Sat, Jun 21
|Yellowstone National Park
Operation YELLOWSTONE
Venture into the Wild
![Operation YELLOWSTONE](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a6c554_cae1b765d6fa45e399e7fed6b7660a27~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a6c554_cae1b765d6fa45e399e7fed6b7660a27~mv2.jpg)
![Operation YELLOWSTONE](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a6c554_cae1b765d6fa45e399e7fed6b7660a27~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a6c554_cae1b765d6fa45e399e7fed6b7660a27~mv2.jpg)
Time & Location
Jun 21, 2025, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner, MT 59030, USA
About the Event
Operation YELLOWSTONE
June 21, 2025 | Yellowstone National Park, Montana / Wyoming
Distance: 16 / 22.5 +/- miles
Weight: 20 lbs dry
Elevation: 2,851 / 3,566 +/- elevation gain
Brief Start Time: Saturday, January 01, 2025 at 0700 hrs
Event Start Time: Saturday, January 01, 2025 at 0730 hrs
Start Location: Eagle Creek Campground Parking, Gardiner, MT
Event Finish Time: Saturday, January 01, 2025 at 1700 hrs
Finish Location: Eagle Creek Campground Parking, Gardiner, MT
Situation
Operation YELLOWSTONE offers two distances. The shorter 16-mile route is an out-and-back taking you along the Yellowstone River into the national park to Crevice Lake and back. Operation YELLOWSTONE MAX is a challenging 22-mile loop that takes you into the national park and crosses the border into Wyoming before bringing candidates back into Montana. Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its geothermal features like the iconic Old Faithful geyser, is home to diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk. The park's breathtaking landscapes and unique geological formations make it a natural wonder
Mission
Operation YELLOWSTONE. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 16 +/- mile route in under 6 hours to pass and under 5 hours to earn the GBF Operation YELLOWSTONE Dog Tag.
Operation YELLOWSTONE MAX. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 22.5 +/- mile route in under 9 hours to pass and under 7.5 hours to earn the GBF Operation YELLOWSTONE MAX Dog Tag. The winner will earn the elite Gold Dog Tag.
Execution
Candidates will meet at the Eagle Creek Campground Parking. At 0700 hours, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 0730 hours.
Service Support
Mapping. GBF events use the AllTrails app for navigation. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS too.
Route. Ensure you download the map for offline use. Cell service is not guaranteed.
The route for Operation YELLOWSTONE is here.
The route for Operation YELLOWSTONE MAX is here.
Weight. Candidates must carry a minimum of 20 lbs dry (i.e. without food and water) in a backpack. Weight vests or sandbags are not permitted.
Equipment
Mandatory Equipment
- Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
- Phone (fully charged)
- Phone charger
- LifeStraw (or similar water filtration system)
- Head Torch (spare batteries)
- Hydration bladder(s)
- Whistle
- Compass
- Emergency rations (see below)
- Emergency shelter
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Bear Spray
Strongly Recommended
- Maps (waterproofed)
- GPS
- Blister kit
- Pocket knife
- Chem-light/Cyalume
- Hiking poles
- MRE(s)
Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice.
Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on this route. You will be self-sufficient on water.
Water. There will be bottled water at the finish point. Candidates should carry enough water to last the route distance plus 3 additional miles, in case they get lost.
Rations. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 energy bars and 0.5 liters of water as emergency rations.
Medical. Every candidate requires a personal medical kit. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions before starting the event.
Transportation. Transport to and from the event will be at the candidate's arrangement.
Command and Signal. GBF HQ: 941-993-9432
The Fine Print
Numbers. Maximum number of candidates 40. Minimum number of candidates 15.
Refunds. Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher to use towards future events. Refunds must be requested 30 days before the event start date.
Event Changes. Slight changes to any event including, but not limited to route changes, brief times, start locations, and other details are under the discretion of GBF Staff.