Package rate includes pre- and post-ranch lodging and meals. Recommended staff gratuity (12-18%) and tax not included. Age limit 12 years; Limited to 10 participants in good physical condition (minimum 6 participants per trip)
PAYMENT: We request payment of 1/2 of the total charges to secure your vacation within 10 days of your request. The deposit must be sent within 10 days of the request, or forfeiture may result. The balance of payment is due 30 days before the trip, preferably by check. If using Visa/or MasterCard, a 2.5% convenience fee will be added. Groups: We can customize exclusive pack trips, but require a minimum party size of 8.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If a cancellation is required, 50% of the deposit will be refunded by January 1st. After January 1st, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. **We highly recommend trip insurance in case of cancellation—contact: https://www.montanaoutfitters.org/travelersinsurance/, Travel Guard at 877-249-5376, or www.travelguard.com. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, please understand that there are no exceptions to our cancellation policy. Any changes made to your reservation after booking that reduce the number of participants will result in a forfeiture of their portion of the deposit.
Check in in the afternoon on arrival day.
Check out before 10:00 a.m. on departure day.
TRANSPORTATION: Transfer to/from the Great Falls International Airport or a Great Falls hotel. Round-trip: $100 per person. We provide transportation as per the following schedule only:
Arrival: We typically pick up guests between 12:30 to 1:30 pm and will depart Great Falls no later than 2:00 pm on arrival day. Call beforehand for a meeting time and place. Please make your flight arrival before 2:00 pm.
Departure: The JJJ van will leave the Ranch around 9:30 am on departure day and arrive in Great Falls around 11:30 am. Please make sure the flight is after 12: pm on departure day.
If your itinerary must fall outside this schedule, you can arrange to stay in one of Great Falls’ many motels the night before or after your trip. We can help with hotel referrals. *Because airlines often overbook flights, causing some guests’ arrival delays, it may be wise to arrive in Great Falls the day before. If your flight arrives late or if you have an early flight out on departure day, you must rent a car.
Complete our Pack-trip Eligibility Form
2026 WILDERNESS TRIPS
Bob Marshall Wilderness pack trips are limited in number and size each year in coordination with the Forest Service and Wilderness rules.
TRIP 1: SOUTH FORK OF THE SUN RIVER RIDING & FISHING – JUNE 14-19, 2026; 4 trail days, 2 ranch nights, $3250 plus tax per person plus tax (*Full*)
This pack trip heads out from the Ranch with the first day riding along Gibson Reservoir and traveling into the heart of the South Fork of the Sun River Valley. This valley is unique for its expansive meadows rimmed by snow-capped peaks. We’ll camp along the river near Windfall Creek, exploring the surrounding country on subsequent layover days. Highlights include Pretty Prairie, the West Fork salt licks where elk come in, and a trip to Bear Lake. Wonderful hiking trails and great flyfishing opportunities abound. Thursday takes us back to the Ranch, wrapping around Sun Butte with tremendous views up the North Fork of the Sun River. There will be stories at dinner tonight! This trip is designed for wildlife watching with an emphasis on scenic day rides and hiking.
TRIP 2: NORTH FORK TO CHINESE WALL WILDERNESS TRIP – JULY 10 – 18, 2026 – 7 trail days, 2 ranch nights, $5200 plus tax per person plus tax (*Full*)
This pack-trip heads west out of the Ranch into the North Fork of the Sun River Valley in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. We ride 17 miles into our first camp at Biggs Creek, a fast-flowing, clear stream in the North Fork of the Sun River Valley. This spectacular, wide-open mountain valley is rimmed by mountain peaks that look to the Continental Divide and is home to the Sun River elk herd and other wildlife. The following layover day offers great riding in the surrounding varied mountain terrain, or a fishing option for rainbow and cutthroat trout in the river, a 20-minute walk down Biggs Creek to where it meets the Sun River.
On day three, we move camp northwest to the Continental Divide, offering awesome views of the high country. We camp for two nights near My Lake, a beautiful basin. Wildlife in the area includes mountain goats, elk, and mule deer. The layover day rides into the upper reaches of White River and Larch Hill under the Chinese Wall, stopping to climb to the top of the Wall. Day 5 takes us south along the divide with numerous photo opportunities before turning east and riding down the lush Moose Creek Valley.
The last two nights are spent along the banks of the Sun River near the mouth of Glenn Creek. The last layover day includes a ride to Elk Hill and the big meadow country of the lower North Fork. The fishing is superb, and several hiking options are available. On Friday, the ride takes us through the Sun River Game Preserve and then along Gibson Lake, arriving back at the Ranch in the late afternoon. Enjoy dinner at the ranch, telling tall tales from your trip!
TRIP 3: NORTH FORK OF THE SUN RIVER – AUGUST 16-21, 2026 – 4 trail days, 2 ranch nights, $3250 plus tax per person (*Full*)
This trip heads out from the Ranch, riding along Gibson Reservoir and traveling into the heart of the Sun River Valley, camping along Glenn Creek, a fast-flowing stream originating on the slopes of Sheep Mountain. It’s a fisherman’s paradise with Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat trout. Head out on a hike, relax, and read a book at camp, or join in on scenic day rides to Bear Top Fire Lookout or Gates Park Ranger Station. Thursday takes us back to the ranch, up and over Elk Hill, where you get another awesome 360-degree view, and we get back in the late afternoon. There will be stories at dinner tonight! This trip is designed for wildlife watching with an emphasis on scenic day rides, fishing, and hiking.
2027 WILDERNESS TRIPs
TRIP #1: NORTH FORK OF THE SUN RIVER RIDING & FISHING TRIP ◆ JUNE 20th – 25th, 2027 ◆ $3500 plus tax
ARRIVAL DAY: June 20th ◆ DEPARTURE DAY: June 25th ◆ Includes 2 Ranch nights and 4 trail days
TRIP OVERVIEW: A perfect trip to relax in a large and stunning mountain valley with opportunities to day ride, fly fish, and hike.
This fun backcountry adventure begins at the Ranch, riding along Gibson Reservoir and traveling into the heart of the Sun River Valley, camping along Glenn Creek, a fast-flowing stream originating on the slopes of Sheep Mountain. It’s a fisherman’s paradise with Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat trout. Head out on a hike, relax, and read a book at camp, or join in on scenic day rides to Bear Top Fire Lookout or Gates Park Ranger Station. Thursday takes us back to the ranch up and over Elk Hill, where you get another awesome 360-degree view, and we get back in the late afternoon. There will be stories at dinner tonight! This trip is designed for guests who love wildlife watching, scenic day rides, fishing, and hiking—a true Montana wilderness experience at the unhurried, timeless pace of traveling by horseback.
DETAILS
Check-in at the ranch at 4:00 pm on June 20th. After settling into your cabin, we’ll pack your duffel and sleeping bag for the trip. Bring an overnight bag with anything you may need this evening and the next morning. Extra items can be left in your cabin while in the backcountry. It’s fun to watch the wranglers mantying the duffel and preparing for the trip at the barn. After dinner in the lodge, you’ll become acquainted with your fellow pack-trippers and staff. Breakfast is at 7:00 am the following morning, then head to the barn for a horsemanship safety session and become familiar with your horse as we discuss trail manners and trip dynamics. We’ll hit the trail around 8:30 am and will have a break before our lunch stop, then arrive at camp around 3 pm. After 4 days on the trail, you will return to the ranch in the afternoon on the 24th in time for a shower and dinner. Departure is after breakfast on the 25th. If we return you to the airport, we leave the ranch around 9:15 am and get to Great Falls by 11:15.
TRIP #2: HIGH COUNTRY ADVENTURE TRIP ◆ JULY 10th – 17th, 2027 ◆ $5200 plus tax
ARRIVAL DAY: July 10th ◆ DEPARTURE DAY: July 17th ◆ Includes pick up from the Great Falls airport and 1 night at the West Fork of the Teton River trailhead, 7 trail days, dinner at the trailhead then transfer back to Great Falls later on July 17
TRIP OVERVIEW: Experience high country adventure deep within the famous Bob Marshall Wilderness, a place many don’t get the privilege to enjoy.
This pack trip is designed for strong intermediate or advanced riders only, as there will be longer days in the saddle to get to the high country.
Heading out north from the West Fork of the Teton trailhead over Crazy Creek Divide up the South Fork of Birch Creek over Gateway Pass to Big River Meadows. We will spend two nights at Big River Meadows, a spectacular high mountain meadow area surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Day 2 finds us day riding to Crystal Ridge along the East Fork of Strawberry Creek for top-of-the-world views. Day 3 has the group moving down to the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, ending the day at Switchback Creek. The next two days offer a combination of exploring the country by horseback, hiking, or fishing for Cutthroat trout. Day 6 moves east up Bowl Creek to the Forks of Bowl Creek and Basin Creek. On the last day, we will cross the Continental Divide once more over Teton Pass, arriving at the trailhead by mid-afternoon. We’ll celebrate with refreshments, appetizers, then dinner before returning to a hotel of your choice in Great Falls.
DETAILS
Our ranch shuttle will pick you up at the Great Falls airport at 1:30 pm on July 10th. We will head to the West Fork of the Teton Trailhead, where we will camp overnight. Get acquainted with other pack trip guests and the trip staff, and enjoy a BBQ cookout. It’s fun to watch the wranglers mantying the duffle and preparing for the trip. Breakfast is at 7:00 am the following morning, followed by a horsemanship safety session and time to become familiar with your horse as we discuss trail manners and trip dynamics. We’ll hit the trail around 8:30 am and will have a break before our lunch stop, then arrive at camp around 3 pm. After 7 days on the trail, you will return to the trailhead on the 17th in time for a post-trip dinner and transportation back to Great Falls. This trip does not begin or end at the ranch.
Our Pack trips are fully outfitted with complete camp gear, mountain-savvy saddle horses, pack mules, and a competent, congenial crew of 5-6, consisting of packers, guide, and cook. The meals are delicious and plentiful (we don’t skimp!). Each day offers outstanding horseback riding to explore the surrounding country. Besides the magnificent scenery, you can also enjoy great hiking and wildlife watching. Fishermen enjoy superb rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing on Biggs Creek. Evening campfires with “wild tale telling” provide a relaxing end to a busy day.
TRIP #3: LATE SUMMER WORK TRIP AUGUST 15TH – 20TH, 2027 ◆ $1500 plus tax
ARRIVAL DAY: August 15th ◆ DEPARTURE DAY: August 20th◆ Includes 2 Ranch nights and 4 trail days ◆ LIMITED TO 4 PARTICIPANTS
TRIP OVERVIEW: An ideal trip to experience the beauty of the Bob Marshall Wilderness at a lower cost while contributing to the efforts to maintain our backcountry wilderness camp.
This trip is a discounted working pack trip that starts right from the Ranch. You’ll ride along Gibson Reservoir, traveling into the heart of the Sun River Valley, camping at our basecamp in Biggs Creek for a few unforgettable days in the backcountry.
Each morning, you’ll join our crew in getting camp ready for the fall season – cutting and splitting firewood, building corrals, pulling weeds, and helping with a few projects that keep our wilderness camp running smoothly. Must be physically willing and able to participate.
Afternoons are yours to enjoy however you like. Head out on a scenic hike, relax at camp with a good book, or wander down to the North Fork of the Sun River for world‑class fly‑fishing. Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat trout thrive here—it’s truly an angler’s paradise.
On Thursday, we’ll ride back to the Ranch by way of Elk Hill, taking in sweeping 360‑degree views before arriving in the late afternoon. Expect plenty of stories around the dinner table that night—this trip always delivers memories worth sharing.
DETAILS
Check-in at the ranch at 4:00 pm on August 15th. After settling into your cabin, we’ll pack your duffle and sleeping bag for the trip. Bring an overnight bag with anything you may need this evening and the next morning. Extra items can be left in your cabin while in the backcountry. It’s fun to watch the wranglers mantying the duffle and preparing for the trip at the barn. After dinner in the lodge, you’ll become acquainted with your fellow pack-trippers and staff. Breakfast is at 7:00 am the following morning, then head to the barn for a horsemanship safety session and become familiar with your horse as we discuss trail manners and trip dynamics. We’ll hit the trail around 9:00 am and will have a break before our lunch stop, then arrive at camp around 3 pm. After 4 days on the trail, you will return to the ranch in the afternoon on the 19th in time for a shower and dinner. Departure is after breakfast on the 20th. If we return you to the airport, we leave the ranch around 9:15 am and get to Great Falls by 11:15.
NOTE: We reserve the right to change the day-to-day itinerary for weather, wildfires, rider ability, and unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. Children must be at least 10 years old and physically capable of riding long days in the saddle. Due to the nature of horseback riding in the wilderness, participants MUST be in good physical condition, and trips are not recommended if you have any health or physical issues or require a special diet. While we carry a satellite phone for emergencies, it is difficult to bring someone out of a trip to seek medical attention. The emergency helicopter is costly and is for emergencies only. We have the right to exclude a rider from a trip for inability to ride or behavior that endangers the other riders or the horses.
