Grand Teton Overnight Trips
Jackson Lake + Snake RiverJackson Lake kayak‑camping with alpine hiking and a Snake River float finale.
Yellowstone Lake Overnight Trips
Custom Backcountry CampingPaddle North America's Largest High-Altitude Lake - 136 Miles of Pristine Shoreline Await
High‑Altitude BackcountryWhat it is: Fully outfitted 2-8 day Yellowstone Lake expeditions with guides managing permits and logistics, providing gear and meals, and setting a safe, steady pace with clear wildlife protocols. Yellowstone Lake, sitting at 7,733 feet, is the largest lake above 7,000 feet in North America and forms the headwaters of the Yellowstone/Missouri River system.
Why it’s special: With 136 miles of shoreline to explore, this is Yellowstone National Park as few people ever experience it: paddling into areas open only to paddle craft where abundant wildlife, geothermal features, stunning scenery, and profound solitude create an unforgettable wilderness immersion.
The experience: Our 2-8 day expeditions access beautiful campsites around the eastern perimeter of the lake, allowing you to paddle deep into the South, Southeast, and Flat Mountain arms—remote wilderness areas most park visitors never see. Longer trips can circumnavigate the entire roadless shoreline, a journey that reveals Yellowstone's wild heart. With expert guides providing instruction and interpretation, premium touring kayaks (single or tandem), gourmet backcountry meals, and complete customization for your group, this is wilderness kayaking at its most spectacular—paddling the continent's largest high mountain lake surrounded by the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Who’s it for: All abilities—including first-timers—who want a true Yellowstone backcountry overnight with logistics handled and a pace tailored to the group.
Custom Overnight Pricing
Yellowstone + Lewis/Shoshone| Guests | 2-day | 3-day | 4-day | 5-Day+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-6 people/person | $1,250 | $1,650 | $1,950 | Call |
| 7-10 people/person | $1,200 | $1,595 | $1,895 | Call |
Custom overnights available on Jackson, Yellowstone, or Lewis/Shoshone Lakes from June to mid-Oct.
View the Trip on the Map
Spectacular Wildlife
"Three-day/two-night camping trip on Yellowstone Lake. The scenery and wildlife were spectacular, and the guides were patient, informative, and helpful."
TreadLightAdventurer, Aug 2012
TripAdvisor
Trip Gallery
Your Yellowstone Lake Expedition
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Evening Meet & Greet (Day Before Departure)
Evening BeforeMeet your fellow paddlers and guides at our Jackson shop. Gear check, dry bag packing, kayak fitting (choose single or tandem touring kayaks), trip overview, and Q&A session to prepare for tomorrow's adventure.
1
Journey to West Thumb & Breeze Bay
Day 18:00 AM Departure - Scenic drive north through Grand Teton National Park into Yellowstone. Cross the Continental Divide and descend to Yellowstone Lake's shores at 7,700 feet.
Paddling Instruction - Learn proper boat loading, paddling technique, and water safety. Your guides coach forward and turning strokes, edging, and rudder use as you launch.
West Thumb Exploration - Paddle along the south shore of the West Thumb past landscapes recovering spectacularly from the 1988 fires. Beach lunch with views of this geologically active area.
Through the Narrows - Navigate the West Thumb Narrows where water often surges through the narrow channel from West Thumb to the main lake body-an exciting passage!
Breeze Bay Camp - Short paddle around Breeze Point to your campsite in Breeze Bay. Well-earned feast, campfire, and presentation on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem beneath star-filled skies.
2
Deeper into the Backcountry - Flat Mountain Arm
Day 2Morning Relaxation - Guides prepare breakfast while you enjoy the peaceful morning on the lake.
Break Camp & Paddle - Work together to pack up and head further into Yellowstone's backcountry. Destination: Flat Mountain Arm and one of the park's most spectacular campsites.
Paddle-Only Waters - Once at Flat Mountain Arm, choose your adventure: relax at camp or paddle deeper into areas open only to hand-propelled craft. Excellent moose habitat lines the shores. Watch for bald eagles, pelicans, osprey, and other wildlife.
Evening Program - Gourmet backcountry meal, campfire, and discussion about invasive species challenges and conservation efforts in the Greater Yellowstone.
3
Return Journey
Day 3Early Start - Break camp and repack boats for the return journey. Early departure brings favorable conditions-ideal for birding and wildlife viewing.
Strategic Timing - Goal is navigating the Narrows before afternoon winds create rough water. Once safely through, stop for lunch before the final paddle.
West Thumb Crossing - Return across West Thumb to Grant Village take-out. Leisurely drive back through Grand Teton with stunning Teton views before returning to Jackson.
Days 4-8: Extended Expeditions
Four-day and longer itineraries complete a circumnavigation of Yellowstone Lake's roadless shoreline-exploring the South and Southeast Arms, paddling up the East shore to Sedge Bay, and experiencing remote wilderness few ever reach. Call for details on this extraordinary journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Go
It's North America's largest high-altitude lake at 7,733 feet with 136 miles of shoreline - most of it roadless and accessible only by paddle craft. You'll experience areas of Yellowstone National Park that 99% of visitors never see, with spectacular wilderness camping and profound solitude
No prior paddling experience is required — this trip is open to all abilities, including first-timers. You should be comfortable with 4-6 hours of daily paddling and physically fit for multi-day camping. Our guides provide thorough instruction before launching and coach you throughout the trip. Previous camping experience helps but isn't required. The most important qualities are positive attitude, adaptability to changing conditions, and comfort with wilderness remoteness.
Large sections of Yellowstone Lake - including the South, Southeast, and Flat Mountain arms - are open only to hand-propelled craft. No motorboats, jet skis, or large commercial operations. Just you, your kayak, and pristine wilderness
Moose (excellent habitat in the arms), bald eagles, pelicans, osprey, various waterfowl, elk, deer, and possibly bears along the shoreline. Yellowstone Lake's ecosystem is incredibly rich, and the quiet kayak approach creates exceptional viewing opportunities
The West Thumb Geyser Basin is visible from your kayak - one of Yellowstone's premier thermal areas with hot springs, geysers, and colorful pools. Other thermal features appear along various shorelines. Your guide provides geological interpretation throughout
Moderate. Daily paddling distances vary (typically 5-12 miles depending on itinerary), with breaks for lunch and exploration. You'll help with camp setup/breakdown. Early mornings bring favorable conditions; afternoon winds can create chop. Basic fitness suffices - no need to be an athlete
An exciting passage where water surges through a narrow channel between West Thumb and the main lake body. With your guide's coaching, you'll navigate through successfully - it's a highlight that adds adventure to the journey
Your choice! We offer premium single and tandem touring kayaks. Singles provide a workout and complete control; tandems allow partners to share paddling and enjoy the journey together. Both have ample storage for multi-day gear
2-day trips are possible but rushed. 3-day trips (most popular) allow thorough exploration of West Thumb and Flat Mountain Arm without feeling hurried. 4+ day trips access more remote arms and can circumnavigate the entire roadless shoreline - an extraordinary wilderness journey. We recommend 3+ days if your schedule allows
Beautiful designated backcountry campsites on Yellowstone Lake's shores with spectacular views. We provide all group camping gear (tents, cooking equipment, portable toilet systems). Guides prepare gourmet meals. You bring sleeping bag and personal items
Yellowstone weather changes rapidly. We provide appropriate gear to keep you comfortable, monitor conditions carefully, and ensure your safety throughout the journey. Afternoon winds are common - we plan paddling schedules accordingly, often starting early when conditions are typically most favorable
Different experiences! Yellowstone Lake offers vastness (136 miles of shoreline), easier access, more camping options, and dramatic geothermal features along the West Thumb. Lewis/Shoshone offers the adventure of lining boats upstream, the most remote geyser basin, and the distinction of paddling where only human-powered journeys lead. Both are extraordinary
Contact us with preferred dates, group size, and trip length (2-8 days). We'll check backcountry camping permit availability, create a custom itinerary matching your interests and abilities, and coordinate all logistics.
Call now: (307) 733-2471 or email info@jacksonholekayak.com
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Plan Your Expedition
Book Your Yellowstone Lake Expedition
Custom Overnight Tours Available June - Mid-October
Call now to make a reservation (307) 733-2471 or write info@jacksonholekayak.com