Have you ever dreamed of camping in the middle of nowhere? No people, no cars, no internet connections – just you and the nature! Backcountry camping was part of my trip in Yellowstone National Park – my best camping experience so far. Besides camping Yellowstone offers stunning views from secluded trails, diverse wildlife (yes, we saw a bear!) and picturesque hot springs and geysers.
Of course, we not only visited the Park, but made a little road trip before and after, crossing 4 different states (Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana), which was pretty impressive to me.
Before we spent some time in the Tetons National Park. We enjoyed trails on horses and running in silence, it almost felt like meditating. The Snake River is perfect for white water rafting and marvel at the beautiful landscape that makes you feel being part of a National Geographic documentation.
We entered the Yellowstone National Park at the West Entrance and stayed one night at the beautiful Henry Lake in a highly recommended airbnb. Our backcountry camps in the Park were awesome and I highly recommend it instead of staying in one of the pricey park hotels. You just need a permit and appropriate gear and off you go. We brought some picnic food for the two days (see below for camping food faves).
Having the return flight leaving from Salt Lake City, Utah gives us the opportunity for a little road trip. We stayed one night in Idaho Falls and visited the Twin Falls (the Niagara Falls of the West) where we met the Snake River again. After a short tour around the temple in Salt Lake City our short trip was already over.
Here is an itinerary for inspiration
Day 1
- Flight from SFO to Salt Lake City
- Drive from SLC – Teton Village, Stay at Terra Hotel
Day 2
- Whitewater rafting (Jackson) on the beautiful Snake River
- Grand Teton running trails
Day 3
- Horseback Riding through secluded trails
- Coffee Stop and Yoga @YogaShala in Wilson and Jackson
- Food stop on the road
- Drive from Jackson to Henry Lake, enjoy the lake at the shore
- Stay at airbnb with Bruce
Day 4
- Old Faithful
- Get the backcountry permit here, watch the safety video and get a bear spray if you haven’t one yet.
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Backcountry Camping: Canyon AREA 4R2
Day 5
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River
- Hike 1: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: North Rim (Inspiration Point), 2-4 miles
- Mt. Washburn Hike 2: Mt. Washburn Trail, 7 miles
- Backcountry Camping: Yellowstone River AREA 1Y8-Yellowstone River Trail
Day 6
- Boiling River
- Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Drive via West Entrance to Idaho Falls
- Dinner at SnakeBite
- Stay at airbnb in Idaho Falls
Day 7
- Twin Falls Hike: Shoshone Falls (driving directions)
- Salt Lake City: visit the Temple and enjoy the views from the rooftop of the Public Library
Packlist for the trip including camping
- Camping Gear (tent, sleeping bag, mats, rope for bear storage, bear canister, bear spray, shuffle, water filter, bottle, picnic plates and spork, matches to make fire, headlamp, pocket knife)
- Active apparel, ideally merino wool clothes and many different layers as it gets cold at night, bathing suit, trail shoes
- Toiletry (you basically just need a toothbrush/-paste and soap for the camping)
- Food (conserved food: sardines, stuffed wine leaves, aubergines; pitta bread/tortilla wraps; veggies: avocado, carrots; dips: guacamole, hummus; protein/granola bars; fruits: banana, apple; drinks: green smoothies, coconut water, cold brewed coffee)
- Personal docs and gear (eg: ID, drivers’ license, phone, camera, book)