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Pebble Creek to Slough Creek
Trip Description:
This guided backpacking trip offers hikers a piece of backcountry heaven. Slough Creek is a world-famous fishing destination with it’s clear and slow-moving creek nestled between two mountain ranges, far away from the busy parts of Yellowstone.
Eventually the trail leads you over the rugged and seldom traveled Bliss Pass, where you're likely to encounter few other hikers. After the steep descent, the trail drops you into another pristine meadow, before hiking out along Pebble Creek the next day. Following the trip, you have the opportunity to drive through the famous Lamar Valley and a chance to spot more wildlife.
Itinerary
DAY BEFORE TRIP STARTS
We will meet the evening before our trip starts in Bozeman, Montana at 5:00 pm, at a predetermined hotel. If the meeting is held at a different hotel than you are staying, your guide will gladly provide transportation to and from the meeting. In this meeting, we will do a general orientation that will cover introductions, trip itinerary, safety precautions, pack fitting and group gear distribution. Most importantly, this is a chance to meet with your guide to discuss the personal gear and clothes that you plan on bringing; your guide will offer advice about what to bring and what to leave behind for a successful and comfortable trip. This meeting generally lasts one hour.
DAY ONE
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Travel time from Bozeman: 3 hours
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Distance: 5 to 7 Miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
NBN will pick you up from your hotel in Bozeman and be on the road bright and early. Once we get to Yellowstone, we will keep an eye out for wildlife sightings and make our way through the Northern Range, looking out for bison, pronghorn or wolves. The trail will start off uphill which will get our blood pumping, but don’t worry, it will soon smooth out and work itself into a gradual downhill. Once over the hill, we will drop into the first meadow, and will be rewarded with expansive views of Slough Creek, Anderson Ridge and wide-open grasslands. The trail is an old stagecoach route used for horse-drawn carriages traveling to a privately-owned ranch, just outside Yellowstone National Park boundaries. When we arrive at camp, we will settle in for a big dinner, prepared by your guide, and enjoy an epic sunset. The sunsets at Slough Creek are magical — the meadows are filled with colors, the sound of Sandhill cranes fill the air, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life will dissipate as the sun drops.
DAY TWO
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Distance: 7 Miles
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Difficulty: Easy
We will be staying in the Slough Creek area for a second day. The group can take an optional hike to the park boundaries, or stay closer to camp and watch wildlife or catch a Cutthroat trout in the creek. Either way, it will be a leisurely day, without a worry in the world.
DAY THREE
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Distance: 7 to 9 Miles
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Difficulty: Hard
This day, we will wake up to a big, hearty breakfast, and hit the trail. We will hike up and over the rugged and remote Bliss Pass. Wildlife can be abundant along this trail, since not many people travel over the pass. At the top, we will have world class views of the Beartooth Mountains, Yellowstone’s Northern Range, the Buffalo Plateau and Slough Creek. After eating lunch at the top, we will make the steep descent to Pebble Creek, another remote valley encased by 10,000 foot mountain peaks. This is where we will set up camp for the night and eat a big, well-deserved dinner. Tonight, after a night of star gazing, we will be lulled to sleep by the gentle sounds of Pebble Creek.
DAY FOUR
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Distance: 4 to 7 Miles
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Difficulty: Easy
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Travel time to Bozeman: 3.5 hours
On the last day, we will hike out through Warm Creek drainage or Pebble Creek drainage. We will follow the meandering creek through peaceful meadows and forests. Once we make it to the trailhead, we will eat a delicious and fresh lunch, and start our drive back through Lamar Valley on our way to Bozeman.
Trip Note: While this trip has the option for world-class fishing, Nomadic By Nature does not supply fishing poles, nor does it supply fishing permits. You can obtain Yellowstone National Park fishing permits from various locations in Bozeman and in many surrounding locations, click here for more information.
Trip Variations:
Nomadic By Nature always tries our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible. However, there may be slight variations based on the National Park Service permit system and the ever-changing dynamics of the outdoors.
Gear Checklist
All backpacking gear is provided by Nomadic by Nature, including backpacks, tents, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, group cooking supplies, and more.
Click below to review the checklist of what is provided, and what you'll need to bring on your backpacking trip in Yellowstone National Park.
Travel Logistics
TRIP DATES:
Due to the nature of the Park Service’s permit system, Nomadic By Nature will not know the exact dates of your trip until April. As soon as we get our permit dates, NBN will notify you immediately. We strongly recommend making your accommodation and flight reservations at that time.
GETTING TO AND FROM BOZEMAN:
All NBN backpacking trips will depart from Bozeman, Montana. Bozeman International Airport is 10 miles from Bozeman’s downtown. We ask all guests to arrive in Bozeman the day before the trip starts, so they can attend the pre-trip meeting, which will be at 5 pm the night before. If your flight is delayed, please reach out to Nomadic By Nature.
We strongly recommend NOT flying out the same day that the trip ends. With long drive times and unpredictable wildlife encounters along the roads, it is hard to predict a precise time that we will arrive back in Bozeman.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nomadic By Nature is not responsible for providing accommodation the night before the trip, or the night we return from the trip. However, we have corporate rate with the C'mon Inn in Bozeman. Be sure to ask about the rate when you book with us!
TRAINING FOR THE TRIP:
By getting in shape before you start your backpacking trip you'll be able to enjoy your trip without worrying about aches and pains. Training for the trip not only helps yourself out, it helps the whole team accomplish the goal and stay safe and comfortable out there.
Check out our recommendations for training for a Nomadic by Nature backpacking trip.
Refund & Cancellation
REFUND POLICY:
Cancellation policy is per person.
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Cancel 30 or more days prior to trip departure, refund less the $300 deposit.
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Cancel less than 30 days prior to trip departure, receive a trip credit.
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Trip credits are for the full trip amount and are good for two years.
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Covid-19
COVID-19 PLAN:
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Guests are no longer required to wear masks while in vehicles to and from the trailhead
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Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer are provided
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All dishes will be cleaned using soap and bleach
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All gear will be cleaned after each trip
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Guests are asked to stay home if they are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms
Why Nomadic By Nature?
It's a lot of planning and a big commitment -- you don't want to choose just any outfitter or guide to take you into the wilderness for a several day stretch. Our experience is vast, personally and professionally, and we want you to be confident in choosing Nomadic By Nature. To learn more about our background and passion for backpacking and the outdoors, click below to read our story. We have much to share and show you -- so we hope you'll join us for an unforgettable experience!
Ready to Book?
Complete the form below if you have any questions, or reach out with a phone call!
If you're ready to book, click the link at the bottom of the page!