Category: Uncategorized

  • History of the Bob Marshall Wilderness

    History of the Bob Marshall Wilderness

    A short history of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the man it is named after

    The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, located in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, is a sprawling expanse of rugged wilderness that serves as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a sanctuary for diverse wildlife.

     

    Dropstone Outfitting has the supreme privilege to call this area our office and backyard. The inspiring history and natural treasures of The Bob (as the locals call it) are not lost on the owners, Magge and Yve. While these two hard-working women explore this outdoor wonderland year-round; the scenery, wild ecosystem and feral critters within offer extraordinaory experiences each and every time they have the opportunity to visit.  

    Encompassing over 1.5 million acres, this complex is named after Robert (Bob) Marshall, a prominent wilderness advocate and co-founder of The Wilderness Society. Its three wilderness areas—the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Scapegoat Wilderness, and Great Bear Wilderness—offer some of the most pristine and untouched landscapes in the United States.

    Who was Bob Marshall anyway? 

    Robert Marshall, the man, the myth, the wilderness legend. Born in 1901, this guy was all about the great outdoors. He didn’t just hike, he practically lived in the wild, earning himself the nickname “Wilderness Bob.” With a Ph.D. in forestry from Johns Hopkins University, Marshall wasn’t your typical tree-hugger. He was a founding member of The Wilderness Society, fighting tooth and nail for the protection of America’s wild places. But let’s be real, Marshall wasn’t just a conservationist; he was a wilderness rockstar. He shaped the U.S. Forest Service’s policy on wilderness designation and management. He wrote passionately on all aspects of conservation and preservation and was among the first to suggest that large tracts of Alaska be preserved.

    Photo courtesy of wilderness.net

    Now, let’s talk about Marshall’s quirks. This guy was so into nature that he made Thoreau look like a city slicker. Marshall was all about that simple life, rocking the same raggedy clothes and surviving on basic rations while he trekked through the backcountry. He wasn’t one for fancy dinners or lavish parties; give him a patch of dirt under the stars, and he was happy as a clam. Marshall’s eccentricities weren’t just limited to his wardrobe and diet; he was also known for his solo wilderness adventures, disappearing into the wild for weeks on end, hiking 60 miles a day for fun, and sharing endless tales of bears, blizzards, and breathtaking scenery.

    “I love the woods and solitude. I should hate to spend the greater part of my lifetime in a stuffy office or in a crowded city.” –Robert Marshall

    For a guy that could arguably take on any current-day ultra runner, he sadly died on November 11, 1939, sitting on a train during an overnight journey from Washington D.C. to New York. Marshall passed away at the age of 39. The official cause of his death was believed to be myelogenous leukemia and coronary arteriosclerosis, or simply put, heart failure. Marshall was independently wealthy and allocated a portion of his substantial estate to The Wilderness Society. His legacy lives on in The Bob. 

    Some of Marshall’s most renowned words now seem remarkably prophetic: 

    “As society becomes more and more mechanized, it will be more and more difficult for many people to stand the nervous strain, the high pressure, and the drabness of their lives. To escape these abominations, constantly growing numbers will seek the primitive for the finest features of life.” 

    When the Wilderness Act was signed into law in 1964, one of the very first places to be protected in the new National Wilderness Preservation System was the iconic Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, named for this conservation legend.

    Timeline of Key Events:

    1930s-1940s: Bob Marshall, along with Aldo Leopold and others, advocates for the preservation of wilderness areas in the United States. Their efforts lay the foundation for the conservation movement in the country.

    1964: The Wilderness Act is signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, establishing the National Wilderness Preservation System. This landmark legislation sets aside wilderness areas “where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man.”

    1964: The Bob Marshall Wilderness is designated, preserving over 1 million acres of pristine wilderness in Montana. This designation recognizes the unique ecological and recreational value of the area.

    1972: The Scapegoat Wilderness is designated, adding over 239,000 acres to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. This expansion further enhances the protection of critical wildlife habitat and pristine landscapes.

    1978: The Great Bear Wilderness is designated, expanding the complex by over 286,000 acres. This designation recognizes the importance of protecting interconnected ecosystems and wildlife corridors.

    1988: The Montana Wilderness Study Act designates additional lands within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex as potential wilderness, providing interim protection while their wilderness suitability is studied. This act demonstrates ongoing efforts to expand and protect the wilderness complex.

    1993: The Montana Wilderness Study Act is amended, designating additional lands within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex as wilderness. This designation reflects the continued commitment to preserving the area’s wilderness character.

    2009: The Omnibus Public Land Management Act designates the Rocky Mountain Front as a special management area, protecting it from oil and gas development. This designation recognizes the ecological importance of the area and its value for wildlife habitat and recreation.

    2014: The Bob Marshall Wilderness celebrates its 50th anniversary as a designated wilderness area. This milestone is marked by events and celebrations honoring the legacy of Bob Marshall and the conservation efforts that led to the establishment of the wilderness area.

    2016: The Wilderness and Recreation Partnership is formed, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address trail maintenance, restoration, and other conservation efforts in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. This partnership demonstrates the importance of community involvement in wilderness conservation.

    2018: The Montana Wilderness Study Act is reintroduced in Congress, aiming to designate additional lands within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex as wilderness. This act highlights the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the complex for future generations.

    2020: The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The complex also serves as an important habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and mountain goats.

    Community Conservation Efforts:

    The conservation of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is not just the work of government agencies and non-profit conservation organizations—it’s also the result of dedicated individuals and communities working together to protect this valuable resource. Community conservation efforts in the area include:

    • Volunteer Trail Maintenance: Local volunteers and organizations help maintain trails in the wilderness complex, ensuring safe and sustainable access for hikers and other visitors.  The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition are a few of volunteer trail organizations working in the Bob.
    • Educational Programs: Community organizations and schools offer educational programs about the wilderness complex, teaching people about the importance of conservation and responsible outdoor recreation. The Montana Discovery Foundation is one of the organizations working on education in the Bob.
    • Wildlife Monitoring: Community members participate in wildlife monitoring programs, helping researchers track populations of key species and understand their habitat needs.
    • Conservation Advocacy: Local residents and organizations advocate for policies and practices that protect the wilderness complex and its wildlife, ensuring its long-term preservation. Check out Wild Montana and the Glacier Two-Medicine Alliance for more info on conservation efforts.
    • Tourism and Recreation: The tourism and recreation industries in nearby communities benefit from the wilderness complex, providing economic incentives to protect and preserve the area.

    The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex stands as a testament to the importance of wilderness conservation and the value of community involvement in protecting our natural heritage. With its rich history, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking landscapes, this complex serves as a reminder of the need to preserve our wild places for future generations. Through ongoing conservation efforts and community engagement, we can ensure that the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex remains a pristine and untouched wilderness for years to come.

  • 2026 Trips posted on December 3

    2026 Trips posted on December 3

    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.

    – 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

  • 2025 Trip Openings and Bob Marshall Wilderness Trails Updates

    2025 Trip Openings and Bob Marshall Wilderness Trails Updates

    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.

    So, what’s NEW:

    Semi-Guided trip to Circus Creek – Join three or four of your friends for a 5-day hiking trip into our Circus Creek Basecamp in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.  We will pack in your gear, furnish food and camp amenities and provide a guide to show you some of our favorite day hikes.  These trips are designed for 4-5 people at $2,000 a person.  Available dates;

    July 11 – 15                                  August 10 – 14
    July 15 – 19                                  August 22 – 26
    July 30 – Aug. 3

    Montana Drop Camps – We’re bringing back the “Montana Drop Camp” from the COVID years… We will pack your gear in and out from one of the below locations.  Three pack animal limit.  $2400

    Welcome Creek (Scapegoat)                                    Bruce Creek
    Pretty Prairie                                                             Forks of Birch Creek
    North Fork of the Sun (additional $1000)

    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

  • Backcountry Blunders: Don’t Botch Your Trip in The Bob

    Backcountry Blunders: Don’t Botch Your Trip in The Bob

    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! 



  • 2025 Trips Live on December 5 ~ How do I apply?

    2025 Trips Live on December 5 ~ How do I apply?

    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.

    – 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

  • What’s in a Dropstone Day pack?

    What’s in a Dropstone Day pack?

    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!
    1. The Gourmet Trail Bistro:
    • Snack Emporium: Pack those jerky pieces, nuts, and energy bars to keep your motor running all day long!
    1. 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. 
    1. 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. 
    1. 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.  
    1. 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.
    1. 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!



  • 2024 Trip Release Details ~ and Happy Holidays!

    2024 Trip Release Details ~ and Happy Holidays!

    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!

     

  • 2023 Trip Openings and Season Updates

    2023 Trip Openings and Season Updates

    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.

    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:

    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:

    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

     

  • 2023 Trip Application and Drawing Process

    2023 Trip Application and Drawing Process

    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. 

  • Spring 2022 Updates and Trip Openings

    Spring 2022 Updates and Trip Openings

    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