Yellowstone Loadout Package
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Yellowstone Loadout Package Yellowstone National Park “Heart Lake & Snake River” Expedition Loadout Package By the AcadianX Outdoor Adventure Group https://www.facebook.com/AcadianX/ Yellowstone Loadout Package P a g e | 1 Adventure Summary First of it’s Kind "The Yelowstone Park is something absolutely unique in the world...This Park was created and is now administered for the benefit and enjoyment of the people...it is the property of Uncle Sam and therefore of us all." - President Theodore Roosevelt - Speech dedicating the North Entrance Arch, April 1903. Heart Lake/Snake River Trail The Heart Lake - Snake River Loop is a diverse hike in the southern half of Yellowstone featuring incredible natural history, thermal activity, wildlife viewing opportunities, soaking in hot springs, and an ascent of Mount Sheridan. Wildlife and Geology Yellowstone National Park is the centerpiece of the 20 million acre/31,250 square-mile (8,093,712 ha/80,937 km2) Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a region that includes Grand Teton National Park, adjacent National Forests and expansive wilderness areas in those forests. The ecosystem is the largest remaining continuous stretch of mostly undeveloped pristine land in the contiguous United States, considered the world's largest intact ecosystem in the northern temperate zone. With the successful wolf reintroduction program, which began in the 1990s, virtually all the original faunal species known to inhabit the region when white explorers first entered the area can still be found there. Fees & Permits Fees need to be paid for the park entrance and to secure a backcountry itinerary. Entrance fees are paid on arrival whereas backcountry permits need to be paid and applied for at the Backcountry office prior to your trip beginning. Regulations and Safety Considerations When planning a backcountry trip, remember that many of Yellowstone’s trails are more than 7,000 feet above sea level. Most areas retain snow until late May or early June, and some (especially mountain passes) are snow-covered until late July. Also, many routes require fording rivers that can be 25 feet wide, 3 to 6 feet deep, extremely cold, and swiftly running during our late spring runoff. It’s hard to tell from a map whether a stream will be a raging torrent or merely a swollen creek. Yellowstone Loadout Package P a g e | 2 Adventure Summary Routes and Topography We have packed in to this loadout a trove of maps and detailed descriptions for you to educate yourself on the layout of the expedition. Study and review the details so that you may know your way in case you are separated from your team. Trekking/Camping Essentials and Gear A complete list of essential gear and clothing are included in this loadout. To further assist you we have also included a checklist so that you may keep track of your acquired gear as well as manage your total weight. Logistics The logistics section provides spaces for you to inter the relevant logistics information when they become available. This information can include flight details, hotel information, and car rental details. Preparation and Training A short guide on how to prepare and considerations during the months leading up to your expedition. Also included are physical training advice and tips in order to physically prepare you for the challenges you may face. Yellowstone Loadout Package P a g e | 3 Adventure Summary Table of Contents Adventure Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 2 About Yellowstone National Park ................................................................................................................................................ 7 General Information ................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Hiking and Camping ................................................................................................................................................................. 7 History ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 The Heart Lake & Snake River Trail ............................................................................................................................................ 13 Wildlife ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Geography and Geology ............................................................................................................................................................ 17 Geography ............................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Geology ................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Fees & Passes ............................................................................................................................................................................. 20 Park Entrance Fees ................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Backcountry Permits ............................................................................................................................................................. 20 Planning, Regulations, and Safety .............................................................................................................................................. 22 Trip Planning .......................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Trail Conditions ................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Trail Closures ..................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Backcountry Regulations ....................................................................................................................................................... 22 Leave No Trace .................................................................................................................................................................. 23 Backcountry Safety ................................................................................................................................................................ 23 Terrain Safety .................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Weather ............................................................................................................................................................................ 23 Thermal Features & Geyser Basins ................................................................................................................................... 23 Water Safety ..................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Wildlife Hazards ................................................................................................................................................................ 25 Bear Safety ........................................................................................................................................................................ 25 Mountain Lion Safety ........................................................................................................................................................ 28 Leave No Trace ...................................................................................................................................................................... 28 Altitude Sickness.................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Weather ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 31 The Expedition ........................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Itinerary ................................................................................................................................................................................. 33 Yellowstone Loadout Package P a g e | 4 Adventure Summary Trekking Routes ..................................................................................................................................................................... 37 Day 1 ................................................................................................................................................................................