Montana Backpacking Retreat

West Yellowstone, MT, USA

BY
Backcountry Yoga
  • Email address verified
21 reviews
Aug 1 - 8, 2021
Group size: 6 - 10
Montana Backpacking Retreat
West Yellowstone, MT, USA

Backcountry Yoga
  • Email address verified
21 reviews

Aug 1 - 8, 2021
Group size: 6 - 10

About this trip

Come alive with Backcountry Yoga as we explore the North West tip of Yellowstone National Park and Bozeman Montana!


On this 8 Day adventure we’ll spend 5 days & 4 nights sleeping under the stars, moving campsite to campsite, learning backcountry cooking, and so much more!

Once off trail we'll enjoy 2 days and 2 nights at the Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa where you'll have access to comfortable beds, showers, amenities and an opportunity to reflect on our time out in the wild. 



Itinerary

August 1: Arrive in Bozeman, Montana  

Fly into Bozeman Airport.
We will meet and stay at La Quinta in Belgrade for the night, meet our  Breakwater Expedition Guides and prepare for our 5 day, 4 night backpacking adventure. (Meals covered: D)  

August 2-August 6: Backpacking  

Begin 5 days of hiking & camping in Yellowstone National Park. Please be prepared to carry up to 40  pounds of weight on your back during this time. We will be in the backcountry, thus electricity and  plumbing will not be accessible. (Meals covered 5-B,L,D)

August 6: Off the trail and head to Chico Hot Springs  

After we come off the trail, we will drive to our lodging at Chico Hot Springs for our long awaited  showers, hot spring soak and relaxation. Dinner is on your own for this evening. (Meals covered B,L)

August 7: Whitewater Rafting  

On this day we will enjoy one of the many summer time activities that Montana has to offer by heading  out and experiencing the scenic Yellowstone River and whitewater rafting. The afternoon is intended for  a little rest and relaxation and exploring the town. Meals are on your own during this day. Chico Hot  Spring does have a wonderful restaurant and there is a small cafe as well. (No Meals)

August 8: Fly out of Bozeman Airport


 **If you wish to extend your stay let us know! This part of  Montana gets very busy during the summer and you will want to make accommodation  reservations asap!**  


Backpacking Details & Expectations

There is nothing better than exploring a National Park away from the bustling crowds of people, (especially in the times of covid)  

Backpacking in Yellowstone is a way to do just that. We'll see some of the iconic features, but quickly escape into the serene silence of wildflowers, bison and sweeping mountain views.

Location:
Northwest Yellowstone (Montana)
Approximate Backpacking Distance: TBD

Approximate miles/day: TBD

Elevation Starting Point: Yellowstone sits at about 8,000 feet above sea level

Elevation Gain: TBD

Elevation Loss: TBD
Trail Names ( these are subject to change):  TBD

This will be a true backpacking experience that will test your physical and mental limits. We will not have access to front country amenities like running water, bathrooms, showers, electricity, or cell phone service.

In your pack you will carry your personal gear and a portion of group gear based on your physical size. The weight of your backpack could reach up to 40lbs depending on what you pack.


We will camp in groups of 2 sharing tents and collaboratively cooking backcountry meals. (You are welcome to request a solo tent)

To join this retreat you will need to be in peak physical condition without any underlying injuries. To learn more on how to condition your body for backpacking see our "physical training" tab

When Nature Calls in the Backcountry

Incase you are still wondering... YES you will have to go to the bathroom outside (:-P)  If this will be your first time digging a cat hole, please don't let it stress you out. Going #2 outside with a view is one of the more liberating human experiences you'll have in your life.

Take a moment to watch this video to learn everything you need to know about having a pleasant and proper backcountry poop:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaOKKzpCjgA

Yoga Details

Yoga is all levels!

We also encourage you to consider the full picture of what yoga truly is.


"Yoga is a discipline to improve or develop one's inherent power in a balanced manner. It offers the means to attain complete self-realization." (The Ministry of AYUSH) In this framework our entire week is in fact a practice of yoga. From the moment we meet one another and set intentions, to the the first steps on the trail we are practicing yoga.  

This means, that while we offer the asana (the posture practice of yoga) throughout the week, everything is subject to weather and trail conditions.

We appreciate your willingness to leave all expectations at the door and give into the flow of our adventure!

Physical Training

We highly recommend that you start training now!

When hiking at elevation, your body is working a little harder to get the oxygen it needs, being in peak physical shape gives your body one less thing to have to compensate for.

Exercises we recommend:

-Ability to run 3 miles in 30 minutes, or run at a consistent pace for 60+ minutes

-Include hills in your running route

-Include sprints in your flat land running

-Hiking uphill ( you can run all you want on flat land, but it won't prepare your muscles for going up hill) If you're training inside try putting a treadmill on its maximum incline or use a stair-master.

-Weighted squats & Lunges ( Try loading up a backpack at home!)

-Step downs to strengthen muscles for descending

-High Intensity Interval training ( Increase your cardiovascular strength)

-Yoga for building mobility and balance

- Get used to wearing a heavy backpack ( Make sure you buckle it at your hips to take pressure off your shoulders)

FAQ

Dates: August 1 -August 8, 2021  

Cost Includes: 3 Nights lodging, ground transport, expedition expenses, and  food while on expedition.  

Guides: Backcountry Yoga’s qualified guides will provide a safe, fun, and  meaningful adventure.  

Climate: July/August temperatures in Yellowstone range from 50’s to 70’s.  

Clothing: See Packing List.( Sent upon registration)

Gear: Any additional gear needed for the trip will be provided. 

Cuisine: Healthy fresh food, vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, and dried meats.  

Refunds

Your $499 deposit is nonrefundable.

Cancellations outside of 90 days will be given a 75% refund minus your nonrefundable $499 deposit

Cancellations inside 90 days and outside 60 days will be given 50% refund minus your nonrefundable $499 deposit

Cancellations inside 60 days are nonrefundable
.

What’s included

  • Lodging
    1 night @ La Quinta in Belgrade & 2 nights @ Chico Hot Springs Resort
  • Expedition Food
    All meals while backpacking
  • Trail Transportation
    Transportation to and from the trail is covered
  • Guided Backpacking
    Provided by Backcountry Yoga & Breakwater Expeditions
  • Guided Yoga & Meditation
    Provided by Laura Loewy
  • Whitewater Rafting
    On the Yellowstone River
  • Gear
    90 liter backpack, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, head bug net, head lamp

What’s not included

  • Flights
    We do not include flights
  • Airport Transportation
    Tranport to and from airport
  • Front Country Meals
    Meals before and after expedition
  • In town extras
    You are responsible for all extra food and shopping items in town.
  • Personal Layers
    You are responsible for bringing all layers needed to safely enjoy the elements of the backcountry

Available Packages

Trip Price
$2,499
Deposit: $499

Available options

Your Organizer


BY
Backcountry Yoga
21 reviews
Joined in March 2017
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Reviews

This was an AWESOME trip. Our SOLO trainer, Kelsey, was amazing - her knowledge was sky-high, and the live-action clinical labs cemented what we had learned during class time. There was plenty of movement to the class - seriously one of the best training's I've ever taken. Backcountry Yoga's incorporation of body movement and community in the event enhanced it so much - I was able to retain more, center more, and really engage with the information presented. Laura is an outstanding instructor, and ran a tight, well-oiled, organized trip while paying attention to the emotional and spiritual needs of participants. The lodging was in a beautiful setting, and the kitchen, bathroom and bunk rooms were super clean, welcoming, and accessible. While I didn't participate in the meal plan, I wish that I had! Options were home made, organic, and accommodated all kinds of allergy needs. I cant wait for Laura's next excursion. I left this retreat feeling centered, informed, and so much better prepared for adventures in the mountains. I cant recommend this retreat enough to others who are looking to enhance their knowledge of the back country, and connect more - with yourself, other participants, and nature.
By Kate C for Wilderness First Aid Retreat on Jun 11, 2019
We were very pleased with our resort accommodations and staff there were very helpful and friendly. The weather wasn't cooperating with our ski plans, but we made the best of it and were still able to ski the next day. We loved the participation in the yoga classes and thought it was the perfect amount of time and practice. We would definitely go on another Skiing Yoga Backcountry adventure again.
By Susan H for Stowe Vermont Yoga & Ski Retreat on Feb 19, 2019
LE
Had a great time! Laura varied the yoga classes with poses, music and flow. The timing of the events, along with free time to enjoy activities at the resort was well planned! I enjoyed meeting the other attendees and would definitely go back.
By Lisa E for Stowe Vermont Yoga & Ski Retreat on Feb 13, 2019
Grounding, Inspirational, filled with community & so easy to be apart of no matter where you came from.
By Erika H for Level 1 Backcountry Yoga Teacher Training on Oct 23, 2018
This trip was exactly what I hoped it would be. THANKS to all of the work and the accommodations were awesome i hope to be able to take this trip again !!!!
By Larry G for Root to Rise: Yoga & Rock Climbing Retreat on Oct 18, 2018
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References

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Backcountry Yoga provides an exceptional experience its clientele and I can attest that it is because of the hard work, research, and attention to detail that goes on behind the scenes, months in advance. We have coordinated travel and events with Laura and Backcountry yoga several times over the last several years. Laura takes a creative and passionate approach to planning, and is very detail oriented, making sure that her experiences are thoroughly planned and organized, and also making sure that all of her guests know exactly what to expect.
By on 03 Mar, 2020
AS
I loved the Backcountry Yoga 20 hr Outdoor Yoga Guide training so much. It was so good for my soul. Laura is a natural teacher who exudes so much wisdom from her personal experience and studies of yoga, nature, and science. I found this training to be a perfect balance of education, safety, creativity, nature, and spiritual teachings. It was such a gift to spend the weekend with Laura and the other yoga teachers in the group. I would highly recommend that anyone interested in bringing a group into nature for a yoga class or yoga hike attend this training,.
By Amy S on 18 Jun, 2018