Sportsman Lake Llama Trek
Yellowstone National Park, WY
5.0 (4 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Pristine Valleys & Meadows
- Spectacular Views
- Lakeside Camp
- Hike with Light Daypack
- Llama Trail Companions
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
- Dramatic Night Skies
Description
Our Sportsman Lake llama trek offers a diverse experience of Yellowstone’s amazing wilderness. We’ll hike through endless meadows, into deep pine forests, and across alpine ridges, all the while keep our eyes peeled for wildlife such as moose, elk, wolves and bison. Our route takes us into the Gallatin Mountains, named after Albert Gallatin, the longest-serving US Secretary of the Treasury and one of the architects of the important Alaska Boundary Treaty. We’ll have an opportunity to hike the tallest peak in the Gallatins, Electric Peak at nearly 11,000 feet in elevation. And for those not interested in the strenous ascent of Electric Peak, we will still get up high for amazing views at Electric Pass.
Our trek takes us up a pristine mountain valley with a sparkling trout stream winding its way down from the Gallatin Mountains. We hike up over a low pass to our camp at Sportsman Lake, where we spend two nights and have the opportunity to get above treeline. We’ll then descened via a different mountain valley back to our trailhead.
Don’t miss this unforgettable Yellowstone hiking adventure!
$3070 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
The hike to and from Sportsman Lake is on well-maintained trails. The day hike to Electric Pass or Electric Peak (Day 3) is on more rugged terrain with significant distance and elevation gain/loss. Electric Peak is considerably more strenuous and rugged than Electric Pass, and the option also exists to stay in camp on Day 3 instead of embarking on either hike.
Hiking Distances:
4-8 mi
Backpack Weight:
15-25 pounds
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
2000 ft
Heights Exposure:
2000 ft
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 15-25 pound backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
- For those who hike to Electric Peak, be prepared for a 3200 ft elevation gain hike on very rugged, off-trail terrain
SOLITUDE LEVEL 4
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Yellowstone llama trip a solitude 4. You can expect to see a couple other groups of hikers per day.
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: 3 hours
- Hiking Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation Loss: 300 feet
This Yellowstone llama trek begins with pickup at your hotel in Jackson, Wyoming. We’ll shuttle to the northwest corner of Yellowstone at the foot of the spectacular Gallatin Mountains. We’ll prep the llamas, do an orientation, and hit the trail up the Fan Creek drainage.
Fan Creek is a beautiful, charming stream falling from the high peaks of the Gallatins. It flows at the bottom of a broad, grassy valley rimmed by pine and aspen trees. We hike in and out of pristine meadows and will keep a sharp eye out for moose in the creekside willows.
We’ll set up camp tonight above Fan Creek and enjoy a hearty backcountry dinner and roaring campfire.
Day 2
- Hiking Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1100 feet
- Elevation Loss: 800 feet
Day 2 starts with a delicious breakfast before we break camp, load the llamas and resume our hike up Fan Creek. Today takes us to the headwaters of Fan Creek and then up and over a high pass to drop us into Sportsman Lake. The views from the pass are fantastic, and we’ll stop to enjoy a picnic lunch there before descending into Sportsman Lake.
Sportsman Lake is at the base of Electric Peak, a towering alpine summit that is just below 11,000 feet. We’ll soak up the views, possibly wet a line (if you’re a fisherman), set up camp and settle down for another wonderful dinner and relaxing evening in some of the prettiest country you’ve ever seen.
Day 3
- Hiking Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: up to 2100 feet
Today is a layover day, so we’ll be leaving camp set up near Sportsman Lake. We’ll hike to Electric Pass for extraordinary views and a wonderful picnic lunch. After enjoying the views, we’ll eventually make our way back to Sportsman Lake for another evening of good food, good company, and good night’s sleep.
Day 4
- Hiking Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 800 feet
- Elevation Loss: 1100 feet
We’ll enjoy a relaxing morning and gradually break down camp before retracing our steps from day 2 back into the Fan Creek drainage. We’ll celebrate our final night in the wilderness with one last backcountry feast.
Day 5
- Hiking Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation Loss: 300 feet
- Shuttle to Jackson Hole: 3 hours
The final day has us continuing down Fan Creek back to our starting trailhead. Once at the trailhead, we’ll load into the shuttle and begin our journey back to Jackson. As we watch the Wyoming scenery careen by outside the windows, it will be difficult to not start day dreaming about our next adventure!
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
- Pack llamas to transport the majority of gear and food
- 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 Jackson Hole, WY; Victor, ID or Driggs, ID
- 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
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?
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.
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 Around Yellowstone
Being a Northern mountain environment, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. This is an exciting aspect of being in Wyoming’s mountains. On trips 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 around 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 llama treks 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 trekking 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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- HIGH - LOW
Annette S
Fantastic Adventure
Your guides, Adriana and Victoria, are absolute rock stars. They worked their rears off to make sure we had an amazing adventure. And can they ever cook—I never imagined that back country cooking could taste so good! I also must mention the llamas. Not only do they carry a lot of the load, they’re just so cute and each has their own unique personality—they add so much fun to the hike.
Cecily C
Thoroughly Enjoyed
This was our fourth trip with Wildland and we have always thoroughly enjoyed our trips. Our guides, Justin and Adriana were professional, knowledgeable and friendly. They also did a great job preparing delicious meals that fit perfectly into my dietary restrictions!
Steve S.
Great backcountry experienced with knowledgeable, fun guides
I recently joined incredible guides Casey and Jack for the 5-day llama hiking trip to Sportsman Lake in Yellowstone National Park. They were both tremendous in both their support of the group and making sure every individual had a great experience. They were both excellent in sharing their vast experience with camping in the backcountry, as well as how best to care and work with the llamas. The entire experience with the llamas was a revelation, and I really enjoyed both the interaction with the llamas and taking care of them during the trip. The llama’s warning sounds also helped us see a bear across the lake one night (at a very safe distance). Casey and Jack prepared excellent meals, including a birthday cake for someone on our trip that was delicious! A wonderful overall experience in a seldom visited part of Yellowstone that was enhanced by the attentive but fun guides.
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