Backpack the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone
Backpack the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone River
The Black Canyon of the Yellowstone is a classic Yellowstone backcountry hiking tour. This is the best early season spring backpack in Yellowstone. The Black Canyon of the Yellowstone River is a famous route known for its wildlife and scenic beauty. In June, the wildflowers are in bloom and the wildlife is calving. Snow lingers in the high mountains, while the herds graze in the valley grasses. We camp on the banks of the swollen Yellowstone River near wild rose, rare Bitterroots, and other wildflower bouquets. We cook over the fire when permitted (otherwise stoves) and practice Leave No Trace camping techniques.
$1,750 per person
5 Days/ 4 Nights
30 miles
4-6 miles per day
1,000-foot gain on hardest day
Group size 6
Gear discounts
Top-of-the-Line Gear Provided
by Yellowstone Hiking Guides
Itinerary 2023
June 12-16 & June 19-23
June 11 & 18, Pre-Trip Meeting:
We meet in West Yellowstone, Montana at 6PM for the pre-trip meeting. We hand out gear, food bags, and conduct a briefing before the adventure.
Meeting Location: West Yellowstone, MT 6PM
Black Canyon of the Yellowstone River
with Yellowstone Hiking Guides
June 12 & 19, Day 1:
After a 7:30AM meeting in West Yellowstone, we drive two hours to the trailhead. We conduct a final check before we hit the trail to descend into the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone River, a wildlife haven. We will camp on the river’s edge near Crevice Lake listening to the roaring runoff of the Yellowstone River throughout the night.
Distance: 4 miles
Meals Prepared by Your Guide Over the Fire/Stove
with Yellowstone Hiking Guides
June 13 & 20, Day 2:
This morning, after hot coffee and breakfast, we will continue our trek up the Yellowstone River. Along the way we will watch for wildlife including: bison, bear, wolf, cougar, pronghorn, elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. The spring migration is underway as the wildlife moves up the river to their summer feeding grounds. Tonight we camp along the river’s edge again.
Distance: 4 miles
Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone’s Black Canyon
with Yellowstone Hiking Guides
Backpack Among Spring Wildflowers
with Yellowstone Hiking Guides
June 14 & 21, Day 3:
Begin another morning on the Yellowstone River. After breakfast, we leave the river’s edge and climb over a hill that separates the Black Canyon from Hellroaring Basin. Tonight we camp at the confluence of Hellroaring Creek and the Yellowstone River. This is one of the best camps in Yellowstone with good evening wildlife viewing perches.
Distance: 5 miles
Wildlife Watching in Hellroaring Basin
with Yellowstone Hiking Guides
June 15 & 22, Day 4:
For the last full day in the bush, we hike up Hellroaring Creek to the footbridge. This is the only way over the creek this time of year. We will spend one final night out on the trail, near the water’s edge. This spot continues to make this tour perfect for wildlife viewing in one of Yellowstone’s best backcountry locations.
Distance: 5 miles
June 16 & 23, Day 5:
We will have our last breakfast by the raging spring runoff before the trek out! Say goodbye to life beneath the Big Sky, and also the bears, bugs, and mud. Get ready for a hot shower and a million amazing memories to reflect on!
Distance: 6 miles
Spring Wildflowers in Yellowstone
with Yellowstone Hiking Guides