Whether you’re looking to escape into the woods by yourself, or plan a family reunion, Montana’s Whitefish makes the perfect setting for a retreat. Perfect for those who are new to backpacking, this 3-day backpacking adventure will lead us through unspoiled wilderness, to Doris Peak and Jenny Lake. Following a day of hiking, if you’re feeling up to it, your guides will offer stretching, meditation, and journaling every day. Or maybe you’d rather swim in the lake and then warm up next to a campfire—the choice is all yours. With all meals included (and all equipment rentals available as well) and plenty of optional activities to try out, think of this trip as a quick getaway from your everyday life!
Retreat to Montana’s stunning mountains on this backpacking trip in Whitefish, Montana! Over the course of three days, you’ll be immersed in the alpine wilderness around Doris Lake and Doris Peak. If you’re feeling up to it, your guides will offer stretching, meditation, and journaling time every day. Think of these trips as a mindfulness retreat to Montana’s pristine wilderness—and as a chance to reconnect with yourself, to sip on tea by a cozy campfire, and to dip in stunning alpine lakes!
Meet your guides at the designated location in Whitefish, Montana, where they’ll walk you through gear checks, food planning, and how to properly pack your backpack. Then, we’ll drive to the trailhead and begin our journey into the conifer-covered mountains. Along the way, you’ll learn backpacking basics—everything from gear usage and camp setup to navigation techniques.
Once we reach our campsite near Doris Peak, we’ll set up our home for the weekend. We’ll have the afternoon free to relax by the lake, get to know our trail companions, or join an optional day hike to summit Doris Peak (3 miles round-trip with 1,000 ft of elevation gain—without your pack!). Cool off with a refreshing swim in the alpine lake or join your guides for optional stretching, journaling, and meditation. After dinner, we’ll wind down by the fire and tuck into our tents—solo or with a tent buddy.
Hiking: 5 miles (8 km) — 2.5 miles to camp, optional 3-mile hike to the peak and back
Elevation gain: +1,660 ft (506 m)
Meals: Lunch, snacks, dinner
Greet the day with your morning coffee and optional stretching session before breakfast. Since this is a basecamp-style trip, we’ll be staying at the same site all weekend—an easier setup for those new to backpacking.
Today’s main activity is a scenic 8-mile round-trip day hike to Jenny Lake. Guides will help us prep our lighter daypacks for the journey. If our group didn’t summit Doris Peak on Day 1, that shorter 3-mile round-trip hike is another option. Want to take it easy? Feel free to relax at the lake, journal, nap, or go on a gentler guided hike nearby. Depending on interest, we can split to accommodate different goals. Later in the afternoon, we’ll regroup at camp for optional stretching, journaling, and quiet time in nature.
Hiking: 3-8 miles (5-13 km)
Elevation gain: Up to 2,270 ft (690 m)
Max elevation: 7,222 ft (2,200 m)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner
Savor your last morning in the alpine with coffee, optional movement, and maybe a final lake dip. We’ll pack up camp at a relaxed pace. If weather or prior changes kept us from summiting Doris Peak and our group is eager, this could be our chance to do it before heading out.
We’ll hike the familiar 2.5 miles back to the van, where cold drinks and salty snacks await our return. Guides will then shuttle us back to the original meetup spot in Whitefish, where our cars or rides will be waiting.
Hiking: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks
This itinerary is flexible and will be adapted based on group pace and ability. Please note that weather conditions and fire bans may impact the route or limit campfires. In the backcountry, adaptability is key—your guides are trained to make the safest and most rewarding decisions for the group.
One of the best trips I’ve ever been on! I felt so safe even in the middle of nowhere on my first backpacking trip. The guides were helpful, supportive, and a ton of fun! Would love to go again if I get the chance!
What an amazing trip! As first-time backpackers, this was the perfect opportunity to grow, explore, and feel comfortable. Sally and Madison’s invaluable knowledge made all the difference. This trip provided hands-on information on safety, practical skills, and a space to connect with like-minded women from all over the world.
We left feeling confident and unstoppable, but best of all, we made lifelong friends. Not only are Madison and Sally skilled wilderness guides, but they are also incredible human beings. This was the trip of a lifetime, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Included:
Not included:
No prior multi-day hiking/camping experience is required for backpacking in Whitefish, Montana, but you do need to have a good fitness level. Check out the itinerary for detailed day-to-day distances and elevation gains, but in general, if you can hike for a maximum of 13 km (8 miles) per day and overcome up to 730 m (2,400 ft) of elevation gain a day, you’re good to go!
Your guides will accommodate less fit hikers with more frequent breaks, and you can always choose to spend more time at the camp
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
The sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, hiking poles, backpack, and cooking system can be provided by your guides. If you need hiking and camping gear, make sure to notify your guides in advance. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
All food, snacks, coffee, and tea are included in this backpacking trip! All cooking gear as well as bowls, sporks, and anything you might need—that’s all included as well.
Most food allergies and special diets can be accommodated, but please let us know in time.
Group sizes and pricing
Backpacking in Whitefish, Montana can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
To get to Whitefish, MT, most people fly into Glacier Park International Airport only 15 minutes away from Whitefish. The airport has daily direct flights from most major cities in the US. From there, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service to Whitefish.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, which will usually be at Whitefish Depot Park. Once you reach the meeting location, you will distribute gear and go over the game plan.
Your meeting location will have safe (and free) parking and a safe place to store your car keys while you are in the backcountry. Meeting time on Friday morning departure date will most likely be around 9 am. Return to your meeting location will depend on the hiking pace of the group but will be no later than 3-4 pm.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 50% deposit.
The remaining 50% of the trip price is to be paid 120 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
