Ancient Paths
Barron Ranch - Absarokee, Montana
Discover this land like never before. Wanda Wilcox and her family have been guiding adventurous guests into the Beartooth Mountains and the Custer Forest for over 20 years. They share their ranching heritage, love of ancient history, the sublime beauty of the wilderness, wild life viewing opportunities, and superb fishing. And it is possible sometimes, to share these things all in the same day!
Transfigured, looking over yet another vista, you’ll get the feeling that you are the first person to take in this unforgettable countryside. And yet, the Mountain Shoshoni, the Sheepeater, and the Crow Indian and long before them the Ancient Peoples were hunting, fishing, and vision-questing in the area for a longer time than you can wrap your brain around. Archeologists tell us they have found remains along these trails carbon dating back 9,000 years.
When to go
The trails traverse elevations between 5,000 and 10,000 feet and so the summer (late July through August) is the best time to enjoy this part of the back country.
- 6-day package departs the last week in July.
- 8-day package departs early August.
- 10-day package departs mid-August
Itinerary
Hosting small groups means we can tailor the packtrips to guest’s interests, physical fitness, and riding ability. The 41 tallest named peaks in Montana are all in the Beartooth Range with a half dozen of them well over 12,000 feet. There are a number of plateaus to explore: Silver Run, Line Creek, September Morn Lake and Lake Plateau. Some trails are more rigorous than others. Some plateaus are better known for their fishing than others. Here is an example of the 8-day Lake Plateau Package. (Note: Experienced riders may elect to complete this in six days.)
- Day One: Saddle to Paddle. Arriving at the ranch in the morning gives you time to ride so you are comfortable with your horse before hitting the trail. (Optional raft trip down the Stillwater River in the afternoon.)
- Day Two: Load up and head to the trail head which is an hour from the ranch near Nye, Montana. It is seven miles from the trail head to the first camp. The ride to “Midway Camp” will take 4-5 hours including a break for lunch.
- Day Three: Ride eight miles on to base camp situated right at the tree line, sharing footsteps with people from the past.
- Day Four, Day Five and Day Six: There are twenty-eight lakes on top, some within a mile of each other. Each has its own beauty and its own place in Indian heritage. We can’t experience them all 28 in three days, but we’ll make sure you see several of them.
- Day Seven: Trail back to the “Midway Camp”
- Day Eight: Trail back to the ranch to enjoy a hot shower and an evening at the local steak house.Departing the following morning after breakfast.
Group Size
Whether you are riding or hiking (with horse support) our packages are designed for small groups. While a minimum number of participants are required, the maximum number is 8 for each trip.
Accommodations
The first and last nights are spent in a comfortable bed and subsequent nights are spent camping in an outfitted camp with a back country cook tent. There is a water supply (but no showers.) We provide sleeping bags (or you can bring your own) and we offer mats or cots for your comfort. Fishing equipment is available for rent.
Some Reminders
These high mountain trails tell a rich story—more than history, we are talking ancient history. There is no guarantee that artifacts will be evident, but if they are visible, please remember absolutely no artifacts may be removed. Everything must be left just as it is found.
“No place quite like this,”...
says Scott Anderson, host of the Backland Outdoors show beginning its tenth season on television. Last summer we hosted Scott and his family on the popular Lake Plateau Pack trip. While it is no secret that Scott is a seasoned traveler and has hunted with the best of them, he was simply awestruck on this trip in the Beartooth Mountains with Paintbrush Adventures Inc.
Soon to air! Watch for Scott’s program: “Sharing Footsteps with People from the Past”. We will post a link to his show as soon as it airs sometime in February of 2014.
Contact & Booking
Think of me as a native Montanan and a travel coordinator who is skilled as a matchmaker. Let me know your interests. I can put you in touch with ranchers whose Montana roots date back 100 years.
One of a Kind Experiences
Working ranch vacations offer more than just horseback riding. Guests participate in seasonal ranch activities while learning about conservation practices and sustainable ranching in the Rocky Mountains. Not just a seminar in ranching, we invite you to be part of the daily routine.Saddle Up and experience a part of the Old West that still exists. Everything from cattle drives and roundups, to trail rides and pack trips into the wilderness.
Meet Karen, Your Personal Working Ranch Vacation Guide.
Think of me as a native Montanan and a travel coordinator who is skilled as a matchmaker. Let me know your interests. I can put you in touch with ranchers whose Montana roots date back 100 years.