Learn me: Backcountry camping in Yellowstone

Alright guys, looking for some advice here. Buddy of mine and I are planning an adventure for early August that starts with 3 nights backcountry camping in the Badlands. Next we move to Yellowstone. We have reserved our 1st night there for an actual campground (and will probably do the same for our last night), but are planning for up to 4 more nights of camping which will ideally be backcountry. We are not overly experienced backpackers, but we are young and in good enough shape to handle most anything reasonable (15 miles in a day is reasonable at South Carolina elevation and we're still conditioning). I grew up camping so I'm relatively comfortable with that side of things.

We've been researching hikes, but there are an unbelievable amount to choose from. Would love to hear any advice from the hive on personal experience and good hikes. Views are (obviously) a plus, and off the beaten path is okay. We are trying to prepare our backcountry permit applications by March 1st.

For the curious, we plan to go on to Glacier National Park for ~4 nights after Yellowstone. I'm open to any and all advice on area hikes as well, from each site. Only date set in stone is August 8th we have a campsite reserved at Yellowstone., We considered/are thinking of Grand Teton, but it seems like the hike to the summit isn't well documented as far as whether or not mountain climbing is really required?

Sounds awesome! I've spent a lot of time backpacking and a lot of time in Yellowstone but never at the same time.

I would HIGHLY recommend paying for a night in the hotel or cabins near old faithful. Then go watch with flashlights at 2 am. It'll blow your gord.

Don't forget you need a backcountry pass. First come first served. Bear canisters and pepper spray.

You'll need to hoist your food up a tree not too near to where you're sleeping-Bears. Get H2O tablets or a purification pump.

Don't forget that open carry is now kosher in Yellowstone. They still have "No Firearms" signs all over, but it is legal. I never go into the back country without my .357 mag. We've spent more time in the Tetons than Yellowstone lately.

Yellowstone has more wild animals, cool geological features, but is also extremely crowded.

Tetons have a lot less traffic and amazing mountains and lakes.

In reply to classicJackets:

I have visited all three and will surely visit again. 15 miles a day may be doable, but why would you want to? The elevation difference will be noticeable, I live in Lexington, KY at an elevation of 800ft ASL. The first night I stayed at 8,000ft ASL. It whooped my butt and I'm in fairly good shape. I would be willing to bet that unless you live in western SC the elevation will be equally noticeable.

The main reason not to plan for 15 miles a day is you will feel like you're on a forced march instead of a hike. reduce your daily mileage and enjoy the trip. It is an adventure not a yomp to the next rally point.

You can't go wrong with any part of the park, all three are full of epic vistas that pictures can not begin to capture, even if you are Ansel Adams.

Get a real Gore Tex rain suit it will come in handy. Pack two more pair of sock than you think you need. Take lots of pictures.

Mt Washburn is a pretty good starting point for day hikes. I really enjoyed the Lamar valley too for the wildlife. Old faithful is ok but Yellowstone is just full of features. Don't try to do it all, you'll definitely bite off more than you can chew.

I actually enjoyed the hiking in the Tetons more. There was a hike through Cascade Canyon between two peaks, past inspiration point, that was a great day hike. You could keep going and make it an overnighter.

Definitely be bear aware. But the Bison kill twice as many people yearly.

wheelsmithy wrote: You'll need to hoist your food up a tree not too near to where you're sleeping-Bears. Get H2O tablets or a purification pump.

Most backcountry campsites in Yellowstone are set up with a bear hang that looks like the world's tallest set of goalposts. The hangs are usually around 200 feet from the campsites. A lot of sites also have designated spot for cooking and food prep. They are also a couple of hundred feet from your tent /shelter. Use approved bear spray which is five times more potent than pepper spray. Know how to get the safety off in the dark. Practice undoing the safety. it needs to be either on a belt loop at your side or on your pack strap. Buy a holster for the bear spray if you don't have one.

One thing to remember about Yellowstone: 80 percent of it burned in 1988. Many of those burnt trees are upright but more of them fall each year. You'll probably hear a couple go on your trip. Ask the rangers about avoiding trails where there are a lot of zombie trees. If one falls on you it could ruin you day.