BECHLER RIVER TRAIL
YELLOWSTONE'S
CLASSIC TREK
We’ll bring the permit, meals, gear, and expert guide
Deep in the backcountry, you stop to soak in Mr Bubbles, a famously remote hot spring, days from any trailhead. You’re struck by how far you’ve come, through rivers, past geysers and herds of bison. You realize there are still days of discovery ahead… and you couldn’t be more excited.
- 6 Days
- 36 Miles
- Moderate
Got questions? Contact us!
Price: $2,195
Just a $400 deposit to book!
2026 DATES
September 11-16 available
Yellowstone grants permits in March. Dates may slightly shift until permit is granted.
YELLOWSTONE’S CLASSIC TREK
For those looking to experience quintessential Yellowstone, this backpacking trek has it all…
First, we’ll hike to Shoshone Lake, the largest backcountry lake in the lower 48. Here, geysers erupt right beside the trail, sometimes splashing across the pathway!
Hiking further into the park, you’ll cross the Continental Divide and team up with your fellow hikers to ford swift backcountry rivers. Along the way, you’ll witness monumental waterfalls and traverse miles of grassland, where you might pass herds of grazing bison.
Deep in the wilderness, we’ll soak in Mr. Bubbles, a legendary hot spring. Only those brave enough to venture deep into Yellowstone’s backcountry earn this reward. Powered by North America’s largest volcano, you’ll see a plume of bubbles rise from a hole in the rocks while the ground rumbles beneath your feet.
If you want to backpack through everything Yellowstone has to offer, this is the trek for you!
ADVENTURE ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Hike to Lone Star Geyser
Meet your guide and hiking companions at the Bechler Ranger Station. After checking gear and reviewing the map, hop on a shuttle for a scenic ride to Lone Star Trailhead, our gateway to adventure.
Follow your guide through a fir forest. You emerge at a clearing and spot a white tower rising from the gravel. It’s Lone Star Geyser! It erupts and sends a column of water 45 feet into the sky while plumes of steam drift between the trees.
Deeper into the wilderness, volcanic vents hiss and emit sulphuric steam across the trail. On the edge of a meadow, we arrive at our campsite for the night. Golden eagles nest in the trees around camp, and as you set up your tent, a herd of bison moves through the grass in the distance.
You join the campfire with your new trail friends under a sky glimmering with stars. The adventure has begun!
5 miles +450 ft | -100 ft
DAY TWO
Explore Shoshone Geyser Basin
By early afternoon, we reach camp. Tents go up quickly because your guide has something special planned. We leave camp in place and head out for a side trip to Shoshone Geyser Basin.
First, you spot the massive Shoshone Lake. You stand on the shore, taking in the deep blue water. This is the largest backcountry lake in the lower 48 states, unreachable by road. Let’s go for a swim!
Next, you hike along the shoreline and notice the smell of sulphur in the air. We’ve arrived at Shoshone Geyser Basin! There are 80 geysers here, making it one of the largest collections in the world.
A geyser comes to life beside the trail, splashing hot water across the path. We step over the steaming rivulets while another geyser sputters in the distance. Others bubble and hiss all around us, awaiting their next eruption. We wander among the volcanic features, marveling at this strange landscape.
On the hike back to camp, you realize you’ve witnessed something very few people ever will. What a rewarding day!
7.5 miles +450 ft | -250 ft
DAY THREE
Cross the Continental Divide
You wake to the smell of coffee and breakfast cooked by your guide. Today, you’ll reach an even more remote section of Yellowstone.
The hike begins with a steady climb through dense forest. Only patches of light reach through the thick woods. You peer into the shadows, trying to spot a moose or bear moving through the trees. After ascending to the top of the trail, your guide announces that we’ve reached the Continental Divide. The hardest climb of the trip is behind you!
The trail opens into a wide meadow. You cross a stream winding through the grass, hike over the prairie, and back into the forest on the other side. When you arrive at a rushing creek, your guide signals that we’ve reached camp.
After setting up tents, you head to the creek with your fellow hikers. You wade in the tumbling water, and your guide leads you to our own private waterfall!
As you settle into your tent, you hear the snapping of branches nearby and an owl hooting in the forest. You are deep in the wilderness now!
7 miles +650 ft | -550 ft
DAY FOUR
Soak in Mr. Bubbles
By mid morning, we reach a side trail, where you follow your guide on stepping stones across a super heated creek. You feel the warmth of the hydrothermal river radiate up at you. Ahead, a giant plume of steam rises from the trees. Intrigued, you hike closer.
A dramatic geothermal scene unfolds. A tower of terraced pools cascade from one basin to the next. At the top, a giant blue pool bubbles furiously, spilling into lower pools as the water makes its way down to a creek. We admire this volcanic feature before continuing to our destination: Mr. Bubbles hot spring.
Mr. Bubbles is a sparkling blue oasis, the perfect temperature for soaking. Unlike most boiling hot Yellowstone springs, this one is tempered by the river flowing into it. In the center, a hole in the earth sends giant bubbles erupting to the surface. You slip into the warm water and relax. Steam rises around you as you enjoy the peace and quiet of the isolated wilderness.
After your guide serves lunch next to the hot spring, we pack up to leave. Rejuvenated, you hike on to the next campsite, just a little further down the path.
3.5 miles +150 ft | -800 ft
DAY FIVE
Ford Bechler River. Visit two waterfalls!
The day begins with two river crossings. Your guide shows you how to link together and ford through the flowing water safely as a team.
As the day unfolds, we stop at two monumental waterfalls. Iris Falls is wide and dramatic, sending a shower of mist over your head. Colonnade Falls is a picturesque scene, with two waterfalls forming a staircase for the river to tumble through the forest.
We hike forward through ancient lava flows, fields of black rock that remind you of a prehistoric time. You follow your guide through meadows with rainbow colored volcanic hot springs. Multiple days hiking away from the crowds, it’s here that you might spot a bear or elk wandering across the grass.
At our riverside campsite, you wade to an island in the middle of the water. You stay up late to look at the stars. You know you have to return to civilization tomorrow, so you lock this moment in your memory forever!
6 miles +200 ft | -750 ft
DAY SIX
Traverse Bechler Meadows
After breakfast, we pack up camp for the last time. You savor every last moment on the trail this morning.
Through the woods, the trees open onto the enormous Bechler Meadow. This giant grassland stretches for miles. You spot a herd of bison grazing in the sun. Far in the distance, across a sea of golden grass, your guide points out the twisted peaks of the Teton Range.
Together, we ford Boundary Creek, and after passing through a forest of aspen trees, we arrive back at our cars.
We take a moment to celebrate the completion of this adventure. You’ve just crossed one of the most remote parts of Yellowstone! You say goodbye to your newfound friends. You are now ready to return home and tell the story of this extraordinary journey!
7 miles +150 ft | -150 ft
What kind of person is this trip for?
People who want to experience the wide range of scenery that Yellowstone has to offer in a single backcountry trip. Beginner backpackers and experienced adventurers are both welcome, as long as you’re comfortable with a moderately strenuous trail.
Most guests are drawn to the idea of traveling through Yellowstone’s remote backcountry and seeing geysers, waterfalls, meadows, and hot springs all in one hike. If you like the idea of constantly changing scenery and exploring a cross-section of what makes Yellowstone famous, this trip is for you.
How challenging is this trip?
This is a moderate backpacking trip suitable for people who are comfortable with sustained physical activity. Expect to hike up to 7.5 miles while carrying a 30-40 lb pack.
If you can jog three miles, you’ll likely enjoy this trip.
Training is strongly recommended. You can prepare with 5 mile hikes that include elevation gain. Jogging, using a stairmaster, or treadmill at high incline is also effective.
What's included?
Accommodations
• 5 nights camping in tents
Shuttle
• Scenic shuttle from meeting point to trailhead
Meals and Snacks
• All meals from the first day’s lunch to the last day’s lunch
• All snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and desserts!
Group Camping Gear
• Bear canisters, water filters, stove, cookware, first aid kit
• Individual tent for each client
• See Gear List
Wilderness Guide
• Professional local wilderness guide with a wilderness first responder certification
Wilderness Permit
• Permit to camp in Yellowstone’s backcountry
What's not included?
Transportation to Yellowstone
• Adventurers take own car to reach meeting point
Personal Gear & Clothing
• Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack
• Personal clothing
• Gear rental available
Gratuity for Guides
• Most people tip 10% – 20% of the trip cost
Trip Insurance
• “Cancel for any reason” trip insurance recommended
Backcountry Evacuation
• Read Terms & Conditions for full evacuation policy
What gear do I need? Do you provide it?
Here is a link to the gear list. We also offer a gear rental option.
We want to make it easy for you to join the trip. If you don’t own backpacking gear, or prefer not to travel with it, you can choose our rental option and we’ll provide everything you need.
How do I get there? (Airport, car, parking...)
Fly into Bozeman, Cody, or Jackson. You must fly in the day before your trip starts and fly out the day after it ends. We do not guarantee exact return times to the trailhead.
Most people stay overnight in West Yellowstone before and after the trip. A rental car is required to reach the meeting point. Once parked at the trailhead, you can leave your car for the duration of the trip.
What dates are available?
September 11-16 available
What is your cancellation policy?
A $400 non-refundable deposit is due at booking. The remaining amount is due 90 days in advance of your trip start date.
• If you cancel your trip 61 or more days prior to trip departure, you will receive a full refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit, booking platform fee, and credit card processing fee.
• If you cancel your trip 31-60 days prior to trip departure, you will receive a 50% refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit, booking platform fee, and credit card processing fee.
• If you cancel your trip 0-30 days prior to trip departure, no refund is given.
• No refund is given for any unused portions of a trip.
Please make sure you read and understand the Terms & Conditions.
When are trip dates confirmed?
Yellowstone issues permits in March. If you book before March, trip dates may shift depending on permit approval. In that case, please wait to book flights, hotels, or other travel until your trip dates are confirmed.
How do I contact you?
I’d be happy to answer your questions!
• Email: LamplightersAdventures@gmail.com
• Phone: (209) 336-3147
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