Slough Creek
Trip Description:
This guided backpacking trip offers hikers a piece of backcountry heaven. Slough Creek is a world-famous fishing destination with it’s clear and slow-moving creek nestled between two mountain ranges, far away from the busy parts of Yellowstone.
This 3-day trip allows us to leave our camp set up and explore the area using day packs. We can hike to the northern boundary of Yellowstone, and we have a high chance of seeing wildlife along the way.
Join us for this 3-day backpacking trip along Slough Creek and experience the solitude of Yellowstone.
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 to 7 Miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
NBN will pick you up from your hotel in Bozeman and be on the road bright and early. Once we get to Yellowstone, we will keep an eye out for wildlife sightings and make our way through the Northern Range, looking out for bison, pronghorn or wolves. The trail will start off uphill which will get our blood pumping, but don’t worry, it will soon smooth out and work itself into a gradual downhill. Once over the hill, we will drop into the first meadow, and will be rewarded with expansive views of Slough Creek, Anderson Ridge and wide-open grasslands. The trail is an old stagecoach route used for horse-drawn carriages traveling to a privately-owned ranch, just outside Yellowstone National Park boundaries. When we arrive at camp, we will settle in for a big dinner, prepared by your guide, and enjoy an epic sunset. The sunsets at Slough Creek are magical — the meadows are filled with colors, the sound of Sandhill cranes fill the air, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life will dissipate as the sun drops.
DAY TWO
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Distance: 7 Miles
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Difficulty: Easy
We will be staying in the Slough Creek area for a second day. With camp set up, we will just take day packs and will head up stream of Slough Creek. Upper Slough Creek has tremendous views of the valley and there is always wildlife to be found-- moose, bison, badger, American marten, black bear, who knows what we will encounter! We can day hike to the northern boundary of the park, entering back into Montana. Feel free to bring your fishing pole, as Slough Creek is a world-famous fishing destination. (You can read all about how to obtain a Yellowstone fishing license here.) Either way, it will be a leisurely day, without a worry in the world. Once we have finished exploring for the day, we will return to our camp and your guide will prepare a fresh and delicious dinner.
DAY THREE
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Distance: 5 to 8 Miles
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Difficulty: Easy
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Travel time back to Bozeman: 3 hours (estimated arrival is 4:00 pm)
This day, we will wake up to a big, hearty breakfast, and hit the trail. The pack up will quick and easy and with all the food being eaten, we will have light packs on the way out. With a early start, we have a good chance of seeing wildlife on the way out. Once we make it back to the trailhead, the van will be waiting for us with a fresh lunch and cold drinks, then we'll start our drive back to Bozeman.
Trip Note: While this trip has the option for world-class fishing, Nomadic By Nature does not supply fishing poles, nor does it supply fishing licenses. You can obtain Yellowstone fishing licenses from various locations in Bozeman and many surrounding locations, click here for more information.
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 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!