Compare Bechler River Traverse by Wildland Trekking vs USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali by G Adventures
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,350 | $ 2,252 |
| Price Per Day | $ 270 | $ 250 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Camping |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners |
| 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. |
California is the land of dreamers and schemers and we schemed up quite the adventure for you. Start in LA and travel north to San Francisco along Highway 1 on this short nine-day trip. Then, head inland to see mighty Yosemite National Park and all of the beautiful hikes and views that landscape has to offer before driving back to southern California for an included surf lesson. Sounds like a win in our book! |
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 Los Angeles/Santa Margarita
Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.
Day 2 Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz
Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.
Day 3 Santa Cruz/San Francisco
Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Day 4 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park
Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.
Day 5 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.
Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.
Day 6 Yosemite National Park
Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.
Day 7 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach
Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.
After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.
Day 8 Hermosa Beach
Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.
Day 9 Hermosa Beach/Los Angeles
In the morning travel to Los Angeles. The adventure ends upon arrival.
