Operation YELLOWSTONE

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.