A Intermediate Women's Backpacking Trip

Course Description

Explore Montana’s premier backcountry on this guided intermediate women’s backpacking trip through the spectacular Beartooth Wilderness. Known for its pristine alpine lakes, glacial valleys, high plateaus, and granite peaks, the Beartooths offer some of the best off-trail and on-trail hiking in the Northern Rockies. This four-day route covers 22 miles with 3,571 feet of elevation gain and 4,279 feet of loss. Designed for adventurous women looking to deepen their wilderness skills, this trip does not require prior backpacking experience—but does require strong physical fitness. You must be able to carry a 30-pound pack while hiking 1500 feet over 4 miles. Itinerary 22.03 miles, 3571' elevation gain, 4279 ' elevation loss Day 0: Mandatory gear check at 4 pm in Red Lodge. Day 1: 8 am, West Fork THD (at 7900ft) to Quinnebaugh meadows. 5 miles with 1000 ft of elevation gain. Will hike along the West fork creek of Rock Creek a drainage of the Beartooth mountains. Camp will be at Quinnebaugh meadows. Option to hike up to Lake Mary, one way 2 miles 1000 ft elevation gain. Day 2: Quinnebough meadows to Shadow Lake or Sundance Lake. 4 miles with 900 ft of elevation gain. We will hike along the West Fork creek and the environment will change from a more high forestry one to a more alpine one. Day 3: Shadow/ Sundance Lake to September Lake. 5 miles with 1500 ft of elevation gain and 1400 ft of elevation loss. We will hike up Sundance Pass where we will be at the highest point of 1100 ft of elevation and descent to September Lake in the Lake fork of Rock Creek. This environment is still alpine with September Lake being at 9694 ft. Day 4: September Lake to Lake Fork THD (at 6900 ft). 8 miles 2500 ft of elevation loss. We descend back into the valley along the Lake Fork of Rock Creek. The environment will become more forestry again. We will end the trip around 2pm. A personal car shuttle from West Fork THD to Lake Fork THD is required. It takes about 60 min to shuttle the cars and in the past participants have shared rides with each other and the guides. This trip includes a guide for every 6 participants, breakfasts, dinners and cooking equipment. Please inquire about rental tents, sleeping bag, pads and backpacks. Specific personal equipment such as a water filter and other backpacking equipment is required. With the purchase of this trip, you agree to our Cancellation Policy.