Not Included
    Clothes, raingear, and footwear
  • Trip Not Included
    Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
  • Trip Not Included
    Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
  • Trip Not Included
    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.

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

5.0 (48 reviews)
add a review
Dana M
5.0
1 year ago

Getting ready to book my next trip!!

I’ve done Hermit Loop (Grand Canyon) and Snake River/Heart Lake, both amazing! Incredible guides!! Getting ready to book my next trip!!

Cheryl C
5.0
2 years ago

Amazing Time

I had an amazing time on my Wildland trip. It felt like such a luxury to be able to hike and camp, without the pressure of planning all the logistics that normally go along with it. It really gave me an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful place I was in. Everyone on our trip thought that our guide, Seth, was fantastic. His attention to detail and organization allowed our trip to run smoothly from start to finish. He was also very knowledgeable, thoughtful and made some super yummy meals for us.

Alison B
5.0
2 years ago

10/10

Loved the trip Seth planned for our group. He was knowledgeable and incredibly prepared. Seth gave us the skills to stay safe but the space to have magical moments in nature. He never rushed us or made us feel as if we were a bother, even when he helped me figure out my new laces on my boots. 10/10 would recommend Seth for leading your next trip.

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