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Trip Description:
This guided backpacking trip allows us to set up a "backcountry basecamp", so we can leave our tents and big backpacks behind to go on day hikes.
Highlights of the trip include visiting Grizzly Lake, Trilobite Lake, and summiting Mt. Holmes. The views from the summit are incredible and give you a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. We will also have a high chance of spotting wildlife!
Join us on this backcountry basecamp and experience the solitude of backcountry lakes and mountain summits!
Itinerary
DAY BEFORE TRIP STARTS
We will meet the evening before our trip starts in Bozeman, Montana at 5:00 pm, at a predetermined hotel. If the meeting is held at a different hotel than you are staying, your guide will gladly provide transportation to and from the meeting. In this meeting, we will do a general orientation that will cover introductions, trip itinerary, safety precautions, pack fitting and group gear distribution. Most importantly, this is a chance to meet with your guide to discuss the personal gear and clothes that you plan on bringing; your guide will offer advice about what to bring and what to leave behind for a successful and comfortable trip. This meeting generally lasts one hour.
DAY ONE
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Travel time from Bozeman: 3 hours
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Distance: 5.8 Miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
We will pick you up from your hotel in Bozeman and we will quickly leave the city behind. Todays
drive is beautiful as we travel through Paradise Valley and the Northern Range. We will stop along the
way and have breakfast, enter through the northern entrance and travel by the world-famous Mammoth Hot Springs. Once at the trailhead, we will pack up and be on our way. From the parking lot we will have about 80 ft of elevation to gain and then the trail will smooth out. After two miles, we will get an awesome view of Mt. Holmes and Grizzly Lake. Then, we will head down hill and into the valley and follow the forest to camp.
DAY TWO
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Distance: 5-8 Miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
Today, with our our little basecamp set up, we will travel up to the base of the mountains and hike near some scenic backcountry lakes. The hiking is easier with the little packs and the possibility to see wildlife is all around us.
DAY THREE
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Distance: 10 Miles
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Difficulty: Hard (due to distance and elevation gain)
With an early start, we will eat a protein-filled breakfast, drink a hot cup of coffee and be on our way! This is the best day of the trip, the big day, the day that we get to summit Mt. Holmes. The hiking is tough but the views get better with every step. Once at the top, you will have a commanding 360 degree of the park and surrounding borders! The views are incredible. We will eat lunch on the summit and spend as much time on top as we like. When ready, we will head down the way we came, and make our way back to camp. Your guide will cook a delicious dinner, and we can relish in the day's events.
DAY FOUR
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Distance: 5.6 Miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Travel time to Bozeman: 3.5 hours (estimated arrival is 3:30pm)
Once we break down our basecamp, we will load our packs, eat breakfast and start on the trail. We'll retrace our steps from the first day back to the trailhead, where the driver will be waiting with a fresh lunch and cold drinks. Then, we'll load up the car and have an easy drive back to Bozeman!
Trip Variations:
Nomadic By Nature always tries our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible. However, there may be slight variations based on the National Park Service permit system and the ever-changing dynamics of the outdoors.
Gear Checklist
All backpacking gear is provided by Nomadic by Nature, including backpacks, tents, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, group cooking supplies, and more.
Click below to review the checklist of what is provided, and what you'll need to bring on your backpacking trip in Yellowstone National Park.
Travel Logistics
TRIP DATES:
Due to the nature of the Park Service’s permit system, Nomadic By Nature will not know the exact dates of your trip until April. As soon as we get our permit dates, NBN will notify you immediately. We strongly recommend making your accommodation and flight reservations at that time.
GETTING TO AND FROM BOZEMAN:
All NBN backpacking trips will depart from Bozeman, Montana. Bozeman International Airport is 10 miles from Bozeman’s downtown. We ask all guests to arrive in Bozeman the day before the trip starts, so they can attend the pre-trip meeting, which will be at 5 pm the night before. If your flight is delayed, please reach out to Nomadic By Nature.
We strongly recommend NOT flying out the same day that the trip ends. With long drive times and unpredictable wildlife encounters along the roads, it is hard to predict a precise time that we will arrive back in Bozeman.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nomadic By Nature is not responsible for providing accommodation the night before the trip, or the night we return from the trip. However, we have a corporate rate with the C'mon Inn in Bozeman. Be sure to ask about the rate when you book with us!
TRAINING FOR THE TRIP:
By getting in shape before you start your backpacking trip you'll be able to enjoy your trip without worrying about aches and pains. Training for the trip not only helps yourself out, it helps the whole team accomplish the goal and stay safe and comfortable out there.
Check out our recommendations for training for a Nomadic by Nature backpacking trip.
Refund & Cancellation
REFUND POLICY:
Cancellation policy is per person.
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Cancel 30 or more days prior to trip departure, refund less the $300 deposit.
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Cancel less than 30 days prior to trip departure, receive a trip credit.
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Trip credits are for the full trip amount and are good for two years.
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For more information, please see Terms and Conditions at the bottom of the page.
Covid-19
COVID-19 PLAN:
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Guests are no longer required to wear masks while in vehicles to and from the trailhead
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Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer are provided
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All dishes will be cleaned using soap and bleach
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All gear will be cleaned after each trip
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Guests are asked to stay home if they are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms
Why Nomadic By Nature?
It's a lot of planning and a big commitment -- you don't want to choose just any outfitter or guide to take you into the wilderness for a several day stretch. Our experience is vast, personally and professionally, and we want you to be confident in choosing Nomadic By Nature. To learn more about our background and passion for backpacking and the outdoors, click below to read our story. We have much to share and show you -- so we hope you'll join us for an unforgettable experience!
Ready to Book?
Send us an email at nomadicbynaturetours@gmail.com or reach out with a phone call at 707-479-8936, if you have any questions!
If you're ready to book, click the link below!