The ride to “Midway Camp” will take 4-5 hours including a break for lunch. It is seven miles from the trail head to the first camp. Day Two: Load up and head to the trail head which is an hour from the ranch near Nye, Montana.(Optional raft trip down the Stillwater River in the afternoon.) Arriving at the ranch in the morning gives you time to ride so you are comfortable with your horse before hitting the trail. (Note: Experienced riders may elect to complete this in six days.) Here is an example of the 8-day Lake Plateau Package. Some plateaus are better known for their fishing than others. Some trails are more rigorous than others. There are a number of plateaus to explore: Silver Run, Line Creek, September Morn Lake and Lake Plateau. The 41 tallest named peaks in Montana are all in the Beartooth Range with a half dozen of them well over 12,000 feet. Hosting small groups means we can tailor the packtrips to guest’s interests, physical fitness, and riding ability. 6-day package departs the last week in July.

The trails traverse elevations between 5,000 and 10,000 feet and so the summer (late July through August) is the best time to enjoy this part of the back country. Archeologists tell us they have found remains along these trails carbon dating back 9,000 years. And yet, the Mountain Shoshoni, the Sheepeater, and the Crow Indian and long before them the Ancient Peoples were hunting, fishing, and vision-questing in the area for a longer time than you can wrap your brain around. Transfigured, looking over yet another vista, you’ll get the feeling that you are the first person to take in this unforgettable countryside. And it is possible sometimes, to share these things all in the same day! They share their ranching heritage, love of ancient history, the sublime beauty of the wilderness, wild life viewing opportunities, and superb fishing. Wanda Wilcox and her family have been guiding adventurous guests into the Beartooth Mountains and the Custer Forest for over 20 years.

Paintbrush adventures