Yellowstone Lake Llama Trek
Yellowstone National Park, WY
Trip Highlights
- Traverse Yellowstone Lake
- Remote Mountain Wilderness
- Abundant Wildlife Habitat
- Wonderful Solitude
- The Yellowstone River
- Amazing Campsites
- Friendly Llama Companions
Description
If you’re interested in a truly authentic wilderness experience without the hefty packs required on backpacking trips, this tour is a great choice! Our Yellowstone Lake Llama Trek takes guests along the eastern shore of America’s largest freshwater lake above 7,000 feet to the inlet of the Yellowstone River, America’s longest undammed river. This trip is characterized by a deep sense of wild solitude, dense forests, open meadows, amazing views across Yellowstone Lake, pristine creeks flowing in from side canyons, mountain views and exceptional wildlife habitat. It truly is Yellowstone National Park at its finest!
We begin our hike from the northern edge of Yellowstone Lake and hike south for two nights along the eastern shore. On Day 3 we leave the lake and head up the Yellowstone River valley toward its headwaters. Setting up for two nights at a memorable campsite, we will day hike as far as we can get into the stunning wilderness beyond. Our evenings will be spent relaxing around cozy campfires and dining on amazing backcountry fare prepared by your guide(s). Join us for an unforgettable, remote wilderness trip in America’s first national park!
$2860 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
The difficulty of this trip comes mostly from hiking distances and remoteness. Although the hiking is fairly moderate, there is elevation change most days and some sections of the trail can be loose from horse traffic. This area is said to be the most remote section of land in the contiguous US.
Hiking Distances:
3-12 miles
Backpack Weight:
10-20 lbs
Terrain:
Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 400 feet
Heights Exposure:
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-20 lb backpack for 8-10 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on lightly rugged terrain
- Crossing creeks and rivers on slippery rocks and/or logs
SOLITUDE LEVEL 4
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Yellowstone llama trip a solitude 4. Expect to see a couple of other groups of hikers 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: 2.5 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Elevation Loss: 100 feet
This Yellowstone llama trek begins with pickup at your hotel in Jackson, WY. We will shuttle north past the Tetons and through the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. We continue on to the impressive shores of Yellowstone Lake, which is the largest body of water in Yellowstone. We will meet our llama trail companions at the trailhead and get a quick lesson on hiking with llamas. Then we hit the trail!
Today’s hike takes us through deep forests and wide open meadows with views of Yellowstone Lake as we embark on a southern traverse of the eastern shore of the lake. We will keep a sharp eye out for wildlife as we hike, especially in the meadows. We cross several majestic side creeks on today’s journey, and eventually arrive at our camp for the night.
After setting up camp, we’ll walk to the shore (~1/4 mile), where we’ll enjoy our first delicious, backcountry dinner on the beach with tremendous views across the glassy waters of Yellowstone Lake to the silhouetted mountains beyond, which include Mount Sheridan and even the Grand Teton!
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 11 miles
- Elevation Gain: 300 feet
- Elevation Loss: 100 feet
Today’s hike is a big one so we’ll start with hot coffee or tea and a quick breakfast, then hit the trail early. We continue our southward journey, roughly following the eastern shore of Yellowstone Lake, but not right along it. Today’s hike is mostly in forests punctuated by open meadows and creek crossings. Possible wildlife sightings include deer, pine martens and a variety of birds that call Yellowstone home including dusky grouse, gray jay, and the red-breasted nuthatch. We set up camp tonight above a cold, clear mountain creek and settle in for a relaxing evening, roaring campfire and another much deserved backcountry dinner.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
After our long day yesterday, we’ll enjoy a leisurely morning with plenty of time to sleep in, enjoy a hearty breakfast and break camp. Our route today is a special one because we hike across bluffs above Yellowstone Lake, and cross south of the confluence of the Yellowstone River and the lake. This area is remote, wild and characterized by deep forests, open meadows, lake views and wildlife-rich wetlands. Our camp for the next two nights is above a side creek that flows into the Yellowstone River, and is not far from the Yellowstone River itself.
We’ll set up camp, and then hike over to explore the Yellowstone River. If we’re lucky we might see native Cuththroat Trout splashing the surface of the water as they strike at insects. After exploring for as long as we would like, we’ll head back to camp and get settled in for the evening.
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 6-12 miles
- Elevation Gain: 400+ feet
- Elevation Loss: 400+ feet
Today we’ll leave camp set up and strike out early for a full day of exploration. We’ll head south up the Yellowstone River Valley, which takes us across ridges above the river (for stunning views and photography!), and then into a series of broad meadows with views of the mountains to the east. The peaks we’ll be staring up at include Colter Peak (10,692′), Table Mountain (11,060′) and Turret Mountain (10,987′). We’ll cross multiple pristine creeks that join the Yellowstone River, and we’ll keep a close eye out for wildlife. It’s common to follow wolf and grizzly tracks on today’s hike. We’ll pick a beautiful spot for a picnic lunch in the middle of some of the most stunning wilderness in the southern 48 so we can soak up the majesty that surrounds us. Eventually we’ll turn back to camp.
Tonight we’ll make the most of our amazing campsite with another campfire and scrumptious dinner, while listening for the distant howls of wolves. We recommend taking a moment to leave the campfire and stare up at the night sky, which in Yellowstone is one of the most clear and breathtaking many people have ever experienced.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 11 miles
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Elevation Loss: 200 feet
We’ll leave our basecamp behind today and turn back toward Yellowstone Lake. We have another big day ahead of us, so we’ll embark early. Our hike takes us north to a camp literally on the shores of the lake. Hiking back toward the lake, we’ll soak up views of its entire watery expanse and mountains beyond as we dip in and out of meadows and forests, and across bluffs above the lake. Our goal is to get to camp early enough to enjoy its wonderful, lakeside setting. A big, much-deserved dinner will precede a stroll along the lakeshore and a good night’s sleep.
Day 6
- Hiking Mileage: 2.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Elevation Loss: 100 feet
This morning we’ll sleep in and take it easy to recover from the previous two days of longer hiking. We’ll also take our time to fully enjoy our camp on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Our hike today continues to the north back to our Night 1 campsite. We’ll get settled and celebrate our last night in the backcountry with a big, backcountry feast and final campfire.
Day 7
- Hiking Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Elevation Loss: 200 feet
Our final day takes us back to the trailhead, with views of the lake to our left. We go back through the meadows and forests from Day 1, and cross several clear mountain streams.
Once back at the shuttle, we’ll embark on our journey back to Jackson Hole, out the South Entrance and past the towering ramparts of the Tetons. We’ll say our fond farewells in Jackson, where hotel rooms and much-deserved showers await!
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
- One or more professional, knowledgeable, certified Yellowstone National Park hiking guides
- 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
- You will receive a Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and your kids to a lifetime discount of 10% off any Wildland Trekking hiking trip after your first one!
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, 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)
What Gear to Bring
We ask that you supply a couple of gear items on your hiking tour. These items are two 1-liter waterbottles per person, either a headlamp or flashlight per person, and a lightweight waterproof stuff sac for your clothes and belongings. Basic items like sunscreen, bug repellent (where and when applicable), lip balm, and toiletries are also important.
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!
What Clothes to Bring
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with detailed guidance about what clothes to pack (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, and our recommended clothing system. A minimum of three pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks are also required.
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.
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 Considerations
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional Wyoming hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. We’ve developed comprehensive risk management protocols that our guides adhere to in case of an emergency, and all tours carry an emergency communication device. If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Guides
Your tour will be led by a trained, experienced professional with a solid guiding background, years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, training in llama-handling, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Group Size
The standard ratio of guests to guides on llama trips is 1 guide for 1-4 guests; 2 guides for 5-8 guests; and 3 guides for 9-10 guests. If you have more questions about group size, please give us a call at 800-715-HIKE (4453) and we’ll answer all your questions.
Weather Around Yellowstone
eing 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.
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