Slough Creek Wildlife Watching Adventure

AVAILABLE MAY THROUGH OCTOBER

While Lamar Valley gets all the love for being a wildlife hot spot, Slough Creek is a local favorite for seeing bears, wolves, badgers, bison, elk, and nearly all the animals that call Yellowstone home. Not only is Slough Creek great for wildlife sightings, but it also allows you to experience a lesser-seen section of the park and an opportunity to sit in some truly stunning scenery.

The hike is straightforward, quickly climbing a 450-foot hill in the first mile before dropping into the first meadow of Slough Creek over the next mile and a half. In the meadow is a bluff we will hike to, passing bones and skulls, to reach a breathtaking panoramic view of the region. We will stop here, scan for wildlife, learn about the history of the region, and have some time to wander around.

The best part of this trail is that every mile hiked takes you into even more stunning terrain. Depending on your hiking speed and desire, we can head to the first meadow and sit atop a bluff, continue along the trail to another remote bluff between the first and second meadow, or head to the second meadow for an even more secluded spot. I even offer a much longer day, which is described below.

WANT MORE HIKING HERE?

The standard route, to the first meadow and back, is roughly 5.25 miles round trip with just under 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The distance to the second meadow is around 10 miles round trip with around 1,200 feet of elevation gain. The longest route I offer is to the Elk Tongue Patrol Cabin, a 14.5-mile day with ~1,400 feet of elevation. The 14-mile route is only for experienced hikers who can complete the trek in 6 hours.

This trail is an out-and-back adventure, meaning that we will be walking the same route in each direction.

This is a private tour for you and your group only. You will not be joined by others.