Yellowstone Trail/Campsite Suggestions — 3 nights / August

[Herb Tassin]

Hi All,

Making a trip to Jackson, WY, Aug 11-25, with a buddy. We'll be climbing in Jackson from Thurs, Aug 16th on, and wanted to do a quick trip to Yellowstone while we're there.

Initial plan is to drive up to Yellowstone after arriving in Jackson around 1:00 p.m. on Sat, Aug 11th, pick up permits, watch the orientation video, and camp in one of the big campsites in the park (not backcountry). Hike out the morning of Sun, Aug 12, and camp in the backcountry Sun, Mon, and Tues nights. Hike out Wed, and drive back to Jackson that afternoon/evening. Just starting to do research on trails, but figured you guys could help me gain a considerable head-start. We're both experienced backpackers, very fit, and a challenging trail would be welcome to help us acclimate for the next week's climbing. But we'd primarily just like to experience the awesome beauty of Yellowstone, so if you have any suggestions for your favorite, scenic routes that would work in our time frame, it would be greatly appreciated. Spoke to someone at the backcountry office who said it might be difficult to plan a loop, so it would probably need to be an out-and-back, or shuttle. Not averse to paying for a shuttle — does anyone even offer those services in the park? Thanks as always for your expertise.

-Herb

[Steofan M]

Herb, get a Yellowstone trail map, there are enough trails that when stitched together will give you a loop or something close…
South Boundary Trail > Heart Lake Trail > CDT > Old Faithful > south to the Belcher River Trail > South Boundary Trail back to the South Entrance. It might be longer that you have time for, but the possibilities are there. I spent time up in Mammoth and there are a few ways to hike to the Specimen Ridge Trail, then up and over the Republic Trail into Cooke City. Hopefully the Cooke City area has overcome their garbagebear issues. Hitch hiking in the park was easy, shuttles inside YNP were for park concession employees only. Someone on the forum last year said that commercial shuttle prices are high enough that renting a car might be a better option.
Have fun!

[Richard Lyon]

Herb,

Steve's proposed itinerary is a good one, and the Bechler area (southwest corner of the park) ought to be dry enough by mid-August for hiking. I've never done it but the Pitchstone Plateau is supposed to be wild and empty.

Last October I was quoted $215 for a shuttle from Bechler Ranger Station to Old Faithful. Easier on you and about the same price to rent a car. Hitchhiking is easy off the Grand Loop Road and other main roads, not so easy from more remote sites (like Bechler).

Have a blast!

Richard

[Jay Wilkerson]

Go to the Thorofare Region just south of Yellowstone Lake and the Two Ocean Plateau/Continental Divide. Then you can say you have been to the most remote place in the United States. Enjoy!

[Herb Tassin]

Great info! Thanks, Steve, Richard, and Jay!!!

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