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Black Canyon Guided Backpacking Trips
Black Canyon of the Yellowstone & The Yellowstone River Trail
North Central Yellowstone - 3 Days/2 Nights
From start to finish the Black Canyon is a relaxing three day guided adventure with a variety of scenery that provides a nice sample of Yellowstone's rugged northern landscapes. Explore this wild and scenic canyon carved by the powerful Yellowstone River. Follow one of America's last undammed waterways as it crosses the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park on its 671 mile journey to the Missouri River.
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Black Canyon Overview
Black Canyon of the Yellowstone Guided Backpacking Trip
Pricing: $1,250 per person
Length: 3 Days/2 Nights
Distance: 20 mi/32 km
Trip Type: Guided Backpacking
Average Elevations: 5,500-6,000 ft/1,676-1,828 m
Maximum Elevation: 6,300 ft/1,920 m
Location: North Central Yellowstone
When to Visit: May-Early September
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Route: Point-to-point
Group Size: 2-5 people
Age Limit: 14+
Scenery: The Yellowstone River, Rugged Canyon Views, Wildflowers!
Potential Wildlife: Bison, Elk, Black Bear, Grizzly Bears, Bighorn Sheep, Osprey and Pronghorn Antelope.
QUESTIONS? CALL: +1-406-595-1823
2025 Trip Dates & Pricing
Price includes equipment rentals and backcountry meals and snacks. See the "General Information" section below for additional details.
| Dates | Pricing Per Person |
|---|---|
| May 5-7 | $1,250 |
| May 12-14 | $1,250 |
| May 19-21 | $1,250 |
| May 26-28 | $1,250 |
| June 2-4 | $1,250 |
Black Canyon Itinerary
Day 1: Moderate - 6-8 mi/9.6-12.8 km
From the town of Bozeman the trailhead is located about 1.5 hours from the small gateway community of Gardiner, Montana. Our hike into the Black Canyon begins high above the Yellowstone River at the Eagle Creek Campground just north of town. This is a moderate day of hiking with an initial descent of 700 ft. (213 m). After reaching the Yellowstone River the trail heads east through open meadows filled with sagebrush, Douglas firs and gnarled juniper trees. Mule deer, bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope can often be found grazing among the many open spaces that border the Yellowstone River. Our first campsite for the evening is located near the crystal clear waters of Crevice Lake or just east of the Yellowstone River Bridge.
Day 2: Moderate - 6-8 mi/9.6-12.8 km
On day two the trail continues through grassy meadows along generally flat terrain that hugs the towering walls of the Black Canyon. Crevice Lake appears on our right almost immediately after departing our first campsite and you'll often see a variety of waterfowl enjoying its clear and calm waters. A short distance from Crevice Lake the Blacktail Deer Creek Trail joins the Yellowstone River Trail. An alternate backcountry campsite is located on the south side of the river just east of the suspension bridge. We'll make a quick detour to the bridge with the hope of observing the osprey that nest in the area. These graceful birds are excellent fishermen and are often spotted perched on the tops of nearby trees, or cruising high above the river scanning for fish. They perform dramatic aerial dives, snatching their unsuspecting prey from the river with powerful talons.
After this brief detour we'll continue heading east along the Yellowstone River. The hiking in this area is generally very relaxing. Open meadows are dotted with a variety of brightly colored wildflowers and aromatic sagebrush, and steep talus slopes descend from the high plateaus bordering the canyon.
After a full day of hiking we find ourselves at the base of the massive Buffalo Plateau and Hellroaring Mountain. Mule deer, elk and bison frequent this area and Red-tailed Hawks circle high overhead. Our final campsite sits beside Hellroaring Creek where you'll be treated to sweeping panoramas that ascend toward the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park. This campsite is a guide favorite.
Day 3: Moderate - 6-8 mi/9.6-12.8 km
From our final campsite we head north along Hellroaring Creek to a sturdy footbridge that takes us across this tumultuous mountain stream. Large clusters of brightly colored Arrowleaf Balsamroot fill the meadows bordering both sides of the creek where elk, bison and pronghorn antelope congregate along these grassy slopes. A second suspension bridge spans the Yellowstone River and this brings us to the base of our final climb. A steady grade takes us to the Hellroaring Trailhead located just south of the Grand Loop Road. From here it's a 2-2.5 hour ride back to Bozeman with stops in Mammoth Hot Springs or Gardiner, Montana.
General Trip Information
Guest Reviews
Riccardo D.
"For us it was the first time in Yellowstone (we are two Italian guys) and we decided to do three days in the Black Canyon. Brian is careful and prepared, friendly and was willing to answer all our questions. Now just waiting to get the photos to complete this wonderful adventure!! Thanks Brian"
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