Compare Bechler River Traverse by Wildland Trekking vs Bahamas Cruise 3D/2N (from Miami) by Bamba
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Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 5 days | 3 days |
Price From | $ 1,350 | $ 836 |
Price Per Day | $ 270 | $ 279 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Group tour | Small ship cruise |
Lodging Level | Camping | Basic |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
You will not experience a hike as unique and wonderful as this traverse of the famous Bechler River Valley in Southwestern Yellowstone! It is our most popular Yellowstone hiking tour because of the opportunity to experience the hallmark features of Yellowstone in the backcountry, away from the crowds. Having it all to yourself, you'll enjoy stunning geysers, serene rivers and streams, crystal-clear lakes, hot springs (yes, you can soak in them!), tumbling waterfalls, succulent wild berries, world-class trout waters, and the classic vast river meadows of Yellowstone, all in a backcountry setting. |
All aboard! Cruise from Miami to the beautiful Bahamas for a slice of paradise. Enjoy an abundance of onboard entertainment and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches on this 3-day adventure. |
Day 1
Shuttle to Trailhead: 2.5-hour drive
Hiking Mileage: 6.6 miles + 4-mile optional day hike
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
This Yellowstone backpacking trip begins with a bang as we hike to the largest backcountry geyser in Yellowstone: Lonestar Geyser. If we’re lucky we’ll see its 30-45 foot eruption of scalding water. From Lonestar we hike along the Firehole River, then we hike over the Continental Divide and arrive at Shoshone Lake, one of the largest wilderness lakes in in the lower 48 states and the backdrop for the Shoshone Geyser Basin. The basin contains an abundance of geysers, each seeming to possess its own personality: there are bubbling pools, frothing potholes, bizarrely shaped mounds spewing fountain-like streams into the air and grumbling crevasses.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 8.1 miles + 1-mile optional day hike
Elevation Gain: 650 feet
ELevation Loss: 1,200 feet
The second day's hike begins with a climb to the high point of the trip, a plateau of lush meadows and thick forests. A long day’s hike brings us to the headwaters of the Bechler River and then a ways into Bechler Canyon. After making camp near the river we’ll explore the valley’s first remarkable feature: "Mr. Bubbles," a series of hot springs fit for royalty. Bring your bathing suit because we’ll take some time to lounge in the hot water while enjoying the peaceful scenery of Bechler Canyon.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 4.9 miles
Elevation Loss: 500 feet
Hiking further downstream we’ll encounter two long river crossings which could be as deep as three feet - your guide will carefully assist the group across each one. Our exciting work fording the river will be rewarded with two grand waterfalls: Colonnade Falls, a two-part waterfall - the second of which is the highest on the hike, and Iris Falls. Camp will be a mere five minute hike from Colonnade Falls.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 7.3 miles
Elevation Loss: 250 feet
We’ll hike the lower part of the canyon which is flanked on the south by berry-laden boulder fields; a popular foraging ground for black bears and hikers alike! Once we exit the canyon we’ll hike through beautiful Bechler Meadows (where we sometimes see moose and bison) and make camp near the luxurious hot springs at the base of Dunanda Falls; where Boundary Creek flows over a large cliff.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 7.9 miles
Elevation Loss: 100 feet
Shuttle to Bozeman: 3.5-hour drive
After a final seven-mile hike through meadows and stands of lodgepole pine we’ll arrive at the Bechler Ranger Station. We’ll thank Yellowstone National Park for providing us a grand backpacking adventure and then enjoy a beautiful drive to Bozeman for the trip’s conclusion.
Variations
This hike is often done in four or six days. For a 4-day itinerary we’ll skip Dunanda Falls and hike on to the trailhead. For the 6-day itinerary a layover day is added either on day 2 at Shoshone Geyser Basin or day 5 at Dunanda Falls.
Day 1: West Palm Beach, United States
Board Cruise Ship, safety drill and activities onboard (L/D)
Board your cruise ship in time for a Welcome Aboard celebration at noon and a buffet lunch
After lunch, enjoy optional activities like a pool party or a ship tour
You will have an orientation meeting as the ship leaves port to brief you on the trip and all of the amazing services available on the ship and a quick safety drill
Spend the rest of your day and evening relaxing in your cabin or enjoying some of the many incredible activities on board, from live music to themed happy hours
Enjoy a buffet dinner and get a good rest for your big day ahead!
NOTE: The schedule of the activities will be provided to the passengers day by day.
The ships sail on a two-night itinerary currently from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Grand Bahama Island
Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice
The vessels depart as per our scheduled itinerary with check-in required by 4:00pm
Passengers may check-in beginning at 11:00am the day of sailing and board as soon as the ship has been cleared for embarkation.
Day 2: Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
Bahamas Stopover (B/L/D)
You will arrive at Grand Bahama Island at 8:00 when local officials will take a moment to inspect and clear the boat for arrival
After they’ve given the signal, you may disembark and say hello to a tropical paradise! One of the last Bahaman Islands to be developed, Grand Bahama is now a popular destination and playground in paradise
Spend the day exploring, laying on the pristine beaches, discovering one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems, or partaking in optional activities like jet skiing! Enjoy an included lunch buffet onboard the ship or treat yourself to Caribbean Cuisine ashore.
Return to the boat no later than 18:00 for departure to West Palm Beach
Enjoy another evening of endless entertainment on board, with several different performances, events, and a swimming pool at your disposal.
Day 3: Miami, United States
Transfer from West Palm Beach to Miami
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus.