What experience level is required?

We guide all levels, from first-timers to advanced climbers chasing big objectives.

Where do you guide ice climbing?

Primarily in the Beartooth mountains (Red Lodge, Montana) and the Shoshone National Forest (Cody, Wyoming) with seasonal trips to Norway and Iceland for international expeditions.

You can fly into Billings Logan-Airport and stay in Red Lodge for the Beartooth area and Shoshone National Forest. You can also fly into Cody Airport, WY for Shoshone National Forest specific trips. Bozeman is also an option, and adds about 2.5 hr drive to Red Lodge and 3.5 hr drive to Cody.

Is ice climbing safe for beginners?

Yes. Guided routes are selected for safety and ability, with continuous oversight from professional guides.

How long is a typical day?

Most guided days are 6–8 hours; international expeditions are multi-day and fully supported.

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Backpacking Montana

Guided trips to the Beartooth Mountains, one of Montana's Last Best places. Choose from group or custom private trips

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Backpacking Yellowstone's Greater Ecosystem Makes for a Great Story!

Experience the wild beauty of Montana’s Beartooth Mountains, Yellowstone's surrounding mountain range, on a fully guided backpacking trip. Whether you're new to backpacking or a seasoned hiker, immerse yourself in alpine landscapes, glacial lakes, and unforgettable solitude—at our beautiful locations:

Mystic Lake, West Rosebud
Sundance Pass, Red Lodge
East Rosebud, Phantom Creek
Timberline Lake

What Backpackers Are Saying About Their Trips

Matt B.

"Outstanding Experience with Beartooth Mountain Guides and Lindsay. If you are looking to do any hike or climb that requires technical skills, I would highly recommend hiring BMG and Lindsay. She the perfect combination of skills, personality, and expertise that you want on a mountain."

Liam S.

"I was impressed with the level of proficiency and professionalism. regarding the management of the inherent dangers of rock climbing."

Flora W.

"My husband and I have gone out with Beartooth Mountain guides a couple of times now - most recently we did an alpine mountaineering route in the Beartooths that I have been eying for most of my adult life. Can't say enough good things about their crew - we had an amazing (and safe!) day. Will definitely be going out with them again!"

What to Expect

1

Planning

Call or email us with your questions and ideas or simply choose an available trip that is right for you. We will work together to plan the trip and find the guide that fits you and your trip.

While our planning focuses on the backpacking trip itself, we will provide recommendations for getting to and from Red Lodge and what you will need for your trip.

2

Arrival

We will kick off your trip at our assigned meeting time and place and make sure we all have the gear needed for our trip. Once confirmed, we will set off on one of your greatest adventures.

Our hope for you is awe and wonder at the beauty that backpacking provides. Your willingness to travel to places only accessible on foot will open up new places in your mind, body and spirit.

3

Adventure

Our trips are customized to your level of experience. You'll be hiking the amount that is comfortable with a bit of challenge to gain confidence and experience that will keep you wanting more.

Our clients excitedly talk about the food, swimming in mountain lakes, camp fire conversations, the stars and mountain views unlike anything they've experienced. Are you ready?

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Join a Trip

Solo travelers welcome! Three or more backpackers are required for each pre-planned trip.

A Intermediate Women's Backpacking Trip
4-day trip Jul 2 - 5, 2026, Red Lodge
1,520 US dollars
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Advanced Backpacking Trip
5-day trip August 5-9, 2026, Red Lodge
1,900 US dollars
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Beginner Women's Backpacking Trip
3-day trip Sep 4-6, 2026, Red Lodge
1,310 US dollars
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Create your own Private Trip

Our backpacking trips can be customized to fit your needs; location, duration, challenges, number of people.

Let us know what you're thinking and we can help make it happen.

Give us a call to ask questions or simply gather information.

Contact Us

Meet the Guides

Our backpacking guides, help clients feel safe and informed while in the backcountry. Our clients appreciate the wisdom and joy our guides bring to their experience.

Anju Samuelson

Guide

Lindsay Fixmer

Guide

Nick Gady

Guide

Destinations

Sundance Loop
2-3 day backpacking trip

22.03 miles, 3571 ft elevation gain, 4279 ft elevation loss

We will start at West Fork THD (at 7900ft) and hike via Quinnebaugh meadows along
the West Fork of Rock Creek to Sundance pass, our highpoint with around 11000 ft of elevation gain.

We will spend the night at September Lake at 9694 ft. We will encounter alpine scenery on the
plateaus of the Beartooth mountains and a more lush environment back in the river valley.
The tour exits at the Lions Camp (Lake Fork THD).

This route will include a short shuttle between the West Fork THD and the Lake Fork THD.

Please feel free to ask about this trip and any customizations.

West Stillwater Loop

5 day backpacking trip

35 miles long and about 6000 ft of elevation gain, this 5 day backpacking trip leads you through along the Stillwater river through the Beartooth Mountains around Tumble and Cathedral Mountain.

This immersive Backpacking trip goes deep into the Beartooth wilderness, far away from light pollution, cars and civilization! Several days on alpine lakes with incedible views of the Granite mountains are awaiting. The most challenging day is day 4 with almost 3000 ft of elevation gain. However, our experienced guides will make sure that everybody gets to the next camp.

This trip involves a shuttle drive organized by the participants.

Please feel free to ask about this trip and any customizations.

Mystic Lake

2-3 day backpacking trip

The Mystic Lake Backpacking Trip is an adventurous hike through the heart of the Beartooth Mountains. The trip begins at the Mystic Lake Trailhead (6,500 ft) with a 5-mile hike along the scenic Mystic River Valley, gaining 1,000 feet of elevation before reaching camp at Mystic Lake.

The trail features granite peaks, flowing streams, and expansive views. The second day continues with a 2-mile hike and 1,400 feet of elevation gain to the remote and tranquil Princess Lake. Tucked in a high alpine basin, this quiet destination is ideal for wildlife viewing and optional exploration, including a side hike to Avalanche Lake.

The final leg of the journey leads 7 miles back to the trailhead, with a gradual 500-foot climb and 1,400-foot descent. This trip offers a rewarding mix of alpine beauty, moderate challenge, and peaceful solitude in a classic Beartooth wilderness setting.

Silver Run Plateau

3 day backpacking trip

Roughly 18 miles long and 4000 ft of elevation gain, this 2-3 backpacking trip leads you through the Beartooth wilderness via the Silver Run plateau.

We will start out of Red Lodge from Beartrack trailhead and soon climb up to the plateau. At 10500 feet the Silver Run plateau is one of the biggest plateaus in the Beartooth and entails a remote alpine tundra.

We will visit Timberline Lake and descent the plateau via Timberline creek and exit over the West Fork. This trip involves a shuttle drive.

Please feel free to ask about this trip and any customizations.

Frequently asked questions

Guided Ice Climbing Trips

Backcountry Skiing - Montana

Backpacking Q and As

Granite Peak Expedition

We provide group technical equipment and personal climbing items like helmet, ice tools, harness, crampons. We have the option to rent crampon compatible boots for ice climbing. Other boot options are ski boots (for first-timers) and the rental shop Uphill Pursuits in Bozeman. You do need to bring your warm layers, such as warm jackets, waterproof jackets, several pairs of gloves and warm ski/ rain pants.

Backpacking Montana

Guided trips to the Beartooth Mountains, one of Montana's Last Best places. Choose from group or custom private trips

Backpacking Yellowstone's Greater Ecosystem Makes for a Great Story!

Mystic Lake, West Rosebud

Sundance Pass, Red Lodge

East Rosebud, Phantom Creek

Timberline Lake

What Backpackers Are Saying About Their Trips

Matt B.

Liam S.

Flora W.

What to Expect

Planning

Arrival

Adventure

Join a Trip

A Intermediate Women's Backpacking Trip

Advanced Backpacking Trip

Beginner Women's Backpacking Trip

Create your own Private Trip

Meet the Guides

Destinations

Sundance Loop 2-3 day backpacking trip

Frequently asked questions

What experience level is required?

Where do you guide ice climbing?

How do I get there?

Is ice climbing safe for beginners?

How long is a typical day?

Do I need my own gear?

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Sundance Loop
2-3 day backpacking trip