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Earn a summit and sleep beside a high alpine lake on this 3-day Yellowstone backpacking trip. Camp on Heart Lake, summit Mount Sheridan at 10,308 feet, and return with panoramic views and geothermal curiosities.
Earn a summit and sleep beside a high alpine lake on this 3-day Yellowstone backpacking trip. Camp on Heart Lake, summit Mount Sheridan at 10,308 feet, and return with panoramic views and geothermal curiosities.
Book with Discovery Treks
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Discovery Treks · Scottsdale, Arizona
Heart Lake to Mount Sheridan is a three-day backpacking route through Yellowstone National Park, beginning at Heart Lake Trailhead and centered on the high alpine basin around Heart Lake. This guided trip is offered by Discovery Treks and runs from a meeting point in Bozeman, MT, taking hikers into geothermal basins, lakeshore camps, subalpine forests, and a summit push to 10,308-foot Mount Sheridan. Day one moves steadily in, with a trail that traverses meadows and stands of lodgepole pine before reaching the lake’s quiet northern shore. Steam vents and mineral streaks remind you that Yellowstone’s thermal system is never far; fishing, shoreline recon, and easy evening hikes round out the afternoon. Day two is the climb: a demanding ascent across mixed talus and alpine slopes that rewards effort with a sweeping panorama at 10,308 feet. From the summit the Absarokas stretch east, the Grand Tetons puncture the horizon to the southwest, and Yellowstone’s high country spreads below in ridgelines, basins, and thermal scars. Campsites are classical backcountry affairs: double-occupancy tents, wood-smoothed dinner rituals, and long dusk light that turns the peaks pink and gold. The trip emphasizes safety and comfort in remote terrain: guides are Wilderness First Responder certified, permits and bear canisters are provided, and quality backpacks, sleeping systems, and cooking gear are included. Logistics are simple for participants: all meals from breakfast on day one through lunch on the final day are handled by guides, and a single tent upgrade is available for those wanting a solo option. Expect daily mileage in the 8–10 mile range, river crossings that can reach knee depth, and variable weather that can swing from warm sun to late afternoon thunderstorms. Skills required are basic to intermediate: steady footholds on talus, map and compass comfort, and previous multi-day pack experience will make the trip much more enjoyable. Seasonal timing matters: early summer may still hold snow on higher approaches while late summer reduces creek flows but raises thunderstorm odds. For photographers the best windows are sunrise and evening alpenglow, and photo chances include reflective lake shots, summit panoramas, steam vents near the trail, and close views of subalpine wildflowers. This trip is a concentrated Yellowstone experience: thermal oddities beside classic alpine hiking, compact summit exposure, and nights beside a high lake that make three days feel much larger. Meeting point: Bozeman, MT; operator: Discovery Treks; city listed for booking: Scottsdale, Arizona (provided location data). Bring a patient mind, a solid base of fitness, and leave no trace: this basin is public wildland established within the nation’s first national park in 1872. Booking often fills in summer; check availability, train with loaded packs, and be prepared for remote travel and wildlife encounters, respect protocols.
moderate.
3 days.
Participants should have a solid endurance base for consecutive 8–10 mile days and be comfortable carrying a loaded pack over uneven terrain.
The provided meeting point is Bozeman, MT; specific check-in details will be provided after booking.
Guiding, permits, pro-quality backpacking gear, double-occupancy tents (single upgrade available), meals from breakfast day one through lunch final day, and bear canisters are included.
You should be comfortable with consecutive 8–10 mile days, carrying a loaded pack, and traversing uneven talus and creek crossings.
Both black and grizzly bears occur in Yellowstone; guides enforce strict food storage, use bear canisters, and teach avoidance and response protocols.
Yes—Discovery Treks can accommodate most dietary restrictions; include details in your registration form.
Prior multi-day backpacking experience is strongly recommended to manage pace, camp routine, and personal gear.
Yellowstone was designated the nation’s first national park in 1872; the park’s geothermal and volcanic history shapes much of the backcountry scenery here.
This route operates under strict Leave No Trace and bear-safety protocols; staying on durable surfaces and packing out all waste protects fragile thermal and alpine habitats.
Discovery Treks specializes in guided hiking and backpacking trips across iconic U.S. national parks and coastal routes. The company coordinates experiences that range from day hikes to multi-day backpacking tours, including focused itineraries for the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Olympic Coast, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Grand Teton. Discovery Treks offers specific pre-permit lottery reservation services for Grand Canyon backpacking and Rim to Rim departures, allowing hikers to apply through the permit lottery process and adjust group details before application deadlines. Several listed departures include explicit pre-permit reservation language, and some trips note flexible booking without an upfront deposit during the pre-permit phase. Signature itineraries include Classic Hike to the River, a 3- or 4-day Grand Canyon hike with camping at Phantom Ranch, Rim to Rim options in both camping and priority/tour formats, Half Dome hikes and express options, and multi-park inn-based tours such as Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Day hikes, overnight treks, and extended tours are represented across the calendar. All trip descriptions and reservations appear under the Discovery Treks listing on The Adventure Collective. Booking details, permit application options, trip duration, and specific route information are provided per individual trip listing. Prospective hikers should review each itinerary description for exact logistics, permits, and current availability. Safety information, packing lists, fitness requirements, and seasonal guidance are included with each trip listing so participants can prepare appropriately and confirm specifics such as meeting locations, gear recommendations, and required permits before booking.
Book with Discovery Treks