About
Beartooth Mountain Guides is your gateway to immersive mountain adventures in Montana’s rugged backcountry. Whether it’s a hike, an alpine rock climb, or a full expedition to Granite Peak, our passion is sharing the mountain experience with you. Located in Red Lodge, with offices near Cooke City, we operate in the heart of the Beartooth Mountains—remote, wild terrain on the edge of Yellowstone, offering some of the region’s best opportunities for mountaineering, rock & ice climbing, backpacking, and backcountry skiing.
Our programs range from beginner-friendly rock climbs and women-only backpacking trips to advanced winter camps and expedition preparation courses. All guides are highly experienced, and all programs are led under the direction of IFMGA/American Mountain Guide Akio Joy.
We proudly operate with permits from the Custer-Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests, making sure our trips are safe, sustainable, and deeply connected with the land.
Whether you're dreaming of summiting peaks, skiing untouched snow, or discovering alpine ridges, Beartooth Mountain Guides will meet you there.
Contact: +1 406-446-1407 | info@beartoothguides.com | Based in Red Lodge, Montana
Trips
Cooke City Level 1 (A)
Our 3-day courses include field travel on skis/boards each day. These 24-hour courses are taught under the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association (AAA). Expect in-depth instruction in backcountry travel, terrain management, snowpack assessment, rescue practices, and decision making. Each course is run by two instructors, allowing for a low student to instructor ratio and unique perspectives.
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated).
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated).
Seasonality
Dec
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Cooke City Level 1 (B)
Our 3-day courses include field travel on skis/boards each day. These 24-hour courses are taught under the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association (AAA). Expect in-depth instruction in backcountry travel, terrain management, snowpack assessment, rescue practices, and decision making. Each course is run by two instructors, allowing for a low student to instructor ratio and unique perspectives.
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated).
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated).
Seasonality
Dec
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Cooke City Level 1 (C)
Our 3-day courses include field travel on skis/boards each day. These 24-hour courses are taught under the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association (AAA). Expect in-depth instruction in backcountry travel, terrain management, snowpack assessment, rescue practices, and decision making. Each course is run by two instructors, allowing for a low student to instructor ratio and unique perspectives.
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated
Seasonality
Dec
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Red Lodge Level 1
Our 3-day courses include field travel on skis/boards each day. These 24-hour courses are taught under the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association (AAA). Expect in-depth instruction in backcountry travel, terrain management, snowpack assessment, rescue practices, and decision making. Each course is run by two instructors, allowing for a low student to instructor ratio and unique perspectives.
This course is based out of Red Lodge, Montana. Red Lodge courses benefit from a lift accessed field day, unique forecasting learning objectives, and an easier destination for many students. Lodging is not provided on this course.
This course is based out of Red Lodge, Montana. Red Lodge courses benefit from a lift accessed field day, unique forecasting learning objectives, and an easier destination for many students. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Seasonality
Feb
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Cooke City Level 1 (D)
Our 3-day courses include field travel on skis/boards each day. These 24-hour courses are taught under the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association (AAA). Expect in-depth instruction in backcountry travel, terrain management, snowpack assessment, rescue practices, and decision making. Each course is run by two instructors, allowing for a low student to instructor ratio and unique perspectives.
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated).
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated).
Seasonality
Jan
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Goose Lake Winter Camp 2026 (A)
Learn expedition preparation and ski mountaineering skills and techniques on this 4-day backcountry ski trip. Isolated deep in the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness, this trip will provide snowmobile access to the wilderness boundary, where a variety of incredible terrain provides opportunities for ski mountaineering from a backcountry basecamp far from the crowds.
Seasonality
Apr
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Goose Lake Winter Camp 2026 (B)
Learn expedition preparation and ski mountaineering skills and techniques on this 4-day backcountry ski trip. Isolated deep in the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness, this trip will provide snowmobile access to the wilderness boundary, where a variety of incredible terrain provides opportunities for ski mountaineering from a backcountry basecamp far from the crowds.
Seasonality
Apr
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Beginner Women's Backpacking Trip
The Beartooths host Montana's premier backpacking routes, both on and off trail.
Expect wild alpine scenery from glacial valleys to high plateaus. Known for it's pristine lakes, beautiful waterfalls, and towering granite walls, you can expect a memorable hiking trip in the Beartooth Wilderness.
This trip is rated "Beginner", while it does not require previous Backpacking experience it does require a fitness standard. You need to be able to carry 30lbs while hiking 1000 ft over 5 miles.
Itinerary
14 miles, 2400' elevation gain, 2400 ' elevation loss
Day 0: Mandatory gear check at 4 pm in Red Lodge.
Day 1: 8 am, Mystic Lake THD (at 6500ft) to Mystic Lake. 5 miles with 1000 ft of elevation gain. We will hike along the scenic mystic river valley, a drainage of the Beartooth mountains.
Day 2: Mystic Lake to Pricesse Lake. 2 miles and 1400 ft of elevation gain. The remote alpine lake offers quietness and wildlife seeings. Option to explore and day hike to Avalanche Lake.
Day 3: Princess Lake to Mystic Lake THD. 7 miles, 500 ft of elevation gain and 1400 ft of elevation loss. Expected return around 3pm.
This trip includes a guide for every 6 participants, breakfasts, dinners and cooking equipment. Please inquire about rental tents, sleeping bag, pads and backpacks. Specific personal equipment such as a water filter and other backpacking equipment is required.
Expect wild alpine scenery from glacial valleys to high plateaus. Known for it's pristine lakes, beautiful waterfalls, and towering granite walls, you can expect a memorable hiking trip in the Beartooth Wilderness.
This trip is rated "Beginner", while it does not require previous Backpacking experience it does require a fitness standard. You need to be able to carry 30lbs while hiking 1000 ft over 5 miles.
Itinerary
14 miles, 2400' elevation gain, 2400 ' elevation loss
Day 0: Mandatory gear check at 4 pm in Red Lodge.
Day 1: 8 am, Mystic Lake THD (at 6500ft) to Mystic Lake. 5 miles with 1000 ft of elevation gain. We will hike along the scenic mystic river valley, a drainage of the Beartooth mountains.
Day 2: Mystic Lake to Pricesse Lake. 2 miles and 1400 ft of elevation gain. The remote alpine lake offers quietness and wildlife seeings. Option to explore and day hike to Avalanche Lake.
Day 3: Princess Lake to Mystic Lake THD. 7 miles, 500 ft of elevation gain and 1400 ft of elevation loss. Expected return around 3pm.
This trip includes a guide for every 6 participants, breakfasts, dinners and cooking equipment. Please inquire about rental tents, sleeping bag, pads and backpacks. Specific personal equipment such as a water filter and other backpacking equipment is required.
Seasonality
Sep
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A Intermediate Women's Backpacking Trip
Explore Montana’s premier backcountry on this guided intermediate women’s backpacking trip through the spectacular Beartooth Wilderness. Known for its pristine alpine lakes, glacial valleys, high plateaus, and granite peaks, the Beartooths offer some of the best off-trail and on-trail hiking in the Northern Rockies.
This four-day route covers 22 miles with 3,571 feet of elevation gain and 4,279 feet of loss. Designed for adventurous women looking to deepen their wilderness skills, this trip does not require prior backpacking experience—but does require strong physical fitness. You must be able to carry a 30-pound pack while hiking 1500 feet over 4 miles.
Itinerary
Sundance Loop Hike - 22.03 miles, 3571' elevation gain, 4279 ' elevation loss
Day 0: Mandatory gear check at 4 pm in Red Lodge.
Day 1: 8 am, West Fork THD (at 7900ft) to Quinnebaugh meadows. 5 miles with 1000 ft of elevation gain. Will hike along the West fork creek of Rock Creek a drainage of the Beartooth mountains. Camp will be at Quinnebaugh meadows. Option to hike up to Lake Mary, one way 2 miles 1000 ft elevation gain.
Day 2: Quinnebough meadows to Shadow Lake or Sundance Lake. 4 miles with 900 ft of elevation gain. We will hike along the West Fork creek and the environment will change from a more high forestry one to a more alpine one.
Day 3: Shadow/ Sundance Lake to September Lake. 5 miles with 1500 ft of elevation gain and 1400 ft of elevation loss. We will hike up Sundance Pass where we will be at the highest point of 1100 ft of elevation and descent to September Lake in the Lake fork of Rock Creek. This environment is still alpine with September Lake being at 9694 ft.
Day 4: September Lake to Lake Fork THD (at 6900 ft). 8 miles 2500 ft of elevation loss. We descend back into the valley along the Lake Fork of Rock Creek. The environment will become more forestry again. We will end the trip around 2pm.
A personal car shuttle from West Fork THD to Lake Fork THD is required. It takes about 60 min to shuttle the cars and in the past participants have shared rides with each other and the guides.
This trip includes a guide for every 6 participants, breakfasts, dinners and cooking equipment. Please inquire about rental tents, sleeping bag, pads and backpacks. Specific personal equipment such as a water filter and other backpacking equipment is required.
This four-day route covers 22 miles with 3,571 feet of elevation gain and 4,279 feet of loss. Designed for adventurous women looking to deepen their wilderness skills, this trip does not require prior backpacking experience—but does require strong physical fitness. You must be able to carry a 30-pound pack while hiking 1500 feet over 4 miles.
Itinerary
Sundance Loop Hike - 22.03 miles, 3571' elevation gain, 4279 ' elevation loss
Day 0: Mandatory gear check at 4 pm in Red Lodge.
Day 1: 8 am, West Fork THD (at 7900ft) to Quinnebaugh meadows. 5 miles with 1000 ft of elevation gain. Will hike along the West fork creek of Rock Creek a drainage of the Beartooth mountains. Camp will be at Quinnebaugh meadows. Option to hike up to Lake Mary, one way 2 miles 1000 ft elevation gain.
Day 2: Quinnebough meadows to Shadow Lake or Sundance Lake. 4 miles with 900 ft of elevation gain. We will hike along the West Fork creek and the environment will change from a more high forestry one to a more alpine one.
Day 3: Shadow/ Sundance Lake to September Lake. 5 miles with 1500 ft of elevation gain and 1400 ft of elevation loss. We will hike up Sundance Pass where we will be at the highest point of 1100 ft of elevation and descent to September Lake in the Lake fork of Rock Creek. This environment is still alpine with September Lake being at 9694 ft.
Day 4: September Lake to Lake Fork THD (at 6900 ft). 8 miles 2500 ft of elevation loss. We descend back into the valley along the Lake Fork of Rock Creek. The environment will become more forestry again. We will end the trip around 2pm.
A personal car shuttle from West Fork THD to Lake Fork THD is required. It takes about 60 min to shuttle the cars and in the past participants have shared rides with each other and the guides.
This trip includes a guide for every 6 participants, breakfasts, dinners and cooking equipment. Please inquire about rental tents, sleeping bag, pads and backpacks. Specific personal equipment such as a water filter and other backpacking equipment is required.
Seasonality
Jul
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B Intermediate Women's Backpacking Trip
Explore Montana’s premier backcountry on this guided intermediate women’s backpacking trip through the spectacular Beartooth Wilderness. Known for its pristine alpine lakes, glacial valleys, high plateaus, and granite peaks, the Beartooths offer some of the best off-trail and on-trail hiking in the Northern Rockies.
This four-day route covers 22 miles with 3,571 feet of elevation gain and 4,279 feet of loss. Designed for adventurous women looking to deepen their wilderness skills, this trip does not require prior backpacking experience—but does require strong physical fitness. You must be able to carry a 30-pound pack while hiking 1500 feet over 4 miles.
Itinerary
22.03 miles, 3571' elevation gain, 4279 ' elevation loss
Day 0: Mandatory gear check at 4 pm in Red Lodge.
Day 1: 8 am, West Fork THD (at 7900ft) to Quinnebaugh meadows. 5 miles with 1000 ft of elevation gain. Will hike along the West fork creek of Rock Creek a drainage of the Beartooth mountains. Camp will be at Quinnebaugh meadows. Option to hike up to Lake Mary, one way 2 miles 1000 ft elevation gain.
Day 2: Quinnebough meadows to Shadow Lake or Sundance Lake. 4 miles with 900 ft of elevation gain. We will hike along the West Fork creek and the environment will change from a more high forestry one to a more alpine one.
Day 3: Shadow/ Sundance Lake to September Lake. 5 miles with 1500 ft of elevation gain and 1400 ft of elevation loss. We will hike up Sundance Pass where we will be at the highest point of 1100 ft of elevation and descent to September Lake in the Lake fork of Rock Creek. This environment is still alpine with September Lake being at 9694 ft.
Day 4: September Lake to Lake Fork THD (at 6900 ft). 8 miles 2500 ft of elevation loss. We descend back into the valley along the Lake Fork of Rock Creek. The environment will become more forestry again. We will end the trip around 2pm.
A personal car shuttle from West Fork THD to Lake Fork THD is required. It takes about 60 min to shuttle the cars and in the past participants have shared rides with each other and the guides.
This trip includes a guide for every 6 participants, breakfasts, dinners and cooking equipment. Please inquire about rental tents, sleeping bag, pads and backpacks. Specific personal equipment such as a water filter and other backpacking equipment is required.
This four-day route covers 22 miles with 3,571 feet of elevation gain and 4,279 feet of loss. Designed for adventurous women looking to deepen their wilderness skills, this trip does not require prior backpacking experience—but does require strong physical fitness. You must be able to carry a 30-pound pack while hiking 1500 feet over 4 miles.
Itinerary
22.03 miles, 3571' elevation gain, 4279 ' elevation loss
Day 0: Mandatory gear check at 4 pm in Red Lodge.
Day 1: 8 am, West Fork THD (at 7900ft) to Quinnebaugh meadows. 5 miles with 1000 ft of elevation gain. Will hike along the West fork creek of Rock Creek a drainage of the Beartooth mountains. Camp will be at Quinnebaugh meadows. Option to hike up to Lake Mary, one way 2 miles 1000 ft elevation gain.
Day 2: Quinnebough meadows to Shadow Lake or Sundance Lake. 4 miles with 900 ft of elevation gain. We will hike along the West Fork creek and the environment will change from a more high forestry one to a more alpine one.
Day 3: Shadow/ Sundance Lake to September Lake. 5 miles with 1500 ft of elevation gain and 1400 ft of elevation loss. We will hike up Sundance Pass where we will be at the highest point of 1100 ft of elevation and descent to September Lake in the Lake fork of Rock Creek. This environment is still alpine with September Lake being at 9694 ft.
Day 4: September Lake to Lake Fork THD (at 6900 ft). 8 miles 2500 ft of elevation loss. We descend back into the valley along the Lake Fork of Rock Creek. The environment will become more forestry again. We will end the trip around 2pm.
A personal car shuttle from West Fork THD to Lake Fork THD is required. It takes about 60 min to shuttle the cars and in the past participants have shared rides with each other and the guides.
This trip includes a guide for every 6 participants, breakfasts, dinners and cooking equipment. Please inquire about rental tents, sleeping bag, pads and backpacks. Specific personal equipment such as a water filter and other backpacking equipment is required.
Seasonality
Aug
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Stillwater Backpacking Trip
Explore one of the most scenic and remote backpacking routes in Montana on this guided point-to-point trek through the Stillwater River Valley. Designed for hikers with solid fitness and backcountry experience, this 5-day trip takes you deep into the Beartooth Wilderness, where you’ll travel from dense forests to high alpine basins surrounded by granite peaks.
This adventure begins at the Stillwater River Trailhead and ends at East Rosebud Lake, following a route known for its stunning lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and sweeping mountain views. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll cross multiple mountain passes, camp beside crystal-clear alpine lakes, and gain confidence in navigating the backcountry.
This adventure begins at the Stillwater River Trailhead and ends at East Rosebud Lake, following a route known for its stunning lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and sweeping mountain views. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll cross multiple mountain passes, camp beside crystal-clear alpine lakes, and gain confidence in navigating the backcountry.
Seasonality
Jul
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Granite Peak Expedition
At 12,807 feet, Granite Peak is Montana's high point and the centerpiece of the Beartooth Mountains, towering over the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Experience a mountaineering adventure on Granite Peak this year. Isolated deep in the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness, this expedition will leave a special impression on you. Expect to cover a variety of terrain, learn new skills, and meet the local mountain goats on the way to Montana's high point.
Based out of Red Lodge, Beartooth Mountain Guides is the only local guide service for Granite Peak and the longest operating mountain guide service in the Beartooths. We offer 4-6 day all inclusive guided climbing trips with our experienced and local guides.
Seasonality
Jul-Sep
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