MT Mini Highlights
Backpacking in the SW Montana wilderness and exploring Big Sky Country!
Dates
Jul 02 - Jul 09, 2024Ages
12-14 (rising 7th-9th)Tuition
$2145 (airfare not incl.)Destination
MontanaStatus
Open- Tobacco Root backpacking
- Mineral hot spring soaking
- Inflatable kayaking down the Snake River
- High mountain lake camping
- Swimming in alpine lakes and streams
- Friends and laughter around the campfire
Nora has been home over a week and is still talking about her great adventure. She has her heart set on a return next summer and a long-term goal of becoming a counselor. We're thrilled for her and grateful to Alpengirl for providing her with such a self-affirming venue....
Trip Description
Mini Overnight Summer Camp Backpacking Adventure in Wild Montana
NEW for 2024! This 8-day camp emphasizes connections with nature, group living, and outdoor skills through a fun-filled week exploring Montana’s Big Sky Country!
With time spent floating on rivers and in hot springs, the focus of this trip takes place backpacking in the Tobacco Root Mountains where we’ll challenge campers to lead the way and put their legs to work by high tailing it up to some gorgeous mountain lakes for swimming, camping and exploring in the high country.
Limited to 12 mighty Alpengirl explorers that want to squeeze in an abbreviated, action-packed itinerary to a busy summer and get the chance to build new friendships, increase their skills in the outdoors, and grow as a leader!
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Alpengirl!
Arriving at Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport in Bozeman, MT, your Alpenguides will greet you and introduce you to the rest of your group. Icebreakers, name games, and get-to-know-you fun abound before you and your new expedition mates hop in the van and drive to our first campsite, situated near the meandering Madison River.
Once we learn how to set up our tents, we’ll continue to get to know each other, then enjoy the first of many delicious and fresh camp meals – how about some famous Alpengirl Welcome Burritos (YUM!)?
Day 2: Float on!
Waking up well rested, you’ll be amazed at how massive the blue sky seems as you step out of your tent. Bring your sleeping pad out to the yoga circle and allow your Alpenyogi to guide you through relaxing stretches as your body wakes up. A delicious breakfast awaits as we get changed and learn a little more about our upcoming days ahead and of all the nuts and bolts of spending time outdoors.
This afternoon, Alpenguides will get everyone situated in their inflatable rafts and kayaks, and go over paddling techniques and all things safety. We’ll spend the afternoon having fun swimming, splashing and laughing as we enjoy a scenic day's float down the Madison River with new friends!
Days 3-6: Backpacking time!
Time to put those legs to work – lace up your hiking boots and roll up your sleeping pad, because today is the day that we start our backpacking trip! In no time, you’ll be walking strong while getting closer to your group, feeling refreshed by getting off the grid, conquering physical challenges, and discovering your inner power by being immersed in nature.
Before we leave, our Alpenguides will walk us through proper packing procedure and give us a lesson on how to adjust and carry our backpacks. Lightening our load and taking only the essentials, we’ll leave the van behind, grab our cameras, and backpack for 4 days for a round-trip total of about 13 miles in the Tobacco Roots. We'll spend one of these days on an exploratory day-hike in an attempt to reach a remote high mountain lake for a quick dip. Backpacking affords us sweeping views of pointed peaks and glacier-cut valleys, close-ups of wildflowers and alpine meadows, and sights like we’ve never seen before.
On our final day, we descend back to the trailhead below and head back to our campground for the night to enjoy the simple luxuries of a hot shower and a gourmet camp meal after an incredible four days in the backcountry.
Day 7: Ahh…relaxation
After a well-deserved lie-in and leisurely breakfast, we'll head to a nearby hot springs pool to spend the morning soaking in the warm water and resting our tired legs. We’ll then spend our final afternoon checking out downtown Bozeman and enjoying a local ice cream shop! Tonight, we’ll have our traditional End of Session Awards ceremony, pizza party, and exchange contact information with the friends that we’ve made.
Day 8: It’s time to go home!
Exchanging hugs with your friends, you’ll depart from Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport knowing that you’ve had a ton of fun and accomplished great things as an Alpengirl and will be a part of our fantastic community for life. See you next summer!
PLEASE NOTE: Alpengirl reserves the right to cancel or alter any aspect of a program, before or during the session, including program itinerary, activities, or location for reasons including but not limited to weather, environment, logistics, or health hazards. If itinerary changes occur, we will substitute comparable alternatives, if possible. If there are significant itinerary changes, parents will be notified by email.
Trip Campsites & Amenities
Four nights are spent in tents in public “front country” campgrounds where we have pre-assigned campsites with neighbors and campground hosts nearby, running potable water, and private outhouses or flushing toilets.
Three nights are spent in tents in wilderness “backcountry” areas where we will purify our water before drinking and learn and practice basic Leave No Trace camping skills such as how to select a campsite, how to go to the bathroom, and how to keep clean outdoors.
Why Choose This Trip
NEW for 2024! This trip offers Alpengirls with an already-packed summer schedule the chance to explore Montana's incredible Big Sky country. This mini version of one of our most popular trips has an action-packed itinerary that is designed to meet high demands for shorter overnight adventure camp experiences to allow girls to squeeze in more outdoor camping time with friends this summer and find their inner adventuress!
