Yellowstone N.P., Wyoming
Yellowstone Backcountry Basins
Steam, bison, and thermal color away from the boardwalks.
Closures & alerts
Checking official closures and alerts…
Straight from the managing agency, but postings lag. Always call or check the park page the week you go.
Moderate
Difficulty
14 mi
Distance
900 ft
Elevation
14 h
Drive time
Jun – Sep
Best season
Trail map
Trail to take
Yellowstone Backcountry Basins — 14 mi · Moderate
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Overview
Shoshone Geyser Basin on foot is a different park entirely — no railings, no crowds, just thermal ground and elk tracks.
Permits: Backcountry permit required for overnight sites; reserve in spring.
Where to get your permit
Fees, lottery dates and quotas change every season — confirm on the agency page before you plan around them.
Where to camp or stay
Popular sites open on a booking window months ahead and sell out fast.
Highlights
Shoshone Geyser Basin
Lone Star Geyser at dusk
Bison herds in Hayden Valley
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Lone Star trailhead
Easy grade along the Firehole, camp near the river.
Day 2
Shoshone basin
Full day among thermal features, bear-aware cooking.
Day 3
Out and Hayden Valley
Hike out, drive to Hayden for evening wildlife.
Packing list
Checked against your gear closet — 5 items to sort out.
- Bear spray
- Bear canister
- Rain shell
- Warm layers
- Binoculars
Add gear for this trip
Suggestions shift with the trip length, activities and the forecast above.
2.5 L
Per person, per day
2 L
Heaviest carry
4.4 lb
Water weight (2.2 lb/L)
4.4 lb
Gear 0.0 lb + water
- Sources unconfirmed — this assumes one mid-day refill. Check conditions before you go.
Food plan
- Cook 100 yards downwind of camp
- Simple one-pot dinners
- No scented items in the tent
Weather & conditions
Next few days
National Weather Service
Alerts & notices
No active National Weather Service alerts for this location.
National Park Service · Yellowstone National Park
- • Bear spray required practice — food storage orders in effect park-wide.
- • Backcountry sites are date-specific; changes must be made in person.
Land-manager notices are curated; the Forest Service and Park Service don't publish an open alerts feed, so confirm on the official page before you drive.
Nearby camping
Gear recommendations
Know before you go. Routes, distances, elevation and conditions shown here are estimates and may be inaccurate or out of date. Trail conditions change, and closures happen. Check with the managing land agency, carry a topographic map and compass or GPS, tell someone your plans, and know your limits — you're responsible for your own safety in the outdoors.