Compare Heart Lake & Mount Sheridan by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 3 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 945 | $ 1,966 |
| Price Per Day | $ 315 | $ 393 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Explore one of Yellowstone's biggest backcountry lakes, its wildlife, its thermal features, and its mountains on this fantastic 3-day hiking adventure! Starting at Heart Lake Trailhead we'll hike past hot springs and along a creek whose water measures in at over 200 degrees Fahrenheit! The shores of Heart Lake, which boasts the largest trout ever caught in Yellowstone, have some of the best views in the Park and will become our home for two days. Heart Lake even has its own geyser - Rustic Geyser! Day two is a 7-mile roundtrip hike up Mount Sheridan, the tallest mountain in the Red Mountain Range at 10,308 feet. From its shoulders you'll be treated to incredible views of the Tetons, Lewis Lake, the Absaroka mountain range, and even Yellowstone Lake! |
Deserts, canyons, lakes and valleys await on a five-day adventure through western USA’s most spectacular national parks. Hike through the diverse scenery of Zion National Park, marvel at sandstone spires in Bryce Canyon National Park, join a Navajo guide to learn about the history of Monument Valley and take in one of the natural wonders of the world at Grand Canyon National Park. Let an expert local guide share stories of the landscape and discover there’s more to each destination than what meets the eye. |
Day 1
Shuttle to Trailhead: 3.5-hour drive
Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Loss: 385 feet
We begin this Yellowstone backpacking adventure from the Heart Lake Trailhead in south central Yellowstone, where we’ll enter a burn area from the famous 1988 Yellowstone fires. Now over a quarter century old, the cleansing, regenerative effects of the fire are clearly evident. Factory Hill (9,607’) dominates the southern view as we ascend a gentle plateau overlooking Witch Creek and Heart Lake, two classic backcountry Yellowstone features. A number of hot springs pour into Witch Creek, raising its temperature to nearly 200 degrees Fahrenheit! We hike along Witch Creek through another burn area and then enter a meadow before joining Heart Lake. The largest trout ever caught in Yellowstone (a 43-lb. lake trout) was caught here.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 7.0 miles (optional day hike)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,858 feet each way
We'll spend day 2 hiking to the summit of Mount Sheridan. Mount Sheridan was named in 1871 by Captain Barlow after General Philip H. Sheridan, a distinguished soldier who often visited the park and worked for its interest. At 10,308 feet the peak lies a whopping 2,858 feet above Heart Lake. Our hike winds its way through meadows and forests up the northwestern shoulder of the mountain. Once atop the peak there are spectacular 360º views of the Grand Teton, Lewis Lake, the Absaroka Mountains and Yellowstone Lake. Also atop the summit is a fire-lookout - hard to believe living up here through the summer thunderstorms!
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 385 feet
Shuttle to Bozeman: 3.5-hour drive
The final day we’ll hike back out along the Heart Lake Trail - the same trail we used coming in the first day - and say goodbye to this truly enchanting part of Yellowstone National Park.
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.
