Sawtooth Range Backpack

Explore the wild Rocky Mountain Front with Bryn and Bill Cunningham

Trip Details

Trip Date:

07/02/2024 - 07/10/2024

Trip Type:

Backpacking

Number of Days/Nights:

9 Days - 8 Nights

Distance:

44mi

Distance with Day Hikes:

79mi

Rating:

Price Per Person:

$2,520

Availablity:

Available

Apply for this Trip:

Online Reservation

Highlights

  • Rocky Mountain Front
  • Peak climbing
  • Wilderness solitude
  • Off the beaten path
  • Wildflowers

Description

Backpack through the wild and rarely traveled reaches of the Rocky Mountain Front. The focus of this trip is the wave-like craggy spines of the Sawtooth Range on the eastern edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Some of the wildest country in the Bob are those areas just inside the wilderness boundary – elk, Mountain Goats and Grizzly bears often frequent this area while humans seldom do.  This 9-day backpacking loop affords you an opportunity of adventure like no other. It’s the most strenuous, most adventurous, and longest trip we offer. With all you need on your back and a trip long enough to truly forget what day it is, this is wilderness immersion at its finest.

A few trip highlights on the trip include exploring the wild Deep Creek drainages, climbing the crest of the Sawtooth divide, and swimming in the clear waters of the North Fork of the Sun. You will also have the opportunity to reach the summit of Rocky Mountain (9392’) – the tallest peak in the Bob Marshall and visit the historic Beartop Lookout.   With a layover day at each camp, you will have ample opportunity to peak climb and adventure up high or simply relax in camp with a good book.

The moving days are mostly on-trail, but the layover day hikes will be mostly off-trail and often on uneven, rugged terrain.  Your average backpack weight is typically between 37 and 43 pounds, and there will be one food drop on the trip.  You may encounter downfall and snow patches.

If you are looking for the ultimate wilderness experience complete with remote locations, physical challenge, and wilderness solitude, then this is the trip for you.   It is important to be in very good physical shape, and previous backpacking experience is necessary.

Please call or email for more details.
(406) 461-2114 or (406) 403-1902
[email protected]


TRIP CANCELLATION POLICY

Deposits are required at booking and are non-refundable. Trip balances are due by May 15 for summer trips and August 1 for fall trips unless otherwise specified. The balances are non-refundable after these due dates. We only give complete refunds in the event that you do not successfully draw a tag. Other than a non-successful draw, we do not give refunds for any reason. This includes but is not limited to: route changes due to wildfires, smoke, floods, trail conditions, a non-harvest hunt, or unprecedented weather events. We do not give refunds if personal health inhibits you from participating on a trip including exposure to an airborne virus or illness. Because of this, we STRONGLY recommend purchasing trip insurance.
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Trip Rating Definitions


 

Moderate

  • 6 – 10 mile travel days with some of those days requiring changes in elevation of 500 – 1500 ft. over several miles. Short portions of route may be off-trail.


Moderately Difficult

  • 8 – 12+ mile travel days with regular change in elevation totaling 2,500 feet, or more, over several miles. Off-trail hiking and routing finding with short portions of limited exposure possible.


Strenuous

  • 7 – 12+ mile travel days with regular changes in elevation over a few miles. Frequent off-trail hiking over uneven terrain with areas of exposure and route finding may be involved.


*Please note these descriptions are used for travel days only and are our attempt to provide a rating for the overall trip difficulty. On layover days we will offer optional hiking opportunities that may not be in keeping with the rest of the trip difficulty rating.


Additionally, changes in elevation are meant to represent the days’ starting and ending elevations, but not necessarily the total elevation lost and gained throughout the course of the day. If you have questions or concerns regarding trip difficulty and your abilities, please contact us.