Compare Bechler River Traverse by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel

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 Las Vegas / Zion National Park

Welcome to Las Vegas! The real wild west is home to some of the USA’s most incredible scenery. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am. Then, you’ll hop aboard a private van. Get to know each other over a picnic lunch, then venture into the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. Join your leader for a guided hike, then spend the night in Springdale – known as the gateway to the park.

Day 2 Bryce Canyon National Park / Page

After breakfast this morning, it’s time to make tracks for Bryce Canyon National Park – make sure your camera is ready to go, as some of the views you’ll come across today are truly out of this world! Take a short drive in your private vehicle, then spend the morning hiking through the epic landscapes of the park. Walk along the canyon rim and marvel at hundreds of unique sandstone towers, known as hoodoos, that jut out from the natural amphitheatre. Relax while you enjoy a picnic lunch and take in your magnificent surroundings, then hike down into the canyon for a closer look at the fascinating hoodoos. Then, drive on to the town of Page, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3 Lake Powell / Horseshoe Bend

Journey south this morning, driving through more spectacular scenery before arriving at Lake Powell. This gorgeous reservoir is certainly a sight to behold from the shore but to really appreciate it, you’ve got to get on the water. Jump in a kayak and paddle across the water’s surface, weaving your way through remarkable rock formations while your leader regales you with stories of the lake’s history. Back on dry land, set out for a gentle walk along Horseshoe Bend, taking in beautiful views with every step. This afternoon there is an option to visit Antelope Canyon before returning to Page for the evening.

Day 4 Monument Valley / Grand Canyon

Start the day with a drive to Monument Valley – one of the world’s most iconic sights. If this landscape dotted with towering sandstone buttes looks familiar to you, it’s no surprise – Monument Valley has been the filming location for many famous Western films. More importantly, this is the native land of the Navajo. When you arrive, you’ll transfer from your vehicle to a 4WD and enjoy a Navajo-guided tour of Monument Valley, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about their rich culture and history in the area before sitting down to a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch. Continue your journey onto the iconic Grand Canyon for some awe-inspiring walks along the rim.

Day 5 Route 66 / Las Vegas

This morning it's time to return to Las Vegas, but first we'll make a stop along Historic Route 66. You’ll arrive back in Las Vegas at approximately 4 pm where your adventure will come to an end.