Guided Hikes

Hayden Valley Loop

Animals

Trek through the home Yellowstone's most iconic animals

Scenery

See a backcountry hydrothermal area and the South Rim of the grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on more challenging route 

Description

          This loop through Hayden Valley and the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone river offers something for everyone.  This may be the most varied hike that we offer. From sweeping grasslands, likely wildlife watching opportunities, lodgpole pine forest, hydrothermal areas, dramatic canyon views, and massive water falls, it has a lot to offer! For the first part of the hike, we will wander through the Hayden Valley where thousands of bison gather in August during the rut. The use of this area by thousands of animals becomes apparent as we pass by hundreds of bison rubs (trees that bison rub against) and bison wallows along the trail. 

          If you are looking for an easy day out, we can make this a 6 and a half mile loop through the Hayden Valley. For a more challenging day, we can do a full 9-10 mile loop that also allows us to see backcountry hydrothermal features and a enjoy long stroll along the south rim of the canyon - with excellent views of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone (308 foot waterfall!). Each hiking option starts with breathtaking views of the Upper falls of the Yellowstone and includes a picnic lunch in the heart of the Hayden Valley.

          If you want a little bit of everything during your Yellowstone backcountry experience, this hike is for you! 

          


Trail Stats

The trail is easy to moderate with a couple of hiking options making it a great option for anyone with a desire to spend their day exploring what Yellowstone has to offer!

Hayden Valley Trail Stats:                                                                                      

6.5  or 9 Miles (loop)

600' or 1,000' Elevation Gain

Easy to challenging difficulty - Suitable for beginners, experienced hikers and participants of most activity levels

 5 - 7 Hours car to car     


  • Learning

    Education is at the core of Roam Yellowstone Guiding's values. 


    On every Roam Yellowstone Guiding tour, you have the options to learn basic Backcountry Skills during your hike. This may could mean a day of navigation lessons with map, compass and altimeter, learning basics of bear safety, planning for and monitoring weather, best practices for leaving no trace or just short lessons about each of these throughout the day! 


    If you simply want to learn about the nature in Yellowstone, we can teach Environmental Education also! Let your Environmental Scientist guide teach you about Ecology, Geology, Biology and more as you connect with nature for the day. 

  • What's Included

    • Local Guide - Highly knowledgeable about Yellowstone, environmental science and emergency medicine
    • We spend approximately 6 hours on the trail.
    • Food - Locally made lunches & Snacks for the day - With a Full Menu to choose from.
    • Gear - Backpacks, Trekking Poles, Binoculars, Bear Spray, Map Print out, Compass for practice, picnic tarp, an Infrared Thermometer (for hydrothermal areas) and pH Test kit.
    • All gear is sanitized before and after each use to avoid the spread of disease.

  • Please Note

    • When deciding on the hike you would like to do it is important to know your own ability. Please look at the difficulties involved with the hike you are interested in and be honest about your own and your group's abilities. We offer a wide variety of hikes that cater to any experience and fitness level. For your own health, safety and enjoyment, please make an honest assessment of your group's experience and fitness keeping in mind that trails may be rugged and the air is thin and dry. If you are unsure of your abilities or have other ailments, please ask your physician if this tour is appropriate for you. Contact us if you have any questions or would like a free consultation for your guided hike! (406-551-6518).
    • National Park entrance fee is not included
    • You must e-sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form or sign one at the trailhead.
    • No pets or firearms allowed.
    • No infants can be brought on hike.
    • Not recommended for participants with heart conditions or pregnant women.
    • Not handicap accessible.  
    • All groups must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Pricing

    Number of Hikers

    1. $745.00
    2. $800.00
    3. $855.00
    4. $910.00
    5. $965.00
    6. $1,020.00
    7. $1,075.00
    8. $1,130.00
    9. $1,185.00
    10. $1,240.00

    3-5% of each tour is paid back to Yellowstone for their commercial use program.

    Price with fee included (total price):

    1. $782.25
    2. $840.00
    3. $897.75
    4. $955.50
    5. $1,013.25
    6. $1,071.00
    7. $1,128.75
    8. $1,186.50
    9. $1,244.25
    10. $1,302.00

  • Cancellations and Refunds

    In the unlikely event that a trip must be cancelled by the provider - Roam Yellowstone Guiding - (due to weather, equiptment failure, emergencies, etc.) you will recieve a full refund of the tour price paid to Roam Yellowstone Guiding. Other travel expenses are not reimbursed.


    Enhanced Cancellation Policy (most flexible):  Receive a 95% refund of the tour price for cancellations made before 8:00am the day BEFORE the tour date (approx. 24 hrs in advance).  This option must be checked and paid for during the booking checkout.


    Example: You Safari Tour is booked for July 27th. You have a family emergency come up and need to cancel. If you bought enhanced terms at checkout, you can cancel before 8:00am on July 26th and recieve a 95% refund of the tour price - no questions asked. The enhanced cancellation fee ($95) is non refundable.


    Standard Cancellation Policy (less flexible): A 25% down payment is collected at the time of booking which is refundable if cancelled over 1 year before the tour.


    A 75% refund is given for cancellations greater than 2 week before the tour date. 


    No refund is given for cancellations within 2 weeks of the tour date.

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