3- Day Montana's Hidden Gems Ride

5.0 (2)
3 days 2 nights
USA
Photo Jessica B.
5.0
Jessica B.
Tour Provider
View Jessica’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic+
Midscale
Upscale
Weight limit

Embarking on a pack trip to Northwest Montana evokes a bygone era, where a bedroll and a trusty steed were all one needed to traverse the wilderness. Though times have changed, our weekend horseback riding excursions in Montana provide a glimpse into this enduring tradition.

Our 3- day, 2- night pack trip offers guests the chance to experience a condensed version of a full- fledged pack trip amidst the beauty of northwest Montana. Experience the unparalleled beauty of horseback riding in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, where each turn reveals increasingly breathtaking scenery. A weekend horseback riding adventure in northwest Montana is an ideal complement to any Montana vacation!

from
$1,575
$1,800
per tourist for 3 days
Departing from
Montana, Flathead County, Kalispell City
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Jessica B.
Jessica B. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
Jessica has been riding horses for as long as she could remember, and she doesn't plan on stopping any time soon! She grew up riding dressage in the Midwest of the United States. When she graduated college with a B.S. in biological sciences she knew she wanted to move out west. She moved to Montana in 2017 to pursue a career as a backcountry trail riding guide. She fell in love with the Montana way of life and quickly realized she wanted to get further and further in to the back country. She was captivated by the traditional art of mule packing and back country pack trips. After going on her first multi-day trip last summer, she decided she needed to share this experience with the equestrian world. She would love to get you and your family and friends on the trip of a lifetime into the wilderness of northwestern Montana. She is here to answer any of your questions and she hopes to hear from you soon!

The tour guides you'll probably meet as well

Photo Ben
Ben
Born and raised in Montana, Ben brings years of local expertise to our team. He has worked for us for 3 adventure- filled years and we couldn't keep upper camp going without him. His passion for the backcountry is unmatched, making every summer pack trip an informative adventure. Ben's favorite part of the job? Exploring the trails and soaking in the scenery. Ben's trusted companion on the trails is a mule named Spock. You can sometimes spot them riding through The Bob on their way to an alpine lake to catch some fish. When not guiding, Ben enjoys fishing and hunting. If you're lucky enough to have Ben as your guide, ask him for some fishing tips, he's full of them! Ben hopes to one day ride out to The Chinese Wall, (a massive geological feature in The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex). Hopefully he's able to achieve that dream soon! When winter arrives, Ben trades his mule for a snowboard. I can tell you from personal experience, he's as comfortable on a snowboard as he is on a mule! What can't this mountain man do? There are still some open spots on pack trips this summer. Book a tour and you might get lucky and have Ben as your guide!
Photo Connor
Connor
Connor started working for us 4 years ago and has wanted to be a hunting and fishing guide ever since he was a little kid. Dreams do come true! His favorite part of working is seeing the excitement on someone’s face when they accomplish something they’ve been dreaming about. Connor loves helping guests catch their first fish with a fly rod, ride a horse for the first time, or go on their first backcountry pack trip. Connor is a great teacher with a lot of patience. On a recent trip, Connor taught how to fly fish on a windy day, which was no easy task. His favorite mule is Cedar. Connor loves Montana because it’s so easy to get away from people when you need a break. Connor hopes to one day guide and pack all throughout the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. At over 1.5 million acres, that is not small task! Outside of work Connor likes to hunt, fish and ride as much as possible. He also spends most of his days working with his dog, Mink, his partner in crime. Connor would love to help you achieve your backcountry riding goals!

Tour highlights

Horses running across the bridge
Ride 6,000 Feet Above Sea Level
Departing from the base camp on Lion Creek Road Friday morning, guests get on a journey to our upper camp, reaching an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet above sea level
Bob Marshall Wilderness Area
Majestic Views in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area
Venturing into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, we will immerse ourselves in its breathtaking vistas
Riding descending the mountain
Enjoy a Day of Riding Descending the Mountain
Conclude your compact Montana horseback riding escapade with a memorable full- day descent from the mountain

Route details

Day 1
Reach Upper Camp at the Top of Lion Creek Basin

On Friday morning guests depart from the base camp located off Lion Creek Road. 

Our journey takes us to the upper camp nestled atop Lion Creek Basin, soaring approximately 6,000 feet above sea level. This full- day ride includes a delightful pause for a picnic lunch amidst the tranquil shade of ancient cedar trees.

Heading to the upper camp
Heading towards the upper camp
Montana landscape
Day 2
Take a Ride to Bob Marshall Wilderness Area
Day 3
Enjoy a Full Day of Riding Down the Mountain
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments

In order to join this tour riding experience is not obligatory, however, equestrians better be in good physical shape. 

We deal with long endurance style rides ranging from 2 to 6 hours in steep exposed terrain. Not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights.

Horse Breed: Western horse

Tack Type: Western 

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic+
Midscale
Upscale

For summer trips there are a variety of options close to our location in the Swan Valley

There are either hotels in Bigfork and Kalispell we can recommend or lodges and camping in Swan Lake or we have a VRBO with 2 geodesic domes plus a log cabin on 10 beautiful and peaceful wooded acres.

Please kindly contact us for all the details in advance and our reservationists will suggest the most suitable options. 

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Montana, Flathead County, Kalispell City
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips
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Tour conditions

Included

  • food; 
  • 3 riding days; 
  • tour guides;
  • horses;
  • tack;
  • tents; 
  • beds; 
  • stoves.

Extras

  • international flights to and from the US; 
  • tips and personal expenses;
  • travel insurance (we encourage clients to obtain relevant travel insurance before visiting the US); 
  • fishing license;
  • gratuities; 
  • travel cost;
  • lodging pre and post trip. 

Group size

up to 8 tourists

Duration

3 days
2 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

Pack all your items in a duffle bag. 

The following is a list of items you should pack: 

  • 2 pair jeans;
  • Long sleeved flannel shirt or middle layer;
  • 2- 3 light shirts;
  • Base layers especially if you are coming in September;
  • Sleeping bag (20 deg. or warmer) & pillow if you prefer;
  • Raingear, pants & coat;
  • Extra shoes for camp; 
  • Small flashlight & batteries (headlamps are best);
  • 3 pair hiking socks wicking or smartwool;
  • Good hiking boots;
  • Cowboy hat or ball cap;
  • Wool cap or beanie for evenings;
  • Smooth bottom or cowboy/ riding boots or shoes;
  • Scarf or buff – for riding while the trails are dusty; 
  • Insect repellent (the more deet the better); 
  • Towel;
  • Sports bra (for our women guests); 
  • Sun screen at least 15 spf;
  • Personal toiletries (ibuprofen, baby powder);
  • Binoculars;
  • Fanny pack or small back pack;
  • Long johns to sleep in;
  • Wool or down vest;
  • 2 water bottles- 32 oz total capacity or better; 
  • Cash for tips; 
  • A great attitude!

Optional items: 

  • External phone charger (Mofi or Goal Zero);
  • Book for reading at night; 
  • GPS; 
  • Thermos if you would like to bring coffee in your saddle bag; 
  • Seat pad for saddle; 
  • Fishing gear; 
  • Fishing license if you plan on fishing. 

!!! Remember when packing that although it is summer, it can get quite cool in the evenings up in the mountains.

!!! We do not provide alcoholic beverages or pop, although it is permissible to bring your own.

How old do my kids have to be to go on the horseback ride?
Is there a weight limit?
Is horseback riding easier than walking?
Where should I stay?
Cancellation of booking

Reviews

5.0
Based on 2 reviews
  • J
    Jason
    2 Aug, 2023
    about tour
    This was a trip of a lifetime for me and my two children. A perfect way to have quality family time and to experience the beauty of Montana. Every aspect of our trip was professional. My son has food allergies, and he was catered to and the cook discussed every meal and snack with him. I hope to do this again and would recommend this to anyone thinking about a trip like this.
    2 Aug, 2023
  • H
    Hannah
    5 Jul, 2023
    about tour
    The 3- day pack trip was amazing! Me and my son travelled the first week of August. From the moment we arrived at base camp to the moment we arrived at the camp on the mountain top, the tour provider took excellent care of us and made the experience FUN. George cooked the most amazing meals that even a fully staffed restaurant couldn`t compete with! I was a little nervous about coming back down the mountain on the last day but I didnt need to be. Ben walked our horses on the steeper paths (if we were concerned) and we all made it down safely. I absolutely would do it again... maybe the 5- day next time?!"
    5 Jul, 2023

Dates and Prices

  • from
    $1,575
    $1,800
    4 – 6 Jul, 2025 3 days 2 nights
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  • from
    $1,575
    $1,800
    11 – 13 Jul, 2025 3 days 2 nights
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  • from
    $1,575
    $1,800
    18 – 20 Jul, 2025 3 days 2 nights
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  • from
    $1,575
    $1,800
    25 – 27 Jul, 2025 3 days 2 nights
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  • from
    $1,575
    $1,800
    1 – 3 Aug, 2025 3 days 2 nights
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