Author: Stone7

Thinking about your next adventure into the mountains? We are excited to announce our 2026 Bob Marshall Wilderness hiking trips on December 3, 2025. In the mix are some fan favorites like the North Fork of the Sun, the Chinese Wall, and the Scapegoat. Plus, we’ll offer several new routes to spice things up! From stock supported hiking adventures to backpacking loops to guided archery hunts to drop camps – we have an array of trips to accommodate many different desired hiking experiences. All multi-day hiking trips will be located in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and surrounding area.

Trips will be posted here:

2026 Hiking Adventures

Down to the nitty gritty (so, how do I apply?):

– We will accept applications for trips December 3 – 7, 2025.

• Click for the hiking applications form: Hiking Trip Application Form
• Click for the hunting application form: Hunting Trip Application Form
• We will not accept forms until December 3rd. Any forms received before then will not be valid.

– We will be available to answer questions via phone or email during that time to help you find the trip best for you

– During the application process, there will be an option to list your second choice trip and also a space to list the people you are applying with. You can apply with up to 3 other people and they also need to fill out applications.

– Forms can be filled out ANYTIME during the 3rd – 7th.  It is not a first come/first serve process so don’t feel like you need to jump on-line at midnight on December 3rd.

– We will have a lottery type system to draw for trips with a high demand.  Applications for these trips must be submitted by the end of the day on December 7th

– Any trip not filled will remain open until booked and can be applied for any time after December 7th.

– We will let folks know if they were drawn for a trip by December 9th.

If you have any questions or concerns before December, please feel welcome to reach out to us.   We hope you all are enjoying a lovely fall, and we look forward to spending quality backcountry time with you in the Bob next summer.

Cheers,

Maggie and Yve

Happy almost Spring!  We are looking forward to our 2025 season.  We wanted you to know about a few NEW trip opportunities as well as a few openings on existing trips.

Rocky Mountain Front Day Hikes – Check out or day -hike offerings with Naturalist Eric Bergman!     $150/person

Yeager Flats Saunter; July 5           Headquarters Pass to Our Lake; July 11
Ear Mtn. Climb; July 19                   Blackleaf Canyon; August 2
Volcano Reef; August 9

Other Trip Openings:

NOW 8 Days! The Wild Badger Divide Backpack: July 3 – 10

Originally a 10-day backpack we have shortened a few days to make it a little easier for folks to fit into their schedules.  The Badger-Two Medicine is a place of wonder.  It is not part of Glacier National Park or the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, but it is every bit (or more!) stunning, untamed and wild.

Circus Creek Rental — We are offering backpack-in rentals of our Circus Creek base camp.  $260/night for up to 4 people.

Circus Creek Drop Camp – Explore at your own pace.  We pack your gear in and out of our Circus Creek Backcountry Camp and supply a comfy camp.  $3940 for up to 4 people.

Guided Wilderness Archery Hunt  — September 22 – 27. Join us for a fair chase, fully guided archery hunt based out of our Comfortable backcountry camp at Circus Creek.  All you need to do is hunt – leave the rest up to us!  $3900 per person.

Archery Drop Camp – Archery drops start at $2400.

How are the trails in the Bob going to be this summer and will trips be
impacted?

We have fielded this question several times in the last month.  As many of you are aware, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex lost most of its Forest Service trail crew members in the February 14th layoff of probationary employees (this in their first year of permanent hire).

A rough estimate of losses is 35 – 40 trail crew members as well as many recreation staff employees who keep the woods clean and interface with the public.  The Bob and surrounding areas have approximately 5,000 miles of trail to maintain.

Last week, these trails workers were re-instated for 45 days after the Merit Systems Protection Board ruled that the roughly 6,000 USDA employees that lost their jobs may have been laid off illegally.  However, since most trail workers don’t start till May, this will have little effect in the short term.  It is unknown right now as to what the outcome of the legality finding will be and the timeline for a decision is mid-April.

So what does that mean for Dropstone trips?  A lot is up in the air.  We have started thinking of contingency plans if the FS workers don’t retain their jobs.  This would include a combination of working with the FS, a few non-profits and other outfitters to clear trails.  A few of our routes may be impacted but we are optimistic that we will be able to get trails passable this summer.  We will contact you directly as trail conditions are updated.

We are tremendously saddened by these layoffs – for the people who lost their jobs, for everyone that recreates in the Bob and most importantly to us, for the implications this has for the management of our public resource.  At this point, we encourage you to write/email/call your congressional delegates.  Also, if you are wanting to donate to a good cause (that also has a large sum of their annual budget locked up in the Federal Grant freeze), check out the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation.  They organize volunteer trail projects in the Bob and facilitate wilderness learning throughout the Complex.

Thank you for wanting to experience the Bob Marshall Wilderness – it is truly a special place.  We will keep you posted as we learn more.

Happy Trails,

Maggie & Yve

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, a bastion of the untamed and home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Montana, beckons the bold and the adventurous. But before you lace up your boots and set out to conquer its vast expanses, let’s talk about how NOT to do The Bob. Here’s a Dropstone guide to avoiding the common faux pas we see each and every summer that could turn your wilderness odyssey into a series of unfortunate events and cringy memories. 

The Siren Call of Brand-New Boots

• Mistake: Succumbing to the allure of shiny new hiking boots right before your trip, because nothing says “adventure-ready” like stiff, untested footwear, right? Cue the blisters and the suanter of suffering. There is a reason we listed this one first. Please take our advice. 
• Avoidance Tactic: Break in those boots! Start wearing your new kicks weeks before your trip, gradually increasing wear time and mileage. Your feet will thank you for not turning them into a blister battleground. Remember, in the backcountry, comfort is greater than style. And, no, you cannot ride a mule out. 

Underestimating Mother Nature’s Mood Swings

• Mistake: Dressing like you’re off to a summer picnic and being not prepared for the weather turning on you a flapjack flipping on a hot griddle. Check out our GEAR LIST for help figuring out what to pack in your daypack. 
• Avoidance Tactic: Layers, my friend, layers. The weather in The Bob can go from sunny to stormy quicker than you can say “Where’s my rain jacket?” Pack for all conditions, and remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad dressers. 

Playing Fast and Loose with Food Storage

• Mistake: Treating bear-proof food storage guidelines as mere suggestions because surely, bears can’t smell your trail mix if it’s in your pocket, in your hiking pants, in your sleeping bag, in your tent, right? 
• Avoidance Tactic: Respect the locals (bears included). Please don’t store bear attractants or enjoy a midnight snack in your tent.  Correctly stow away these items and correctly hang your food and “smellies” away from camp. This is for your safety and that of the group. 

Water, Water Everywhere, But Not a Drop to Drink

• Mistake: Assuming every stream and lake is your personal, pristine water fountain. Giardia and friends are not the souvenirs you want to bring home.
• Avoidance Tactic: Only drink treated water. It’s never annoying to ask us for the water filter and we’ll happily share with you! Or don’t. Meh. We won’t be hanging out with you when Giardia takes control of your GI tract 10 days after our trip is over. Go ahead, roll the dice if you’re feeling lucky. 

The Lone Wolf Syndrome

• Mistake: Venturing into The Bob with a group and wandering off without informing said group. 
• Avoidance Tactic: We encourage a little sole time on our hikes or around camp, but please let someone know if you peel off from the group and when we can expect to see your precious face again. The wilderness is no place for secrets, especially if those secrets involve you getting lost or injured.

Packing as Though You’re Moving In

• Mistake: Loading your pack like you’re trying to smuggle a small kitchen sink into the wilderness. Yes, we see that third spare flashlight and the extensive collection of “just in case” items. Check out our suggested PACKING LIST. 
• Avoidance Tactic: Embrace minimalism. Pack smart and light—think multipurpose items and essentials only. Your back (and the pack animals) will thank you.

Ignoring the LNT (Leave No Trace) Principles

• Mistake: Treating the backcountry like it’s the county fair where nobody will notice if you leave a little trash behind. 
• Avoidance Tactic: Pack out what you pack in, avoid creating new wear and tear, skip the flower crown for dinner each night and leave ‘em in the ground, use biodegradable soap sparingly and away from water sources. You know these things. If you’re not sure – just ask. Remember, we’re all just visitors in nature’s home.Thanks for treading lightly so others can enjoy this special place too. 

Ignoring Your Guide’s Advice

• Mistake: Treating your guide’s insights and instructions like background noise or, worse, optional recommendations. Remember, they’re not just there to lead the way; they’re your wilderness encyclopedia and safety officer rolled into one.
• Avoidance Tactic: Listen up and lean in. Your guide knows The Bob like the back of their hand—weather patterns, terrain challenges, and wildlife behavior. They’re not just sharing fun facts; they’re giving you the tools to navigate the wilderness more safely and enjoyably. Plus, their stories are usually gold.

Underestimating the Group Dynamic

• Mistake: Embarking on a group trip as a solitary ranger type, convinced you’ll set the pace and agenda and tell everyone how much you know. Spoiler: it’s a group effort, and collaboration is the name of the game.
• Avoidance Tactic: Embrace the pack. Hiking in a group means pacing, breaks, and decisions are made collectively. Be open to new friendships, offer a hand when needed, and remember, the shared experiences and camaraderies are often the most unforgettable parts of the Dropstone experience. Plus, you’re gonna need someone to take your photo at those breathtaking vistas!

By sidestepping these backcountry blunders, you’re not just ensuring a safer, more enjoyable adventure in The Bob, you’re also respecting this magnificent wilderness for future generations of intrepid explorers. Now, with your newfound wisdom, go forth and break those boots in! 

Thinking about your next adventure into the woods? Our 2025 hiking trips will be on our website and open for applications on December 5. In the mix are some Dropstone and client favs from previous years and a few new routes to spice things up. We’ll have an array of offerings – from backpacking to stock supported hiking adventures to guided archery hunts to drop camps – to accommodate many different desired hiking experiences. All multi-day hiking trips will be located either in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and surrounding area or the Snowcrest Mountains.

Trips will be posted here:

Dropstone Outfitting Hiking Trips

Down to the nitty gritty (so, how do I apply?):

– We will accept applications for trips December 5 – 8, 2024.

• Click for the hiking applications form: Hiking Trip Application Form
• Click for the hunting application form: Hunting Trip Application Form
• We will not accept forms until December 5^th. Any forms received before then will not be valid.

– We will be available to answer questions via phone or email during that time to help you find the trip that works best for you

– During the application process, there will be an option to list your second choice trip and also a space to list the people you are applying with (they also need to fill out applications).

– Forms can be filled out ANYTIME during the 5th – 8th.  This year, it is not a first come/first serve process.

– We will have a lottery type system to draw for trips with a high demand.  Applications for these trips must be submitted by the end of the day on December 8th

– We will let folks know if they were drawn for a trip by December 10th

– Any trip not filled will remain open until booked.

Thank you for baring with us year by year as we fine-tune our booking process.

If you have any questions or concerns before December, please feel welcome to reach out to us.   We hope you all are still getting to fill your lungs with that good mountain air.

Many thanks,

Maggie and Yve

So, you’ve decided to go wild and venture into the backcountry, but you’ve wisely outsourced the heavy lifting to the four-legged Ubers of the wilderness. Bravo! Dropstone is glad you are here and we can’t wait to make this an unforgettable experience for you. 

Now listen up! Here’s how to pack your day pack so you can saunter through the great outdoors with poise, grace and know-how. 

1. Water (duh!):

• Hydration System: Even with stock support, carrying water is non-negotiable. A hydration bladder  is great for sipping on the go, while a separate, durable water bottle can serve double duty for mixing electrolyte drinks. Dropstone guides strongly suggest you carry 2 liters with you to kick off each day. 
• Water filtration method – if you don’t have one, we have one you can use! Always filter water cause you don’t want to pay the price later!

2. The Gourmet Trail Bistro:

• Snack Emporium: Pack those jerky pieces, nuts, and energy bars to keep your motor running all day long!

3. The “I Totally Know Where I Am” Kit:

• Google Maps will do you no good out in The Bob. But, if you want to flash your own navigation tool or GPS to add to your wilderness cred, go ahead. Be sure to bring extra batteries. 
• If you’re old school map and compass type, we suggest putting these items together in a see-through Ziploc bag for ease of use. 

4. Fashion Meets Function:

• Weather Gear: A stylish yet functional rain jacket (AND rain pants) that says, “I’m prepared.” Don’t forget the sunglasses and the sun hat that will stay in place on a windy pass. 
• An extra warm layer is always a great idea along with another pair of dry socks. We like to put all these in a water proof stuff sack just in case. And in case you didn’t know, changing your socks in the backcountry is considered a luxury worthy of a “new sock day” announcement to make others in your group jealous. 

6. The “Ouchies” Ensemble:

• First Aid Kit: Stock it with the the essentials — blister preventions/care supplies and vitamin I (I-B profen that is . . . )
• Sunscreen: many things are preventable in the backcountry and a blistering sunburn is one of them. It’s an amature move to not put your sun hat on or wear a tank top all day long without sun protection. You’re a grown-up, for goodness sake! Make good choices and wear sunscreen.  

7. The “I’m Off the Grid and Wilder-Ready” Gear:

• Smartphone with Portable Solar Charger: Because what’s the point of being one with nature if you can’t capture the perfect sun-dappled summit pic?

• Headlamp: Choose one that makes you look like a new medical student in the latest headgear fashion, even if it’s just lighting up a map. Yes, doctor? 

• Fire Making Tools: Not that you’ll need them, but whipping out waterproof matches at the right moment can really impress your fellow trekkers.

8. The “I”m so LNT I Ghosted the Wilderness” Kit:

• Chic Trash Bag: Because packing out your trash is essential, but who says you can’t do it in style? Great for picking up anything we see along the way, stowing away your own garbage for each lunch on the trail and being a good friend to your neighbor when they need a place to stash their trash. 
• Bidness Bag: Pack a Ziploc ready for when nature calls. A personal size of toilet paper and small sized hand sanitizer will do the trip. Remember that trash bag you packed?  Well, that comes in handy about now too. 

Pro Tips for the Wilderness Wanderer:

• Weight is Not Just a Number: Pack light and leave the Harry Potter book series at home. Always pack the essentials and maybe just one little extra luxury item. Even Survivor show participants get a luxury item. Choose wisely so we don’t vote you off though. 
• Compartmentalize Your Life: Keep snacks, personal first-aid kit and any other daily need items (any meds you need to take?) in the outer pockets for easy access.
• Elegance in Balance: Distribute the weight in your pack evenly. You’re aiming for poised explorer, not misfit mule.

In all seriousness (well, as serious as we can get), packing your day pack with thought and care will make your backcountry adventure with stock support as enjoyable as it is memorable. And remember, the wilderness might be wild, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a disorganized heathen. Happy hiking!

We hope you are all enjoying the beginning of the holiday season.  We’ve spent the last few months designing our 2024 schedule, and we’re excited about what’s on tap.  Included in the lineup are several old favorites as well as a couple of new adventures.

Trips will be posted on-line December 6th on the Dropstone Trips page. We’ll give folks a few days to look them over, contact us with questions, and share with friends.  Booking will begin December 8th.  On December 8th, you can apply for a trip by visiting the following link:

Apply for a hiking trip

We are returning to the Dropstone days of yore, and applications for the trips will be booked on a first come, first serve basis. We will not be implementing a lottery system as we did for the 2023 season. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions between now and when our trips are posted or if you are interested in a custom trip for 2025 and beyond.

We will also send out another e-newsletter when trips are posted.

From our fun-loving Dropstone family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season, and we hope to be adventuring with you in the new year!

 

Greeting from the Rocky Mountain Front

As the sandhill cranes return, the snow (slowly) melts, and the mules shed their winter coats, we welcome spring in the Rockies.  We have both wintered well as have our families, and we hope you and your loved ones have too. Yve’s boys are both in school and busy growing, and Maggie is due in July, adding another little boy to the Dropstone family.

We are welcoming back a robust crew of seasoned staff this summer, so there will be many familiar faces on our trips. Check out the Meet our Guides page on our website to learn more about the guides, packers, and helpers working with us this year. We often say it takes a village to run this business, and these are just some of the folks who are part of the Dropstone community.

With summer just around the corner, we have a few openings we wanted to share with you in case you are still looking to hit the trail this summer.

Check out our 2023 openings below . . .

Day hikes:

*All day hikes are $150 per person.

• Volcano Reef – June 30^th

• Blackleaf Canyon – July 28^th

• Route Creek Pass – August 11^th

This season, Rocky Mountain Front guide and naturalist Eric Bergman will be leading our day hikes.  Learn more about Eric here.

Stock-supported hiking trips:

• Backcountry Hiking and Yoga Adventure with Audra Labert: August 15 – 19. $2125 per person. Learn more about Audra here.

Circus Creek:

• Camp Rental (self-supported, backpack in with use of camp facilities): $200/night for 4 people.

Dates available: July 2 – 12, 23 – 26 and August 1 – 11, 20 -23

• Drop Camp 1 (stock-supported): July 27 – 31. $3400 total for 4 people, camp rental and packing.

• Drop Camp 2 (stock-supported): August 26 – 30. $3400 total for 4 people, camp rental and packing

Hunting Opportunities:

• Guided Archery Hunt: September 4 – 9. $3,300 per person

Send us an email or give us a call if you want to learn more about any of these.  We hope you continue to enjoy the thaw!

Happy Trails,

Maggie and Yve

 

Thank you for your interest in traveling with us in 2023.  It is a honor to share the Montana backcountry with you.  In the last few years, we have seen an increased interest in outdoor recreation, both in the number of people we see on the trail and in the number of reservation forms we have received. Last year was the first year we did on-line reservations only, and we were surprised by the volume of people that applied.  In order to account for folks who had differing internet speeds and to remove some of the time-crunch stress that was felt by ourselves and our clients, we have decided to try a drawing type system this year for our summer trips.  

We will post 2023 trips on December 5th.   Folks who are interested in a trip/s will have from December 5 – 8 to fill out our on-line application form and submit it.  It will also give folks four days (Dec. 5 – 8) to contact us via email or phone to ask questions and learn more about trips they are interested in.  The online application form can be found on our website under the reservation tab and linked to each individual trip page.  You can find a link to the form here:

https://dropstoneoutfitting.com/book-trip/

We ask that each individual only submit one application form.  We will have you list your name and your first and second trip preference.  If you are applying as a party, we will ask for the names of the others in your group. The rest of the form includes our standard application questions.  Please fill out the form in its entirety so we can use the same paperwork for the trip reservation process if your name is drawn.

A note on applying as a party: You may apply as a party from 2 to 4 people.  No parties greater than this will be awarded space. Parties will not be split in order to fill remains space – i.e. if a party of four people is drawn, and there are only two spaces left to fill, it will be considered an unsuccessful draw. If you are interested in different group opportunities, contact us.

We will stop taking applications at 11:59 PM on December 8th.  On Dec. 12th, we will reach out to successful drawing applicants. During the week of the 12th, we also contact those whose names were not drawn to see if they would like to be added to trip wait lists. If there are trips that remain open or not fully booked, they will be listed on our website as available until they fill. 

We plan to offer a variety of roving summer trips, workshops at our Circus Creek Basecamp, drop camps, and archery hunts. For those interested in hunting opportunities, please contact us first before applying. 

Thank you for being patient as we adapt to the changing demand for trips. We value our returning and new customers alike and we want to remain true to our quality over quantity ethos.  Please feel free to reach out to us via phone – (406) 289 – 0863 or email – [email protected] with any questions. 

We are all getting ready for the growing season…

…each in our own way.  Here in Choteau we are busy prepping for another full season and just wanted to touch base with a few notes;

We have teamed up with Naturalist Extraordinaire, Eric Bergman, to offer a few guided day hikes throughout the summer.

-June 29:  Eric will be guiding a naturalist hike up Blackleaf Canyon, a Rocky Mountain Front classic.

– July 14:  Eric will be leading another hike up Lonesome Ridge over to the Middle Fork of the Teton. An off-the-beaten-path route exploring the flora, fauna, and unique geology that The Front has to offer.

– July 20:  Maggie will be guiding a summit of Rocky Mountain (9392′), the tallest mountain in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

We still have a few openings on trips for the 2022 season:

– August 16 – 20: Circus Creek Drop Camp. Stock-supported drop camp/camp rental at our backcountry camp for your group.

– September 13 – 18: Guided Archery Hunt.  

– We also have availability for hike-in use of our backcountry

Also, this . . .  

We are excited to have teamed up with Flathead artist, Guy Zoellner, for a new graphic to celebrate 10 years of business.

Already ?! What?! Hard to believe it’s already been that long – feels like just yesterday we were sitting at Bill and Polly’s kitchen table, talking over the prospect of buying the business. Time flies when you get to work in a beautiful place like the Bob!

Can’t wait to share the trail with you this summer or help dream up future adventures in the Bob.

Happy trails,

Yve and Maggie

 

wild-wings-flyer-2022