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Dunanda Falls to Union Falls
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Trip Info:

Duration: 5 DAY
Distance: 35 MILES
Difficulty: 2.5/5


Cost per person: $1450 
$300 non-refundable deposit
AGES 12+

Trip Description:

 

This guided backpacking trip to Dunanda Falls and Union Falls is great for people who want to experience two of the most incredible waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park.

The trip allows us to backpack into each campsite, and leave it set up as we explore the waterfalls.  Since we have camp already set up, we can spend as much time as we want soaking in the warm hot springs and playing in the water.

Come check out waterfalls and hot springs on this epic backpacking trip!

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Itinerary
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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

  • Travel time from Bozeman: 3.5 Hours

  • Distance: 5-7 Miles

  • Difficulty: Moderate
     

The guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Bozeman, then after a stop in West Yellowstone for some coffee, we will drive into Idaho (that’s right, it does exist!). We will drive a scenic byway until we hit a dirt road and rattle our way to the Bechler Ranger Station, where we’ll either eat lunch at the picnic tables or pack it with us! The trail starts through a peaceful forest until we enter the incredible Bechler Meadows. In a clear day you can see the top of the Grand Tetons a surreal view with the endless meadows in front of you. Our campsite will be either along Boundary Creek or the Bechler River-- each are stunningly beautiful, with a chance of seeing otters or beavers! After dinner, we’ll settle in for our first night outdoors!

 

DAY TWO

  • Distance: 6 Miles

  • Difficulty: Easy
     

This day is magical! We’ll keep camp setup and leave the heavy packs behind to day hike to Dunanda Falls! Dunanda Falls is a 110-foot waterfall settled in a remote backcountry canyon, an at the base of the falls are hot springs! We’ll have the whole day to soak and relax at this spectacular destination. Once we are finished soaking in the hot springs, we will return to camp the same way.

 

DAY THREE

  • Distance: 8 Miles

  • Difficulty: Moderate
     

After a morning of hot coffee and real breakfast, we will break down camp and head through the
Bechler Meadows. As we hike through the wide-open meadow, we’ll be on the lookout for moose and
other critters. There will be numerous water crossings today and we will possibly have to cross a beaver
dam! Our campsite will be located near Yellowstone’s second tallest waterfall, which we will visit the
following day, once we get to camp, we will settle in for a calorie-rich dinner and possibly a campfire!

 

DAY FOUR

  • Distance: 8 Miles

  • Difficulty: Easy

 

This is usually the favorite day of the trip, we get to hike to unique and spectacular Union Falls—290-
feet of beautiful, free-flowing, fresh water. On most days, you can feel the mist of the falls at the
viewpoint! Once we get all the selfies one can stomach, we will head down to swim and play in thermal
heating swimming hole. The smiles and fun are endless while playing in the water. Once we have lunch
and have finished in the water, we will head back to camp for some much-needed rest before er hike
out the next day.

DAY FIVE

  • Distance: 6 Miles

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Travel time to Bozeman: 4 hours (estimated arrival is 4:00 pm)

 

After our last breakfast and camp pack up, we will start along the South Boundary Trail. This trail is
seldom traveled, and will take us through an old-growth forest along the Wine Hole Wilderness-- an
area few have heard of. This hike will have lots of water crossings and with the best finale of crossing

the spectacular Falls River; this river is wide but only about shin to knee deep. Once back at the van we
eat a fresh lunch near Cave Falls, then start our 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 
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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
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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
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REFUND POLICY:

Cancellation policy is per person.

  • Cancel 30 or more days prior to trip departure, refund less the $300 deposit.

  • Cancel less than 30 days prior to trip departure, receive a trip credit.

    • Trip credits are for the full trip amount and are good for two years.

For more information, please see Terms and Conditions at the bottom of the page.

Covid-19 
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COVID-19 PLAN:

  • Guests are no longer required to wear masks while in vehicles to and from the trailhead

  • Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer are provided

  • All dishes will be cleaned using soap and bleach

  • All gear will be cleaned after each trip

  • Guests are asked to stay home if they are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms

Why Nomadic By Nature?
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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! 

TRIP REQUEST
Ready to Book?
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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!

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