To Plan A Trip

The easiest way to get to the Bechler area of Yellowstone National Park is by driving twenty-six miles east of Ashton, Idaho. About seven miles east of Highway 20, turn right on Green Timber Road (also marked for Yellowstone National Park), and drive nineteen miles. Once inside the park boundary, watch for signs pointing to the Bechler Ranger Station and Cave Falls. Both areas have trailheads with information on day-hiking opportunities, and the ranger station is open daily during the summer. There is no phone. One way to trek into Bechler is with the tour company Llamas of West Yellowstone, which designs trips around each client’s abilities and interests (406-587-2661).

The Bechler district offers a selection of primitive backcountry campsites. Permits are required; for information, call the Yellowstone National Park Backcountry Office at 307-344-2160. For more general park information, call the main office at 307-344-7381 or the West Yellowstone Ranger Station at 406-646-7313. The Targhee National Forest operates the Cave Falls Campground, which has water, outhouses, and spaces for tents and trailers. For information, call the forest’s Ashton Ranger District office at 208-652-7442. No other accommodations or services are available in the immediate area.