hiking-in-yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park

Boundary Creek to Union Falls
5-day Backcountry Horse Pack Trip

Yellowstone horse pack trip Bechler

DAY 1

This trip begins at the Bechler Ranger Station in the southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park. After a few fun river crossings on Boundary Creek, we’ll find a quaint camp spot right on the river. We will enjoy a peaceful view of the horses grazing in the meadow. Some fishing but definite swimming is available right at the campsite.

Riding time: Approx. 4 hours.

DAY 2

Our day ride will take us to Buffalo Lake. There are some thermal areas before we picnic at the lake. After leaving the lake we often stop and swim in a cold pool surrounded by rock. It’s fun to jump into this deep, cold pool. We call it the “grotto”! It’s so NEAT! I love it!

Riding time: A leisurely day.

Yellowstone Thermal Pools
Yellowstone horseback trips

DAY 3

The third morning after breakfast we will pack up those horses again and move camp into the Union Falls/Mountain Ash campsite. The ride time is about 4 hours from our upper boundary creek campsite. Camp is right on Mountain Ash Creek, so fishing is an option. But, first a stop at Dunanda Falls for a soak in hot pools at the base of this lovely waterfall.

Riding time: Approx. 4 hours.

DAY 4

Union Falls, a breathtakingly beautiful falls—one of Yellowstone's tallest at 250 feet. Formed by the union of Mountain Ash Creek and an unnamed branch,  it was named during the period 1884-86 by members of the Hague parties of the U.S. Geological Survey. It is a massive, imposing, and gorgeous waterfall. After walking up the trail to the falls, we then return back to the horses, change into our swimsuits, and walk to another swimming hole. This pool, containing a small waterfall which is heated by thermal runoff. Not too hot and not too cold, a dip in this water is so refreshing and relaxing. A great way to spend an afternoon.

Riding time: Approx. 5 hours total.

Yellowstone horseback riding trips
Yellowstone horse pack trips

DAY 5

Our last day returns us back to the Bechler Ranger Station via a few different trails.

Riding time: Approx. 3.5 hours.