Itinerary
- Day 1
Gallatin River Valley
You'll start with a 3.5-hour shuttle ride to the trailhead at 7,000 feet. From there, hike 6.4 miles upstream along Specimen Creek, climbing 1,000 feet as the trail follows the scenic canyon. The route heads toward your first camp in the meadows near the east fork. Plan to reach camp by early evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike 6.4 miles upstream along Specimen Creek to camp
- Professional guide-led hiking
Landmarks/POIs Specimen Creek Gallatin River Valley 
- Day 2
Yellowstone's High Lake
After breakfast, you'll tackle a 3.5-mile hike that gains 800 feet to High Lake, located in rolling meadows near the crest. Watch for moose along the way. Once you set up camp, there's an optional day hike available if you want to head up the trail and catch views from the Gallatin Crest before evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Short hike (~3.5 miles) to Yellowstone's High Lake
- Professional guide-led hiking
Optional Activities
- Day hike from camp up the trail to view Gallatin Crest
Landmarks/POIs High Lake Gallatin Crest - Day 3
Shelf Lake
This day begins with views of Paradise Valley, then you'll descend toward Crescent Lake for a break on the shore. From there, the trail continues through conifer forests and crosses Specimen Creek. The final 2 miles take you to Shelf Lake, Yellowstone's highest lake. Over the 7-mile day, you'll gain and lose 1,200 feet total.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- 7-mile hike with views of Paradise Valley
- Hiking to Crescent Lake and Shelf Lake
- Professional guide-led hiking
Landmarks/POIs Paradise Valley Crescent Lake Shelf Lake - Day 4
Shelf Lake (layover day)
You'll stay at Shelf Lake for the day. Relax in camp if that appeals to you, or join the optional hike to Bighorn Peak's summit. That 6-mile round trip follows the highest section of the crest with open terrain, giving 360-degree views. Bighorn sheep hang out around the high ridges, so there's a good chance you'll see them.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Layover day at Shelf Lake campsite
Optional Activities
- Day hike to Bighorn Peak summit (6 miles round trip, approximately 2,000 feet elevation gain/loss)
Landmarks/POIs Bighorn Peak Gallatin Crest - Day 5
North Fork of Specimen Creek to Jackson Hole
Your final hiking day covers 8.2 miles down the North Fork of Specimen Creek, dropping 2,200 feet. The trail descends through dense spruce and fir forests as the creek widens. You'll pass through the lower meadows from day one, then the last 2 miles bring you to the van. After that, it's a 3.5-hour shuttle back to Jackson Hole.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- 8.2-mile hike down North Fork of Specimen Creek
- Professional guide-led hiking
Landmarks/POIs North Fork of Specimen Creek
