Day 1

Shuttle to Glen Creek TH: 2-hour drive
Mileage: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

We’ll begin this Yellowstone backpacking trip from the Glen Creek Trailhead in Northwest Yellowstone, a few miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs. At just over 7,000’ of elevation , the trailhead lies in beautiful meadows below Terrace Mountain. Bison are often seen even before leaving the vehicle. The day’s hike consists of a gradual but steady climb through meadows and stands of pine and fir to camp on the banks of the Gardner River, one of Yellowstone's finest.


Day 2

Mileage: 8 miles (optional day hike)
Elevation Gain & Loss: 3,000 feet each way

We’ll not be moving camp this day. Instead, we’ll use the day to hike the southeast ridge of the magnificent Electric Peak, the tallest peak in the Gallatin Range at nearly 11,000’. The first two miles of the hike up the southeastern flank of the mountain travels a well-defined trail at a moderate grade. The trail gets gradually less-defined and steeper after that, until we’re scrambling over lower angle rocks near the summit. It is a long hike/climb that will reward us with tremendous views from the summit.


Day 3

Mileage: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet Loss: 2,250 feet

Day 3 begins with a 3-mile hike and 2,000’ of elevation gain to Electric Pass, on the southwestern shoulder of Electric Peak. There are more tremendous views of Yellowstone from here. We’ll then descend the valley on the other side, losing another 2,250’ of elevation to Sportsman Lake. Here we’ll get a different perspective on Electric Peak looking at it from the west. Sportsman Lake makes for a peaceful camp in a small meadow nestled beneath another large mountain.


Day 4

Mileage: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

Day 4 is relatively mellow as we hike across the Gallatin Crest again and transition into the Specimen Creek drainage. We'll make camp at another beautiful Yellowstone lake called High Lake.


Day 5

Mileage: 7.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 feet

Shortly out of camp we're rewarded with spectacular views of Paradise Valley. Further along our hike we abandon the main trail for an old sheep trail that is not marked on any map and is known only to a handful of locals, increasing our chances of seeing wildlife. Dramatic views of the western valley dominate this part of the hike. We’ll make camp on the shores of Shelf Lake, Yellowstone's highest at 9,200’.


Day 6

Mileage: 9.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet Loss: 2.500 feet

Day 6 is the longest and most spectacular day of the trek and is really the culmination of the entire hike. After departing camp we’ll gain the Gallatin Crest and hike over a spectacular peak called Bighorn Peak, at nearly 10,000’. There will be fantastic views of the snowcapped Spanish Peaks to the northwest and the Gallatin Range to the southeast. Bighorn sheep are also commonly seen. We'll hike an additional 6 miles along the crest before descending Daley Creek to the evening’s camp. Incredible views of big country are a norm throughout this day's hike!


Day 7

Mileage: 3.5 miles
Elevation Loss: 750 feet
Shuttle to Bozeman: 1.5-hour drive

Our final day on this backpacking trip consists of a short 3.5-mile hike down Daley Creek to the Daley Creek Trailhead. Your backpack no longer laden with food, you’ll be able to appreciate the broad and lush valley on this final day.