Heart Lake to Snake River
Yellowstone National Park, WY
5.0 (40 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Point to Point Thru-hike
- Summit Mount Sheridan
- Hot Springs & Thermals
- Wildland Habitat
- Deep Wilderness
- Lakeshore Camping
- Guides Choice Trip
Description
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!
Need to Know: March 1st Permits
Due to Yellowstone’s permit system, which issues backcountry hiking and camping permits on March 1st each year, it’s beneficial to register before February 28th of the year you’d like to hike with us. Give us a call at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) to learn more!
$1595 Per Person
$1815 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
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.
Hiking Distances:
5-11 mi
Backpack Weight:
35-45 lbs
Terrain:
Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
3000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45 lb backpack for 7-9 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
- Hiking one short section with moderate heights exposure
- River crossings on slippery rocks
SOLITUDE LEVEL 4
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Yellowstone backpacking trip a solitude 4. You can expect to see no more than a couple of other groups per day.
This trip begins and ends in Jackson, Wyoming. Jackson has an airport served by United, Delta, and American Airlines. A Black Car Service (307-413-2572) provides private airport shuttles (advance reservations are recommended.)
You can also fly into:
- Idaho Falls – small, more affordable airport; can meet your guide in Driggs, ID instead of Jackson; requires a car rental
- Salt Lake City – Salt Lake Express (800-356-9796 or 208-656-8824) and Alltrans (800-652-9510) offer daily shuttles (4.5 hours). Advance reservations required.
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
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsITINERARY
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.
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
- 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
- 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.
- Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Entrance fees and national park permits
- 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)
- Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yellowstone
- A Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and dependents to a discount of 10% off any Wildland hiking trip after your first one (must book directly with us to receive the discount)!
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% 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, Kelty or Big Agnes tents
- Sierra Designs, Kelty, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
- Leki trekking poles
- Cooking stoves and 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
How do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
Your guide will conduct a virtual orientation meeting (via conference call) at 5:00 PM the evening before your trip begins 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.
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.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
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
Weather in Yellowstone
Being a Northern mountain environment, Yellowstone is prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. This is an exciting aspect of being in Yellowstone. On the Spring/Fall Trekking Adventure in June, snow is a slight possibility, and the rest of the summer you’re likely to get rained on at least once during your trip. 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 in Yellowstone:
Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit)
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 70° | 42° |
| July | 80° | 47° |
| August | 78° | 45° |
| September | 68° | 37° |
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
Of course campsites vary tremendously 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 backpacking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Reviews
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Stacy H
Fantastic time!
This trip had views for days. Meadows, lakes, mountain summits, it had it all. Our packs were heavy but the terrain was not overly steep and very doable. Our guide was fantastic and went above and beyond.
David L
Phenomenal trip.
Phenomenal trip. Rosie, our guide, was 5 star in every respect: guiding, educating, cooking, attitude, leadership. I took this trip w/ my son & grandson & it turned out to be the trip of a lifetime. Rarely are such opportunities available!
Christina C
Phenomenal!
Recommend! We had such an amazing time! Our guide Brian was outstanding. He went above and beyond to not only be informative, but he made sure everyone had a good time and felt safe. We did the Heart Lake to Snake river loop and it was absolutely gorgeous.
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