Wildlife Hiking Adventure in Yellowstone with Lunch

Hike 6 to 7 miles into the backcountry where most park visitors never go

A guided hiking tour in Yellowstone National Park takes you 6 to 7 miles into remote terrain with a trained, certified guide equipped with bear spray, field guides and first aid. You'll hike through valleys and hillsides beyond the main park roads, with chances to spot bison, elk, moose, wolves, bears and other wildlife. Lunch and snacks are provided. Trekking poles are available. The guide delivers in-field education about the flora and fauna as you walk, and the pace is tailored to your group's comfort.

The experience

What separates this hike from the roadside pullouts is the distance and the guide's knowledge. You'll cover 6 to 7 miles on terrain the casual visitor doesn't reach, moving through backcountry valleys and hills where wildlife congregates. A trained and certified guide leads the way with bear spray, field guides and first aid supplies, so you're not navigating alone or guessing at what you're seeing. The guide teaches as you walk (pointing out plants, animals and the landscape itself), and adjusts the route to what your group wants to see and can handle.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the remote terrain makes them far more likely than the parking-lot vistas. Bison, elk, moose, wolves, bears, badgers and coyotes all move through these valleys. The guide's knowledge of animal behavior and habitat helps you understand what you're seeing and why it matters. Lunch and snacks fuel you through the day. Bring extra water on top of what's provided.

Trekking poles are included and reduce the strain on your knees and hips over the distance. Backpacks are available if you request one before the hike. The whole outing runs about 6 hours, so plan the rest of your day around a morning or early-afternoon start. National Park entrance fees are separate: the operator recommends an annual parks pass if you're visiting multiple times.

What’s included

• Trained and certified adventure guide leading the hike.
• lunch and snacks throughout the day.
• trekking poles.
• bear spray and first aid supplies carried by the guide.
• field guides for identifying plants and wildlife.
• backpacks available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00, 07:00 and 08:00Last departure this season: 5 Nov

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 12 pickup points.Operator's directions: “We will meet in front of the Hotel, in our Casanova Guided Tours marked vehicle. Designated times and details will be coordinated prior to adventure tour.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Yellowstone’s Casanova Guided Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and delivers education in the field as you walk, so you follow the commentary naturally without needing to stop or gather around. This works best for hikers with moderate fitness who can sustain 6 to 7 miles over several hours and want the backcountry experience without navigating alone.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What kind of wildlife might I actually see on this hike?

Bison, elk, moose, wolves, bears, badgers and coyotes all inhabit the backcountry terrain you'll cover. Sightings depend on the season and the animals' movement patterns, but the remote route puts you in habitat where they live rather than in the main park corridors.

How difficult is a 6 to 7 mile hike in Yellowstone?

The terrain is backcountry, so it's uneven and rolling, and the altitude and distance demand at least moderate physical fitness. The guide tailors the pace to your group, but you should be comfortable hiking for several hours with elevation changes.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch and snacks are provided to fuel you through the hike. Bring plenty of water beyond what's offered, as hydration matters over 6 to 7 miles of walking.

Do I need to bring trekking poles, or are they provided?

Trekking poles are included with the tour. Backpacks are available if you request one when you book.

Is the guide a naturalist, or just someone who knows the trails?

The guide is a trained and certified naturalist who delivers in-field education about the flora, fauna and landscape as you hike. They carry field guides to help identify plants and animals along the way.