Montana | Big Belt Mountains
4 Days / 3 Nights
Level 3 — Alpine
8–10 Participants
$1,800

Into forested high country where water and stone shape the climb.

The Experience

The route begins in dense timber.
The first section climbs steadily through thick forest, building elevation as the trail works upward. The grade is consistent and requires steady effort, especially in warmer months.

When the trees break, the terrain changes quickly.
A wide alpine basin opens below — layered ridgelines, flowing water, and lake-filled country hidden beyond the first climb. Remote. Earned. Unseen from below.

From there, the route moves through high-country terrain marked by streams, exposed stone, and alpine lakes framed by cliffs. The scenery here is close and immersive rather than distant overlook views.

Camps are positioned near the shoreline in established but secluded sites. Morning and evening light reflect off the lake and surrounding rock, creating striking close-range scenery.

Wildlife activity in this basin is common. Mountain goats frequent the cliffs and are seen on most trips. Eagles, deer, and occasionally moose or black bear move through the area. Binoculars are recommended.

The climb into and out of the basin includes sustained elevation gain and steeper sections that require solid conditioning. For strong hikers, the route remains manageable and well within reach.

Terrain & Challenge

• Trailhead Elevation: 7,200 ft
• Highest Elevation (Standard Route): ~9,000 ft
• Total Distance (In & Out): 10+ miles
• Optional Summit: +1,000 ft in 1 mile

Day 1 — Climb to Basin

4.6 miles
+1,800 ft gain
-1,000 ft descent into camp

The route begins with sustained elevation gain through dense timber before breaking onto a ridgeline at approximately 9,000 ft. From there, the trail drops into a high alpine basin where the first lakeside camp is established.

Day 2 — Move Deeper

2.8 miles
Rolling terrain between lakes

Shorter mileage allows time to move deeper into the basin and establish the second lakeside camp, where we remain for two nights.

Day 3 — Recovery & Optional Summit

Day 3 is intentionally structured as a lighter day in camp.

Time is built in for recovery, exploration around the lake, wildlife observation, photography, or simply enjoying the basin without a full pack. Those who wish to fish are welcome to do so independently while in camp.

Optional Summit: A steep scramble gaining ~1,000 ft in one mile. A fixed hand line is set in select sections for stability. Participation is optional and based on comfort and conditioning.

Day 4 — Exit the Basin

5.5 miles
~1,000 ft gain

The route out includes a steep ½-mile section gaining approximately 800 ft across 13 switchbacks before reaching the ridgeline. From there, the trail descends gradually back to the trailhead.

Why This Is Level 3 — Alpine

This route is rated Level 3 primarily due to the sustained elevation gain on the climb in and the steep switchback ascent on the hike out.

The terrain itself is established and navigable. Camps are positioned in protected basin areas, and mileage is structured to allow recovery between major efforts.

If not for the elevation profile, this route would fall closer to a Level 2. The challenge comes from the climb — not from technical mountaineering.

How the Expedition Operates

Arrival & Preparation

Participants arrive in Bozeman with flights landing before noon on the designated arrival day.

Shuttle transportation is provided to Townsend for vehicle transfer, pack goat loading, and final equipment preparation. That evening, the group camps at the trailhead to complete final gear checks before entering the backcountry the following morning.

A detailed gear list is provided upon registration. Rental gear options are available if needed.

In the Backcountry

Participants carry the majority of their personal gear. Pack goats carry shared equipment, food, and essential camp infrastructure, allowing for efficient movement without compromising the integrity of the experience.

All camps follow Leave No Trace principles.

Camp & Meals

All meals are provided and prepared in camp. Menus are designed to support sustained energy and recovery. Dietary restrictions must be discussed during the initial planning call so accommodations can be arranged.

While the goats allow for a more stable camp setup than a traditional ultralight trip, this remains a true backcountry experience.

Camps are typically fireless due to elevation and seasonal fire restrictions. All meals are prepared on backcountry stoves.

Water & Wildlife

Water is abundant throughout the basin and is filtered at each camp using backcountry purification systems.

Wildlife sightings are common. Mountain goats frequent the cliffs. Eagles, deer, and occasionally moose or black bear move through the area.

Return & Departure

On the final day, the group exits the basin and returns to the trailhead. Shuttle transportation is provided back to Bozeman that evening.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own hotel accommodations and return flights. Recommended lodging options near the airport will be provided prior to departure.

Flights and lodging are not included in the expedition cost.

What’s Included

• Round-trip shuttle transportation from Bozeman (arrival & return)
• Trailhead camp on arrival day
• All backcountry meals (Day 1 dinner through final breakfast)
• Camp kitchen and cooking equipment
• Water filtration at each camp
• Pack goat support for shared gear and food
• Pre-scouted and established camp locations
• Guided leadership throughout the expedition
• Summit hand line setup (if summit is attempted)
• Detailed gear list and pre-trip planning call
• Recommended lodging options for return night

Rental Gear Available

Select backcountry gear is available for rent upon registration. Available items may include:

• Tents (2–6 person options)
• Sleeping pads
• Select pack systems
• Additional backcountry essentials as available

Rental details and agreements are handled separately from expedition registration.

Not Included

• Flights to and from Bozeman
• Hotel accommodations before or after the expedition
• Personal hiking gear (unless rented)
• Personal equipment (toiletries, medications, cameras, fishing gear, clothing systems, etc.)
• Travel insurance
• Alcohol or personal specialty items

Reserve Your Position

This basin is limited by design. Group size is capped at 8–10 participants.

Your position is not secured until a deposit is received. Trip details and planning follow personally.

The Experience

The Crazy Mountains are unlike any other range in Montana. They rise abruptly from the plains, granite peaks stacked tightly together in a way that makes the range feel larger than it appears on a map. Steep basins, narrow ridgelines, and high alpine lakes are buried deep within the mountains.

At first, the route gives little indication of what lies ahead.
The trail climbs gradually through dense forest, moving through quiet timber and occasional open parks as elevation slowly builds. For miles, the mountains remain hidden behind the ridgeline above.

Then the terrain changes.
The forest breaks apart and the trail moves into the alpine. Rock replaces soil, slopes steepen, and the views behind you begin to stretch across the valleys below.

But the real moment comes at the ridge.
When the trail finally crests the ridgeline, the interior of the Crazy Mountains opens all at once — jagged granite peaks, deep basins, and alpine lakes sitting beneath sheer mountain walls.

It is the first time most people truly understand the scale of this range.

From there the expedition moves deeper into the mountains, crossing between high lakes and ridges where the terrain becomes raw and unmistakably alpine. Camps sit beneath towering peaks. Mountain goats move across the cliffs above. The landscape feels powerful and untouched.

Few mountain ranges in Montana hold this kind of terrain in such a compact space.
And even fewer people ever see it from the inside.

Terrain & Challenge

• Trailhead Elevation: ~6,600 ft
• Highest Elevation: ~9,300 ft ridgelines
• Total Distance: ~20 miles across the expedition
• Primary Terrain: Alpine rock, granite slopes, forest trails, exposed ridgelines

Day 1 — Climb to Campfire Lake

7 miles
+2,797 ft gain
-838 ft descent

The route climbs steadily through forest and mountain parks before reaching alpine terrain above 8,000 feet. The final approach reaches the main ridge before descending into Campfire Lake basin.

Day 2 — Recovery at Campfire Lake

This day allows time for recovery after the initial climb. Participants can explore the basin, fish the lake, or hike to nearby Moose Lake located roughly one mile down the trail. Wildlife sightings are common and the views across Campfire Lake make for a quiet alpine basecamp.

Day 3 — Travel to Glacier Lake

7.3 miles
+1,600 ft gain
-1,450 ft descent

The route travels along the side of a major peak and gradually moves deeper into the range toward Glacier Lake. Much of this section crosses exposed alpine terrain with frequent water sources. Glacier Lake sits beneath towering granite peaks over 10,000 feet tall.

Day 4 — Traverse to Cottonwood Lake

~1 mile
~1,000 ft gain and descent

The route crosses a steep granite saddle separating two alpine basins. The ascent from Glacier Lake gains elevation quickly before reaching the ridgeline between peaks. From the saddle, Glacier Lake sits behind while Cottonwood Lake appears below on the opposite side. The descent leads into the final camp of the expedition.

Day 5 — Recovery at Cottonwood Lake

The final basecamp day allows time to rest and explore the surrounding terrain. Participants may hike toward nearby ridgelines, photograph the surrounding peaks, or spend the day exploring Cottonwood Lake itself. This day prepares the group for the final hike out.

Day 6 — Exit the Range

5 miles
-2,200 ft descent

The route descends steadily through timber and mountain slopes back toward the trailhead. After reaching the trailhead, the group breaks down camp equipment before returning to Bozeman.

Why This Is Level 4 — High Country

The Crazy Mountains expedition is rated Level 4 due to the elevation gain, distance between camps, and sections of steep alpine terrain.

While most of the route follows established trail, portions of the traverse between Glacier Lake and Cottonwood Lake require careful footing across exposed granite slopes. These sections demand strong conditioning, comfort with steep terrain, and the ability to move deliberately through mountain environments.

This expedition rewards hikers seeking deeper access into Montana’s most rugged alpine terrain.

How the Expedition Operates

Arrival & Preparation

Participants arrive in Bozeman with flights landing before noon on the designated arrival day. Transportation is provided to the trailhead where the group camps for the night. Final gear checks, expectations, and safety discussions are completed before entering the backcountry the following morning.

A detailed gear list is provided upon registration. Rental gear options are available if needed.

In the Backcountry

Participants carry the majority of their personal gear. Pack goats carry shared equipment, food, and essential camp infrastructure. This allows the expedition to maintain efficiency while preserving the experience of traditional backcountry travel.

All camps follow Leave No Trace principles.

Camp & Meals

All meals are provided and prepared in camp. Menus are designed to support sustained energy and recovery throughout the expedition. Dietary restrictions must be discussed during the initial planning call.

Due to elevation and seasonal fire restrictions, most camps are fireless. Meals are prepared using backcountry cooking systems.

Water & Wildlife

Water is abundant along the route and is filtered at each camp using backcountry purification systems.

Wildlife sightings are common. Mountain goats are frequently observed in the cliffs surrounding Glacier Lake and Cottonwood Lake.

Return & Departure

After exiting the trailhead on the final day, shuttle transportation returns the group to Bozeman. Participants are responsible for arranging their own hotel accommodations and return flights. Recommended lodging near the airport will be provided prior to departure.

Hotels must be centrally located due to vehicle and trailer access.
Flights and lodging are not included in the expedition cost.

What’s Included

• Round-trip shuttle transportation from Bozeman (arrival & return)
• Trailhead camp on arrival day
• All backcountry meals (Day 1 dinner through final breakfast)
• Camp kitchen and cooking equipment
• Water filtration at each camp
• Pack goat support for shared gear and food
• Pre-scouted and established camp locations
• Guided leadership throughout the expedition
• Detailed gear list and pre-trip planning call
• Recommended lodging options for return night

Rental Gear Available

Select backcountry gear is available for rent upon registration. Available items may include:

• Tents (2–6 person options)
• Sleeping Bags
• Select pack systems
• Complete list available upon request

Rental details and agreements are handled separately from expedition registration.

Not Included

• Flights to and from Bozeman
• Hotel accommodations before or after the expedition
• Personal hiking gear (unless rented)
• Personal equipment (toiletries, medications, cameras, fishing gear, clothing systems, etc.)
• Travel insurance
• Alcohol or personal specialty items

Reserve Your Position

This expedition is limited to 8–10 participants. Your position is not secured until a deposit is received.

Secure your place with a deposit and begin preparing for the Crazy Mountains.

For groups seeking a fully private backcountry experience.

Private Pinnacle Expeditions are designed for established groups who want to explore Montana’s mountains together without joining a public expedition. These trips are ideal for corporate retreats, leadership teams, and groups of friends looking for a shared challenge in the outdoors while having an experienced backcountry guide handle the logistics.

Each expedition is planned around the goals, experience level, and interests of the group. While the standard Pinnacle Pursuit routes travel through the Big Belt and Crazy Mountain ranges, private expeditions allow access to additional trails throughout Montana depending on the type of adventure your group is seeking. Some routes emphasize alpine lakes and remote basins, while others offer broader mountain travel better suited for larger groups looking for a demanding outdoor experience.

Pack goats are an essential part of every Private Pinnacle Expedition. These remarkable animals carry shared camp equipment, food, and expedition supplies, allowing the group to move efficiently through the mountains while still maintaining the integrity of a true backcountry experience. Traveling with pack goats also allows for more comfortable camps, better meals, and the ability to explore terrain that would otherwise require heavier loads for each participant.

The result is a unique mountain experience that blends authentic backcountry travel with thoughtful logistical support.

Group Size

Private Pinnacle Expeditions are reserved for full group bookings only.

• Minimum Group Size: 8 participants
• Maximum Group Size: 12 participants

This ensures proper logistics, safe travel through the mountains, and a cohesive group experience.

Expedition Length

Minimum Expedition Length: 4 days

Additional days may be added depending on the goals of the group and the route selected. Extended trips allow for deeper exploration of Montana’s backcountry and additional time for camp exploration, wildlife viewing, and alpine travel.

Pricing Structure

4-Day Private Pinnacle Expedition

• $2,600 per person (groups of 8)
• $2,400 per person (groups of 9–12)

Additional Days

+ $600 per person / per day

Final pricing is determined based on trip length, group size, and expedition logistics.

Planning & Preparation

Private Pinnacle Expeditions require advance planning to ensure a safe and well-executed trip.

• Minimum Notice: 90 days
• Preferred Planning Window: 120+ days

This allows time for route planning, logistics coordination, and when necessary, pre-trip scouting of the selected route.

Ideal For

Private Pinnacle Expeditions work particularly well for:

• Corporate leadership retreats
• Team bonding and company adventures
• Private adventure groups
• Organizations seeking a structured outdoor challenge

Every expedition begins with a conversation about your group, your goals, and the type of terrain you want to experience.

Start the Conversation

Private Pinnacle Expeditions are limited each season to ensure every group receives proper preparation and attention.

If your group is interested in reserving a Private Pinnacle Expedition, reach out to begin the planning process.