Grand Teton Overnight Trips
Jackson Lake + Snake RiverJackson Lake kayak‑camping with alpine hiking and a Snake River float finale.
Lewis & Shoshone Lake Overnight Trips
Yellowstone BackcountryPaddle to the Largest Backcountry Lake in the Lower 48 - Where Only Human-Powered Journeys Lead
Yellowstone’s Backcountry LakesWhat it is: Guided and supported 2-4 day expeditions where our team handles logistics, permits, and camp setup. We provide kayaks, gear, and meals, and coach skills along the way.
Why it’s special: Shoshone Lake is Yellowstone's ultimate backcountry secret—the largest lake in the lower 48 states without road access and accessible only by hiking or paddle-powered craft. Getting there is an adventure itself: paddle across Lewis Lake, ascend the Lewis Channel (the only river open to boating in Yellowstone), line your kayak upstream through shallow sections, then emerge onto the vast expanse of Shoshone Lake where true wilderness serenity awaits.
The experience: Camp at beautiful remote sites, explore the spectacular Shoshone Geyser Basin (including the famous Minute Man geyser), paddle past abundant wildlife, and enjoy the profound solitude that comes from reaching places roads can't go. If you see other people, they've also made the human-powered journey—creating an instant camaraderie among backcountry travelers. With expert guides, gourmet backcountry meals, premium kayaking equipment, and complete customization for your group, this is wilderness immersion at its finest—Yellowstone the way it's meant to be experienced.
Who’s it for: All abilities—including first-timers—who want the most remote, human-powered Yellowstone overnight and are up for a little extra effort in exchange for extraordinary access.
Custom Overnight Pricing
Yellowstone + Lewis/Shoshone4-6 people/person
- 2-day: $1,250
- 3-day: $1,650
- 4-day: $1,950
- 5-Day+: Call
7-10 people/person
- 2-day: $1,200
- 3-day: $1,595
- 4-day: $1,895
- 5-Day+: Call
6 guests maximum on Lewis/Shoshone and 10 on Yellowstone Lake. Custom overnights available on Jackson, Yellowstone, or Lewis/Shoshone Lakes from June to mid-Oct
View the Trip on the Map
Exact Experience
"The scenery was spectacular, the equipment and food were excellent, and our guide Thomas gave us the exact experience we were looking for."
Ruth, Jul 2021
TripAdvisor
Your Lewis & Shoshone Lake Expedition
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Evening Meet & Greet (Day Before Departure)
Evening BeforeMeet your fellow adventurers and guides at our Jackson shop. Gear check, dry bag packing, kayak fitting (single or tandem touring kayaks), trip overview, and Q&A. Build excitement and readiness for tomorrow's journey.
1
Lewis Lake to Shoshone Lake
Day 17:30 AM Departure - Scenic drive through Grand Teton into Yellowstone. Lewis Lake lies just 10 miles from the South Entrance on the Pacific side of the Continental Divide.
Paddling Instruction - Learn boat loading, paddling technique, safety protocols, and practice strokes on the water.
Lewis Lake Crossing - Paddle up the protected west shore past landscapes recovering spectacularly from the 1988 fires. Beach lunch near fumaroles offering a preview of geothermal wonders ahead.
The Lewis Channel - Enter waters open only to non-motorized craft. The channel winds through a shallow canyon-watch for eagles, osprey, moose, and other wildlife. As gradient increases and current strengthens, you'll line boats upstream (¼ to ½ mile depending on water levels)-an adventurous, hands-on part of the journey.
Arrival at Shoshone - The channel opens into the expanse of Shoshone Lake. Short paddle to your campsite on the Narrows. Backcountry feast, campfire presentation on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and stargazing under Wyoming's famously clear skies.
2
Shoshone Geyser Basin Exploration
Day 2Morning - Guides prepare breakfast while you relax at camp.
Paddle to the Basin - Head across the Narrows and along the north shore to Shoshone Geyser Basin. The water color rivals tropical seas with incredible clarity.
Geyser Basin Tour - Trail through myriad hot pools, steam vents, cauldrons, and geysers including the Minute Man. Take time to thoroughly experience this remote thermal wonderland that most Yellowstone visitors never see.
Return Paddle - Lunch on the lake, afternoon wildlife viewing along the west shore, return to camp for relaxation, well-earned dinner, and evening presentation on Greater Yellowstone conservation.
3
Return Journey
Day 3Morning - Break camp together, repack boats, and paddle back to the Lewis Channel entrance.
Downstream - Learn basic river navigation, then enjoy the easy downstream float through the channel-"going downhill sure is easy!"
Lewis Lake Crossing - Fuel up with lunch at a scenic beach spot, then paddle back across Lewis Lake to the boat ramp.
Return to Jackson - Leisurely drive through Grand Teton, viewing mountain vistas and reflecting on your wilderness adventure.
(4-day trips extend time on Shoshone Lake for deeper exploration and additional geyser basin visits)
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Go
It's the largest lake in the lower 48 states without road access - accessible only by hiking or paddle-powered craft. This means profound solitude, pristine wilderness, and the satisfaction of reaching a place that requires genuine effort. Everyone you encounter has also made the human-powered journey
No! Our guides provide thorough instruction in paddling technique, camping protocols, and wilderness skills. Most participants are first-time touring kayakers. What matters is reasonable fitness, positive attitude, and willingness to embrace adventure
It's easier than it sounds and genuinely fun! When Lewis Channel's current becomes too strong to paddle, you'll walk alongside/behind your kayak in the streambed, guiding it upstream. Depending on water levels, it's ¼ to ½ mile. Guides provide clear instruction, and most people find this hands-on element memorable and enjoyable
One of Yellowstone's most remote thermal areas - accessible only via boat or long hike. The basin features hot pools, geysers (including the Minute Man that erupts every minute), steam vents, and incredible colors. A primitive trail system lets you explore thoroughly. It's Yellowstone's geothermal wonders without any crowds
Backcountry camping at its finest - beautiful designated campsites on Shoshone Lake's shores, spectacular scenery, wildlife sounds, incredible stargazing. We provide all group camping gear (tents, cooking equipment, portable toilets). Guides prepare gourmet meals. You bring your sleeping bag and personal items
Moderate. Daily paddling distances vary but typically 5-10 miles. The lining section requires walking in shallow water with your boat. You'll help with camp setup/breakdown. Basic fitness and comfort with outdoor activities is sufficient - you don't need to be an athlete
Moose (common in marshy areas), bald eagles, osprey, pelicans, elk, deer, beavers, river otters, various waterfowl, and possibly bears (from a safe distance). The remote location and quiet approach of kayaks create excellent viewing opportunities
Yes! We offer both premium single and tandem touring kayaks with ample storage for all gear and food. Singles give you a workout and complete control; tandems allow partners to share paddling and navigate together
2-day trips are possible but rushed - mostly travel days. 3-day trips are ideal for thoroughly experiencing Shoshone Lake and the geyser basin without feeling hurried. 4-day trips allow even more exploration, relaxation, and deeper immersion. We recommend 3+ days if your schedule allows
Our guides are expert instructors who've taught thousands of beginners. We start with thorough land and water instruction, progress at your pace, and provide support throughout. The touring kayaks we use are stable and confidence-inspiring. By day two, most people are paddling comfortably
Contact us with your preferred dates, group size, and trip length (2-4 days). We'll check backcountry camping permit availability, create a custom itinerary, and coordinate all logistics. Call now: (307) 733-2471 or email info@jacksonholekayak.com
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Plan Your Expedition
Book Your Shoshone Lake Expedition
Custom Overnight Tours Available June - Mid-October
Maximum Party Size: 6 Guests on Shoshone Lake
(5+ day trips available - call for pricing)
Call now to make a reservation (307) 733-2471 or write info@jacksonholekayak.com