FAQ
Information regarding directions to the trailhead, what to bring, etc.
FAQ
What does YHG provide?
Light backpack for your lunch and personal gear
Bear spray
Trekking poles
Optic gear
Sack picnic lunch and light breakfast snack
Knowledgeable and professional guide to safely take you off the beaten path
What do you need to bring?
Water bottle (we recommend two liters per person)
Rain jacket
Extra fleece layer/warm hat
Sun protection (hat/sunscreen/sunglasses)
Bug spray
Toilet paper/zip loc
Camera
Yellowstone Hiking Guides at Trout Lake on a still morning.
Cancellation Policy for day hikes, van tours and kayaking tours:
48-hour advance cancellation receives a full refund (minus 3% processing fee).
Payment/Cancellation Policy for Yellowstone Backpacking Trips:
25% non-refundable deposit for backpacking trip departure is due at time of booking (can be applied as credit for future trips if needed.)
Non-refundable payment is due in full 45 days prior to backpacking trip departure.
Yellowstone Hiking Guides recommends trip insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are YHG tours family friendly?
YES! YHG hikers have ranged from 8-months-old to 86-years-old. We have found over the years that 8-years-old and older is the perfect age to join our day hikes, and 6-years-old and older is the perfect age to join our active van tours. We believe kayaking tour participants should be at least 15 years old due to lake conditions. We hike as a group. We hike as fast as the slowest hiker in the group. No hiker left behind!
How fit do you need to be to go on a YHG tour?
YHG active travelers are all fitness levels and ages!
Upper Geyser Basin Hike (our easiest hike)—six miles, 200-300ft elevation gain and loss throughout the hike on well-maintained trails and boardwalks.
Lamar Valley Safari Hike (second easiest hike)—six miles, 200-300ft elevation gain and loss throughout the hike on game trails.
Grand Canyon Rim Hike (third easiest hike)—six miles, 600ft elevation gain and loss throughout the hike (at high altitude) on maintained paths and dirt trails. The Canyon is at 8,000 ft elevation.
Lower Loop Active Van Tour—we walk three miles on well maintained trails and boardwalks throughout the day. Some folks hang back at the van (and watch wildlife or beautiful scenery!) and skip the hikes as the day progresses.
Upper Loop Active Van Tour—we take short strolls to overlooks to view wildlife and scenery. Some folks hang back at the van (and watch wildlife or beautiful scenery!) and skip the walks as the day progresses.
Kayak Tours on Yellowstone Lake—a moderate five mile paddle at high elevation. This paddle can be strenuous when the wind picks up later in the tour. Yellowstone Lake is at 7,700 ft elevation.
What is the typical group size for YHG tours?
Our typical group size is 8-10. Group sizes can be as large as 15.
What is the restroom situation on the trail and on the lake in Yellowstone?
Restrooms are primitive on the trail in Yellowstone National Park. Please bring paper and a zip loc to pack out your paper (your guide will have extra). Your guide will be reminding you to drink water. Restroom breaks will be necessary.
Weather
A snow storm at Old Faithful Geyser in July.
