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Gallatin Traverse Guided Backpacking Trips
Yellowstone's Gallatin Traverse - Fawn Pass & The Sportsman Lake Trails
Northwest Yellowstone - 6 Days/5 Nights
This is an epic six day guided adventure that traverses the high mountain passes and scenic meadows along Yellowstone's northwestern borders. The Gallatin Range extends 75 miles from Bozeman, Montana south into Yellowstone National Park and is the ideal habitat for elk, moose, grizzly bears and wolves. Travel into the heart of this region and explore the spectacular alpine scenery and wide open spaces this area is known for.
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Gallatin Traverse Overview
Gallatin Traverse Guided Backpacking Trip
Pricing: $2,150 per person
Length: 6 Days/5 Nights
Distance: 47.2 mi/75.9 km
Trip Type: Guided Backpacking
Average Elevations: 7,000-8,000 ft/2,133-2,438 m
Maximum Elevation: 9,825 ft/2,994 m
Location: Northwest Yellowstone
When to Visit: July-Early September
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Route: Loop
Group Size: 2-7 people
Age Limit: 16+
Scenery: Stunning Mountain Vistas, Colorful Wildflowers, Remote Mountain Streams!
Potential Wildlife: Elk, Black Bear, Grizzly Bears and Wolves.
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 |
|---|---|
| Aug 4-9 | $2,150 |
Gallatin Traverse Itinerary
Day 1: Easy - 5.8 mi/9.3 km
Our hike begins in the remote and rugged northwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park at the Fawn Pass Trailhead (WK5). The drive from Bozeman takes us through the narrow and winding Gallatin Canyon and past the ski resort of Big Sky, Montana. Our estimated drive time is approximately 1.5 hours from Bozeman.
From the trailhead we'll hike east through gently rolling meadows filled with sagebrush, colorful wildflowers and hillsides covered by thick pine forests. After about 5 miles (8 km) of hiking and a gradual elevation gain of around 725 ft. (220 m), we turn right and follow a short spur trail south to our campsite beside the Gallatin River. This is scenic location close to the river with views extending west down the valley. While this is a relatively short day it gives us chance to get better aquatinted and prepare for the long trek up and over Fawn Pass the following day.
Day 2: Difficult - 10.3-11.5 mi/16.5-18.5 km
With a long day of hiking ahead of us we'll depart early and begin the hike to the top of Fawn Pass. From camp we'll rejoin the main trail after about a mile of uphill hiking along the spur trail from the previous day. After a few miles the trail enters a section of Yellowstone National Park known as the "Gallatin Bear Management Area". There are a total of seventeen "BMA's" located throughout Yellowstone and they are designed to help minimize the impact of humans on critical bear habitat. If we're lucky we may catch a glimpse of this rare animal as we traverse these high alpine regions of Yellowstone. It's a steady but manageable climb to the top of Fawn Pass with spectacular views of the valley below and the high mountain peaks to the east and west. After a well deserved rest at the top we'll descend to our campsite near the base of Quadrant Mountain. Approximate elevation gain for the day will be 1,700 ft. (518 m).
Day 3:
Easy to Moderate -
6-7 mi/9.6-11.2 km
On day three the terrain opens up once again as we hike the northern end of Gardners Hole, crossing both Fawn Creek and the Gardner River. This broad valley continues south across the sage covered lowlands that flank the Gallatin Range to the east. At a juncture below Sepulcher Mountain we'll connect with the Sportsman Lake Trail and begin our trek westward, climbing gradually toward our campsite along the Gardner River. If time allows we may take a brief detour to Cache Lake which is tucked away at the base of Electric Peak.
Day 4: Difficult - 6-7 mi/9.6-11.2 km
From our campsite along the Gardner River we'll begin the long climb to Electric Pass which reaches a height of 9,825 ft. (2,994 m). Elevation gain for the day will be approximately 1,800 ft. (548 m). From Electric Pass the views stretch across Yellowstone in just about every direction. The jagged profile of Electric Peak dominates the skyline to the north, reaching a height of nearly 11,000 ft. (3,352 m). This alpine environment is the perfect place to look for grizzly bear and elk that roam these remote landscapes. After a short but steep descent from Electric Pass our day ends at one of two campsites nestled beside Sportsman Lake.
Day 5: Easy - 9-10 mi/14.4-16 km
From Sportsman Lake the trail climbs into the dense and cooler forests to the west, passing through smaller meadows and thick pine woodlands. After a few miles of easy hiking we reach the juncture with the Fan Creek Trail and begin heading south along Fan Creek. This small stream twists and bends through a narrow valley on the western edge of the Gallatin Range. Stands of willows border the creek and are the ideal habitat for moose. This narrow valley takes us to our final campsite that sits just above Fan Creek.
Day 6: Easy - 3-4 mi/4.8-6.4 km
From our final campsite we'll continue hiking along Fan Creek through sage and willow flats to the Fawn Pass Trailhead (WK5). From here it's a scenic drive back to Bozeman with a stop near the resort town of Big Sky. Approximate drive time is 1.5 - 2 hours.
General Trip Information
Guest Reviews
Suzanne W.
"Excellent from start to finish! Brian made booking the trip a breeze and even went out of his way to accommodate our off-season dates. Sara, our guide, was knowledgable and friendly and a pleasure to be with the whole time. The gear was top-notch, and the views we got at the top of Electric Peak were unforgettable (we asked for a challenging trip and they delivered!). Trail Guides Yellowstone thought of everything so we didn't have to. I highly recommend them for overnight backpacking in the backcountry."
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