Bechler Llama Traverse
Yellowstone National Park, WY
5.0 (26 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Shoshone Geyser Basin & Lake
- Amazing Waterfalls
- Riverside Hot Springs
- Llama Trail Companions
- Large Backcountry Geyser
- Stunning Bechler River Canyon
- Abundant Wildlife
- Guides Choice Trip
Description
You’re not like to experience a trek as special and enchanting as this traverse of the stunning Bechler River Valley in Yellowstone National Park! This is our most popular Yellowstone llama trek because it so amply provides the opportunity to experience the iconic features of Yellowstone in the backcountry, away from the crowded highways and boardwalks. Having it all to ourselves, we’ll check out backcountry geysers, pristine rivers and streams, mountain lakes, hot springs (yes, we can soak in them!), thundering waterfalls, and the picturesque meadow systems of Yellowstone, all in the wilderness.
The Bechler Llama Traverse is arguably the crown jewel of Yellowstone’s backcountry hiking because it truly has it all. Give us a call at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information or to reserve your spot.
Please note: some departures for this trip are operated by Wildland Llamas, a separate company from Wildland Trekking, but with shared management and guide teams. Wildland Llamas and Wildland Trekking are licensed stock outfitter and guide companies in Yellowstone National Park.
$3135 Per Person
$3425 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
Overall, this trip is closer to level 3, but the first day makes it level 4 because of a 10.9 mile hike with 1600+ft of elevation gain. On top of the mileage and elevation, we’re limited by time so must hike at a good pace to make it to camp in time to set up. Be prepared to hike hard the first day! In terms of ruggedness, the trail can be steep and loose descending the canyon, with multiple river fords, including one that’s fairly swift.
Hiking Distances:
4-11 mi
Backpack Weight:
15-25 pounds
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
1600 ft
Heights Exposure:
Light
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 15-25 pound backpack for 8-10 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
- Crossing rivers and creeks, some of which are fairly deep and/or swift
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Yellowstone llama trip a solitude 3. Expect hours of solitude at a time.
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
- Hiking Distance: 11 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1600 feet
This Yellowstone llama trek starts with pick up from your hotel, after which we’ll depart for the trailhead to get an early start. It’s a beautiful 2.5 -hour drive to our trailhead as we make our way by Teton National Park and through the South Entrance. Once we reach our trailhead, we’ll conduct a llama orientation, get them loaded and hit the trail.
Our trip begins with a bang as we arrive at the largest backcountry geyser in the park: Lonestar Geyser. If we’re lucky we’ll see its 40-foot eruption of scalding water. From Lonestar we follow the Firehole River and cross the Continental Divide and get views of Shoshone Geyser Basin. After a picnic lunch, we will continue on and climb to the high point of the trip, a plateau of lush meadows and thick forests. After enjoying the peacefulness of the area, we will settle in for a much needed night of rest!
Please Note: this first day is a big hike, and we must reach camp in time to set up for the night. For these reasons, we will be getting a very early start and hiking at a good pace. Please be prepared to hike hard the first day. After the first day, the pace and difficulty relaxes considerably.
Day 2
- Hiking Distance: 4.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 371 feet
- Elevation Loss: 1200 feet
We will have a leisurely morning, enjoying the cool, crisp air while our guide prepares coffee / tea and breakfast. We will discuss the plan for the day, which includes moving camp and dropping into the Bechler Canyon. Packing up our llamas, we have a short hike to our destination and en route one of the highlights of our tour, backcountry hot springs! Time permitting, we’ll make a detour on our hike to a highlight of this area: “Mr. Bubbles,” a series of hot springs fit for royalty. Bring your bathing suit because (again, if time permits) we’ll lounge in the hot water while enjoying the peaceful scenery of Bechler Canyon. We will continue our hike to camp and settle in for the next 2 nights. After another delicious backcountry dinner, enjoying the campfire (weather permitting), we will turn in for a good nights rest!
Day 3
- Hiking Distance: 3 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 250 feet
Today is a layover day to soak up the beauty of this amazing canyon, to visit a cascading waterfall and to soak in the Mr Bubbles hot springs some more, or for the first time if we ran out of time on Day 2. We’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast, a wonderful lunch, some great hiking and soaking, a bit of relaxation and finally a feast of a dinner around a roaring campfire. You’ll have time to enjoy a good book, relax, do some exploring on your own, or possibly some fishing if that’s your thing.
Day 4
- Hiking Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: minimal
- Elevation Loss: 800 feet
Hiking further down canyon we’ll do two longer river crossings which could be as deep as three feet with relatively swift water – your guide will support the group at these crossings. Our exciting fords across the river will be rewarded with two amazing waterfall: Colonnade Falls, a two-part waterfall (the second of which is the highest on this trip), and Iris Falls. We’ll set up camp and enjoy a tasty dinner before settling in for some much deserved sleep.
Day 5
- Hiking Distance: 5.7 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal
- Shuttle to Jackson Hole: 2.5 hours
After a final, nearly seven-mile hike through meadows and beautiful stands of lodgepole pine we’ll arrive at the Bechler Ranger Station, which marks the end of our llama trek. We’ll shuttle back to Jackson Hole and say our good-byes.
Dunanda Falls 6-Day Variation:
We can add an extra day to this trip which allows us to visit Dunanda Falls, a stunning waterfall with hot springs close by. It adds another day to the itinerary with a 3-mile hike, and increases the final day’s hike by over a mile. Feel free to ask us about this variation if it interests you.
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.
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.*
*Due to the popularity of the Bechler area of Yellowstone, the park does not approve some planned itineraries exactly as they are submitted. Often times there are small itinerary changes, and sometimes a significant itinerary change, which is out of our control. The itinerary above is the most common version we operate, but it’s important to be prepared for variations in difficulty.
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 4 and 6 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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- Most recent
- LOW - HIGH
- HIGH - LOW
Heather W
Highly recommend this trip
The Bechler Trek was beyond beautiful, with just enough physical challenges that we felt like we earned the fabulous meals that were prepared for us! Backpacking with llamas is now on my list of favorite things to do - we still miss them. Although the llamas, scenery, hiking, hot springs, food and night skies were amazing - it was our guides, Ethan and Josiah, that truly made this a trip of a lifetime. They were not only fun and professional but dang good cooks! Highly recommend this trip
Gina H
Wonderful Memories
We did the Bechler Llama Traverse and the trip a was amazing. The guides, Oakley & Noah were great and the food they prepared for each meal was wonderful. Everything was well organized and trekking through the Bechler River Valley was stunning. We loved the entertaining llamas who only added to the specialness of the trip.
Randall G
Spectacular
Matt and Oakley were awesome. The trip scenery was spectacular. A more thorough description of uphill climbs would have been great. The long uphill climbs were quite difficult for me. Everything else was as expected.
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