5 Day Guided Horseback Adventure to the Middle Fork of Lander's in the Montana Wilderness, USA
USA Horse Riding and Roving Camping
Neil Eustance's roving trips are a unique opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind wilderness on a one-of-a-kind horse. Roam 1.5 million acres of Montana Wilderness from one primitive campsite to another. Experience travel the way that nomadic people crossed the Continental Divide, and see a landscape that has been virtually unchanged for thousands of years.
Key information
- Rider Weight Limit: 230 pounds
- Tack Type: Western or English saddles
- Horse Breed: Icelandic horses
- Horse Height Range: 14 hands tall
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- 2 to four hours of riding / hiking each day
- Learn about Montana's natural history and the uniqueness of the Rocky Mountain Front
- See unique geological formations like thrust faults and massive limestone cliffs
- Experience an ancient mode of travel in an ancient land
- Become resilient and capable in a challenging environment
- No need to carry heavy gear - tents, sleeping bags, and food packed by horses
- Hot cooked meals morning and evening, and a sack lunch, provided
- 4 nights accommodation in tents
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
Accommodation
Neil Eustance strives to provide clean and comfortable living arrangements in a wilderness setting. All accommodations and facilities must meet the strict definitions of wilderness use stipulated in the FS Special Uses permit. All structures must be primitive and non-permanent.
Sleeping tents will be nylon, with a waterproof fly and bug net. Foam sleeping pads and pack chairs will be provided. The campsite will be completely dismantled and rehabilitated before moving to the next site.
Program
5-day trip to the Middle Fork of Lander's of the Blackfoot River
This will be an interactive experience that teaches guests the necessary aspects of low-impact wilderness camping and introductory packing with horses. Each trip is designed to showcase the local history and environment. For physical fitness or age requirements, equipment rental, or other inquiries, be sure to send an inquiry.
Feel the connection
Across continents and centuries, from the steppes of Mongolia to the plains of North America, horseback riding has been the pinnacle of true freedom. Experience the rare opportunity to ride Montana’s wilderness on the Icelandic horse.
A different kind of horse
The story of the Icelandic horse traces back over a millennium, intertwined with the island’s tumultuous history and the resilience of its people. Brought to Iceland by Norse settlers in the ninth and 10th centuries, these horses played a vital role in shaping Icelandic society, serving as loyal companions, reliable means of transportation, and indispensable partners in farming and herding.
Over centuries of isolation, harsh winters, and selective breeding, the Icelandic horse evolved into a distinct breed uniquely suited to its rugged and rocky homeland.
With less than 7,000 Icelandic horses in the United States, Neil Eustance is fortunate to have these amazing animals as part of a wilderness operation - a rugged horse for a rugged land.
A one-of-a-kind adventure
The roving trips are a unique opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind wilderness on a one-of-a-kind horse.
The Scapegoat Wilderness and the surrounding Rocky Mountain Front stand as a testament to the earth’s ancient past, bearing the scars of millions of years of geological activity. Towering cliffs and jagged peaks rise dramatically from the rolling plains below, showcasing the raw power of tectonic forces that sculpted this awe-inspiring terrain.
Weathered by the elements and adorned with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and meandering rivers, the landscape exudes an aura of timelessness.
One of the most striking features of the Rocky Mountain Front is its unique geological formations, including thrust faults and massive limestone cliffs that reveal the region’s complex history.
These geological wonders provide a glimpse into the ancient seabeds and uplift events that shaped the landscape millions of years ago, offering a rich tapestry of geological diversity that is unparalleled.
Beyond its geological significance, the Montana Rocky Mountain Front holds a storied past deeply intertwined with human history. For centuries, indigenous peoples such as the Blackfeet and Salish have traversed these lands, drawing sustenance from their abundant wildlife and pristine waters.
Traces of their presence, from ancient petroglyphs to sacred sites, still echo across the landscape, serving as a reminder of their enduring connection to the land.
In more recent history, the Rocky Mountain Front served as a gateway for explorers, fur trappers, and settlers venturing into the uncharted wilderness. Trails blazed by Lewis and Clark wind through the rugged terrain, immortalizing their journey of discovery and exploration.
Portions of the famed Continental Divide National Scenic Trail also follow these rock formations through Montana.
A typical day consists of the following:
There will be daily travel by horse or on foot on most days. Rise early, eat breakfast, do morning stretches, and pack up gear for the horses to carry to the next camp. Ride a few hours in the morning, stopping by a natural feature for sack lunch and interpretive lessons.
Continue riding in the afternoon until the destination, unpack, and set up camp. Enjoy a leisurely dinner, selected excursions, and campfire talk before bedding down.
- Travel - Bring your sleeping bag, clothing, and personal gear - Neil Eustance will supply the rest.
- Learn - Learn to ride, camp, and live in the famed Montana wilderness.
- Experience - Experience an ancient mode of travel in an ancient land.
- Grow - Become resilient and capable in a challenging environment.
Lander's Fork itinerary:
Day 0
There will be a pre-trip meeting the night before at the trailhead before pack-out day. This will be for equipment and safety instruction, as well as preparation for the trip before leaving the next morning.
Day 1
- Meet at Indian Meadows Trailhead by 08:00, finish packing gear, sizing stock, and equipment
- Leave Indian Meadows Trailhead at 10:00, ride to Heart Lake
- Enjoy the lake and have lunch before leaving at about 13:00
- Walk down the switchbacks and then ride across the river to the Main Camp on Sheep Creek, about 40 minutes away
- Arrive at the Main Camp at about 14:00 and unpack and organize tents and sleeping gear
- Enjoy a hearty dinner and the evening excursion of your choice
Day 2
- Stay at Main Camp - lay-over day, no early pack up of camp
- Morning campfire breakfast with Dutch oven cinnamon rolls
- Hiking excursion - Guided walk with only day hike gear to a scenic overlook for lunch and a chance for wildlife viewing (about two and a half hours)
- Return hike to the Main Camp by about 15:00
- Enjoy a hearty dinner and the evening excursion of your choice
Day 3
- Rise early, have breakfast, and pack up for a day on the trail
- Leave the Main Camp by 08:00
- Ride to the scenic Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and have lunch with a sweeping view of the central plains from the Rocky Mountains (about two and a half hours)
- Leave the CDT at about 12:00 and travel to the next campsite, mostly riding with some walking
- Arrive at Middle Fork of Lander's Camp at about 15:00 and unpack and organize tents and sleeping gear
- Enjoy a hearty dinner and the evening excursion of your choice
Day 4
- Rise early, have breakfast, and pack up for a day on the trail
- Leave Middle Fork Camp by 08:00
- Ride to the Forest Service cabin at Web Lake and have lunch
- Leave at about 11:30 and ride to Fickler Meadow Camp (also known as Short Camp)
- Arrive at "Short Camp" at about 14:00 and unpack and organize tents and sleeping gear
- Hiking excursion - optional hike to Red Mountain
- Enjoy a hearty dinner and the evening excursion of your choice
Day 5
- Final camp day, leisurely campfire breakfast
- Group activity - Frisbee Faceoff
- Pack up and ride to the trailhead for the last day on the trail at about 12:00
- Arrive at Indian Meadows Trailhead by 13:00
- Unpack and leave the trailhead by 14:00
Included excursions
- Basic wilderness travel and survival techniques
- Introduction to horse riding and packing
- Introduction to Dutch oven and campfire cooking
- Historic Native American travel routes
- First-class wilderness rivers and lakes
- Amazing wildlife viewing
- Interpretive lessons
- Frisbee and Bocce ball available
- Photography
- Geocaching
- Scavenger hunt / land snorkeling
Instructors
Neil Eustance
Neil is a life long Montana resident and outdoor enthusiast. He has been guiding and outfitting in the wilderness for over 30 years. When not guiding clients, Neil homesteads a small off-grid farm in the central Montana. He has extensively studied the use of traditional skills and hand tools. His hobbies include restoring and collecting historical tools used for farming, logging and, camping. He can also often be found in the canoe, on cross-country skis or on the dog sled.
Location
The wilderness of Montana is an unrivaled treasure, one of the largest tracts of public land in the country. Let Neil Eustance's knowledge and skills help you experience the unique, natural ecosystem protected from human technology and development.
Trips will begin at Indian Meadows Trailhead near Lincoln, MT. This is a remote community with some lodging, but is within easy driving distance from Helena, Great Falls, or Missoula International Airport.
Lincoln has very limited shopping opportunities - no big box stores. There are several restaurants, bars, a small hardware store, and a small grocery store, as are typical of Montana's small tourist areas. Any items required, like a sleeping bad, need to be rented or purchased in Missoula, Great Falls, or Helena.
Food
Regular and vegetarian meals will be provided.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
What's included
- Federally-permitted and state-licensed outfitter operating in the wilderness
- First-aid certified and insured guides with decades of experience
- Trained riding and pack horses, all saddles and equipment
- Trained guide
- Interpretive materials and lessons
- Sleeping tents, pack chairs, and foam sleeping pads
- 4 nights accommodation
- 3 meals a day, camp kitchen, and cooking equipment
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Shuttling to and from the trailhead
- Appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Missoula International Airport
113 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by car
The trailhead is located north of Highway 200, about 11 miles East of Lincoln. Turn north on Copper Creek Rd, follow the main gravel road left over the bridge, continue several miles to the sign for Indian Meadows trailhead on the right, then follow the one-lane gravel road uphill to the outfitter corral.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 10 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.