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the wilderness is calling.

what happens on the trail

MONTANA'S BACKCOUNTRY DOESN'T CARE ABOUT YOUR EXCUSES. STEEP TERRAIN, HEAVY PACKS, AND WEATHER THAT CHANGES WITHOUT WARNING. THAT'S THE POINT.

FOUR DAYS. YOU CARRY YOUR WEIGHT. YOU COVER MILES. YOU SLEEP OUTSIDE. THE PIG EGG GOES WHERE YOU GO — 75 POUNDS OF DOG TAGS ON EVERY STEP OF EVERY TRAIL.

EVERY CAMP IS SET UP AND BROKEN DOWN AS A TEAM. EVERY MEAL IS COOKED AND EATEN TOGETHER. THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE. THERE IS NO ESCAPE FROM THE PRESENT MOMENT. THAT IS THE POINT.

2026 schedule

Group of hikers walking in a line through a grassy field with mountains and trees in the background, dressed in outdoor gear with backpacks and trekking poles.

vltat 27-3

august

Group of people hiking through tall grass at dusk, carrying backpacks and gear.

vltat 27-4

September

spouse

THE WEIGHT YOU CARRY DOESN'T STAY ON THE TRAIL

Most programs want to talk about what's wrong.

We want to show you what's still possible.

WHAT GEAR DO WE BRING?

CHRIS WHITLEY EXPLAINS WHAT GEAR WE BRING INTO A HIKE TRIP.

FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE MISSION.

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