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Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Full Moon Hiking Tours in Yellowstone National Park. Join me on a hiking tour as I lead you along one of the park’s stunning trails, reaching a scenic, sweeping landscape view right before moonrise. As we sit in awe, you’ll have a chance to watch as the moon first cracks the horizon, illuminating the lands with its mesmerizing glow. On these deeply powerful and moving tours, you’ll have a chance to see Yellowstone National Park’s backcountry in a way that few ever have or ever will.
Contact me now to book an unforgettable journey that promises memories to last a lifetime.
Moonlit Marvels: What To Expect On A Full Moon Hiking Tour in Yellowstone
You’ve never seen Yellowstone National Park like this.
Our Full Moon Hiking Tours of Yellowstone National Park are custom-made for your group. As soon as you reserve your full moon tour, I will work with your group to find the perfect hiking trail and destination. I’ll give you a handful of destinations, ranging in difficulty and mileage, giving you enough options to find the perfect adventure. Whether you want to see the thermal basins in the summer or the wild and rugged northern range in the winter, witnessing a full moon rising over Yellowstone National Park is a truly unique experience and one you’ll want to relive as often as possible.
The tour starts in the evening, a few hours before the moon is scheduled to rise. After a quick overview of the trek, a gear check, and a safety talk, we will hike out to a spot pre-selected for optimum moonrise potential. As we wait for the moon to rise, I’ll share stories about the wildlife of the park’s behavior in the evening/night, as well as some moon facts and local legends and tales.
Once the moon is ready to rise, we will extinguish the conversation and witness the majesty of the moonrise in silence and reflective appreciation. This is also a time to take pictures of the moon appearing over your preselected landscape and take in the moment.
Once the moon is fully over the horizon, I will hand out headlamps and we will begin or hike back to the trailhead. For this section of the tour, we will occasionally be stopping and listening for animals, but generally, we will be talking loudly to alert any wildlife of our presence well in advance of our arrival.
Most full-moon tours will be between 2.5 to 5 hours in duration and cover 3 to 10 miles in distance. These tours will all coincide with sunset, limiting our time in the dark of Yellowstone. This will help keep us all safe and limit our chances for potentially unsafe wildlife encounters.
Obviously, the weather may not always work out, but that is part of the fun of these adventures. For more extreme weather, like downpours, or snowstorms I will have a contingency plan to still ensure your hiking trip in the park is extremely memorable.
Under The Light Of The Full Moon
It is nearly impossible to capture the magical ambiance of hiking in Yellowstone National Park under the light of the full moon in words. It is a moment that you have to be there to experience. Yet, I’ll try to at least give a few highlights.
If the weather cooperates, the hike back will be in the light of the full moon, casting shadows on the scenic landscape. If you choose to hike near the thermal features of the park, the full moon will reflect off the deep pools, and showcase the steam rising from the fumaroles and vents. If you choose to trek near the canyons or in the mountains, the rising moon will have solid features appearing to dance as the angle of light hits the landscape at different angles.
Wildlife may also help to make the moonlight trek even more memorable. We may hear wolves or coyotes howl, or bison grunting in the distance. We may see owls swooping between trees, foxes hunting, or even a badger or two scampering through the prairie. Because of the wildlife potential, we will be using our headlamps as often as possible on the hike back, we will be talking loudly, and hiking as one large group. By doing this, we will be making sure we see wildlife from a safe distance.
Booking Information
To book a full moon tour, please contact me directly.
Dates and spaces are limited, as full moons only happen once a month.
Full Moon Tour Dates for 2024:
- March 24th and March 25th*
- April 23rd
- May 22nd and May 23rd
- June 21st
- July 20th and July 21st
- August 18th and August 19th*
- September 17th*
- October 16th and October 17th*
- November 15th
- December 14th and December 15th
* Denotes a Supermoon
The full moons with two dates listed show full moons that occur during the day. The times listed for full moons are when the moon is at 100%. For instance, the full moon for July of 2024 is 100% at 4 am. Therefore, the moon is nearly full for the moonrise on both the 20th and the 21st.
Trust me, you won’t be able to tell the difference.
Why Book A Full-Moon Hiking Tour With Me?
These full-moon hikes are something I have done often in Yellowstone, and after years of doing it on my own or with friends, I want to share the experience with you all. These moonrise tours are deeply moving and profound, speaking to the very soul of all who witness the moment that the moon first rises over the horizon. These are tours for those seeking a truly profound experience to reconnect their soul with the earth and the universe. My exclusive Full Moon Tours offer an immersive experience of Yellowstone’s natural beauty, letting you witness the park’s iconic landmarks in a new light.
I am also a licensed and experienced guide in Yellowstone National Park, constantly studying about the park, the trails, the animals, and the history of the region. I lead tours year-round, in all weather and all terrain, with the goal of not only giving you the best possible experience for the day but also keeping you safe the entire time.
Experience Yellowstone’s Full Moon Magic: Book Your Hiking Tour Now
As the moonlight casts its enchanting glow over the rugged landscapes of Yellowstone National Park, there’s no better time to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Join me on my Full Moon Hiking Tour, where I’ll lead you along scenic trails to witness the majestic moment when the moon rises over the horizon. Please keep in mind that spaces for my Full Moon Tours are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary journey.
Contact me now to secure your spot and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to experiencing the wilds of Yellowstone, these tours will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated. Book your Full Moon Hiking Tour today and let the adventure begin!
