Dunanda Falls Llama Trek
Yellowstone National Park, WY
5.0 (9 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Stunning Waterfall
- Hot Springs
- Opportunities to See Wildlife
- Hike with Light Daypack
- Llama Trail Companions
- Vast Meadows & Deep Forests
- Dramatic Night Skies
Description
This trip is an opportunity to enjoy Yellowstone National Park‘s exceptional backcountry over a long weekend, or as an add-on to a longer vacation. It’s also a fantastic family trip. We meet in Jackson, WY – itself a world-class destination. From Jackson, we shuttle to a remote ranger station and hike through classic Yellowstone lodgepole stands and vast meadows. We’ll keep an eye out for wildlife as we hike since this is exceptional wildlife habitat.
The gem and namesake of this trip is Dunanda Falls, a stunning waterfall that spills over a band of moss-covered cliffs in white curtains of froth and mist. Down canyon of the falls are hot spring pools that allow us to soak in wonderful 100 degree water with perfect views of the waterfall.
$2380 Per Person
$2875 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
The trails on this trip are well maintained with easy-moderate distances and elevation gains/losses. Depending on where our campsite is, we may have a relatively long hike to get to the falls, but the trail makes for relaxed hiking.
Hiking Distances:
5-8 mi
Backpack Weight:
10-20 lbs
Terrain:
Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
700 ft
Heights Exposure:
None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-20 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Yellowstone llama trip a solitude 3. You can 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
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsITINERARY
Day 1
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 2 hours
- Hiking Distance: 6.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal
On this amazing Yellowstone llama trek, we start off our morning heading west over Teton Pass from Jackson, WY, where we will meet up with our llamas and continue on to the remote Bechler Ranger Station Trailhead. We will take time at the trailhead to get packed up and to get you introduced to your llama. Today’s hike takes us through pine forests, vast open meadows, Teton views, and at least one water crossing. We will set up a homey camp next to a cool refreshing creek, and relax over a hearty backcountry dinner.
Day 2
- Hiking Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 feet
Today is a layover day for hiking up the Boundary Creek watershed for waterfall views and soaking in hot springs. We can travel as far up canyon as the group desires, and regardless will spend substantial time at Dunanda Falls. These falls are special due to a variety of thermal springs and hot pools right in the creek downstream of the waterfall. The view of the falls while sitting in a hot spring next to a rushing mountain river is an amazing experience, and one not soon forgotten. After a wonderful picnic lunch, plenty of time at the falls, and as much hiking as the group desired, we will return to our camp from night one, so we can relax and enjoy another great dinner and relaxing evening.
Day 3
- Hiking Distance: 6.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal
- Shuttle to Jackson Hole: 2 hours
We head out today, but will go back via a different trail so as not to retrace all of day one. We spend most of the day in the expansive Bechler meadows, with a chance to enjoy a refreshing swim at one of several river crossings. Today there is an excellent chance to see Sandhill Cranes and the possibility of elk, wolves or moose.
4 Day Alternative
For those looking for a 4 day trip, we can stay at the same camp and dayhike up the Bechler Canyon to Iris and Colonnade falls or move camp over to the Bechler River and then day hike up the canyon. (8 miles, gain/loss of 250′)
Important: this trip is operated as either a 3-day or 4-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.
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 Jackson to the trailhead and back
- 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 (Oboz hiking shoes and boots recommended)
- 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, Kelty, 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?
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.
Travel to Jackson, WY
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.
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
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 llama trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Reviews
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Shendra O
Truly an unforgettable experience!
Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, Kieron Laura were fantastic! They were always positive and ensured everyone in the group were comfortable and having a great time. The llamas added another level of entertainment and energy. Such good boys! I would also like to add the meals were delicious! Better than the food I eat at home. Truly an unforgettable experience!
Paul B
Awesome Experience
The llama experience was great fun, the scenery spectacular and Casey and Brian were exceptional guides. The llamas provide an opportunity to have a more luxurious camping experience. The meals served up by Casey and Brian excellent, and far beyond our expectations. The visit to Dunanda falls was a very special experience. Overall, this was an amazing trip and one that I’d recommend without hesitation
Neil G
Outstanding Trip
We chose the Llama trip as we wanted the experience without the 40lb packs (in our defense we are 60!!) We ended up with so much more, it was an amazing experience that included hiking with 7 beautiful animals that happened to carry your gear!! Our guides Brian and Casey were exceptional with great knowledge, good humor, a nothing is too much trouble attitude and amazing back country cooking skills. They were great. The trip was as advertised in terms of ease and solitude and the beautiful Yellowstone delivered fantastic weather for us. Definite Bucket list to be lying in a hot spring looking up at a huge waterfall! Thoroughly recommend
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