{"id":53978,"global_id":"americanhiking.org?id=53978","global_id_lineage":["americanhiking.org?id=53978"],"author":"50","status":"publish","date":"2025-12-12 16:59:23","date_utc":"2025-12-12 21:59:23","modified":"2025-12-22 16:04:48","modified_utc":"2025-12-22 21:04:48","url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/volunteer-vacation-trip\/iconic-high-country-peaks-and-rivers-in-the-yellowstone-gateway-mt\/","rest_url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-json\/tribe\/events\/v1\/events\/53978","title":"Iconic High Country Peaks and Rivers in the Yellowstone Gateway, MT","description":"

Take in the iconic peaks that tower over the headwaters of the spectacular Clark’s Fork River in Cooke City, MT. Known as the \u201cLake District\u201d of the Beartooths, with some of the largest lakes in the range scattered across the landscape. Basecamp will be at the historic U.S. Forest Service Ranger Station Cabin, near the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park which provides comfortable amenities at a heart-pumping elevation of 7,900 feet.<\/p>\n

Volunteers will hike (aka “cut and run”) up to 10 miles a day on various area trails with crosscut, hand saws, shovels, pulaskis and loppers with the goal of clearing as many trees and water bars as possible. Volunteers will learn how to identify and protect the threatened species white bark pine (Pinus albicaulis). Trails can include the famous \u201cBeaten Path\u201d \u2014one of the most scenic routes in the Northern Rockies\u2014and the Lady of the Lake Trail, gateway to Granite Peak, Montana\u2019s highest summit. Depending on conditions and work encountered, we will clear popular trails that link high alpine lakes and major drainages.<\/p>\n

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation!\u00a0<\/b>Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it\u2019s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions\u00a0here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Avg. Temperature:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of roughly 65\u201370\u00b0F and lows of 35\u201340\u00b0F. Early September in the Absaroka\u2013Beartooth region is cool at elevation with brisk nights and a chance of showers or early high-country snow.<\/p>\n

Sample Schedule: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 1: Arrival<\/p>\n

Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time\/place TBD)<\/p>\n

Day 2: Work Day<\/p>\n

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM<\/p>\n

Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.<\/p>\n

Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.<\/p>\n

Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.<\/p>\n

After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of\u00a0 time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.<\/p>\n

Day 3: Work Day<\/p>\n

Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)<\/p>\n

Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike,\u00a0 tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.<\/p>\n

Day 5: Work Day<\/p>\n

Day 6: Work Day<\/p>\n

Day 7: Departure<\/p>\n

Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.<\/p>\n

Land Acknowledgment:<\/strong><\/p>\n

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Salish, Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, Ts\u00e9stho\u2019e (Cheyenne), O\u010dh\u00e9thi \u0160ak\u00f3wi\u014b, and Aps\u00e1alooke (Crow) people past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.<\/p>","excerpt":"","slug":"iconic-high-country-peaks-and-rivers-in-the-yellowstone-gateway-mt","image":{"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/trails-in-wet-areas-need-constant-upgrading-rotated.jpg","id":54210,"extension":"jpg","width":1920,"height":2560,"filesize":1328391,"sizes":{"medium":{"width":550,"height":733,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":99076,"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/trails-in-wet-areas-need-constant-upgrading-550x733.jpg"},"large":{"width":800,"height":1067,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":209981,"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/trails-in-wet-areas-need-constant-upgrading-800x1067.jpg"},"thumbnail":{"width":300,"height":300,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":22843,"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/trails-in-wet-areas-need-constant-upgrading-300x300.jpg"},"1536x1536":{"width":1152,"height":1536,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":429362,"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/trails-in-wet-areas-need-constant-upgrading-1152x1536.jpg"},"2048x2048":{"width":1536,"height":2048,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":733069,"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/trails-in-wet-areas-need-constant-upgrading-1536x2048.jpg"},"rta_thumb_no_cropped_1920x9999":{"width":1920,"height":2560,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":1083523,"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/trails-in-wet-areas-need-constant-upgrading-1920x2560.jpg"}},"original_image":"trails-in-wet-areas-need-constant-upgrading.jpg"},"all_day":true,"start_date":"2026-06-21 00:00:00","start_date_details":{"year":"2026","month":"06","day":"21","hour":"00","minutes":"00","seconds":"00"},"end_date":"2026-06-27 23:59:59","end_date_details":{"year":"2026","month":"06","day":"27","hour":"23","minutes":"59","seconds":"59"},"utc_start_date":"2026-06-21 04:00:00","utc_start_date_details":{"year":"2026","month":"06","day":"21","hour":"04","minutes":"00","seconds":"00"},"utc_end_date":"2026-06-28 03:59:59","utc_end_date_details":{"year":"2026","month":"06","day":"28","hour":"03","minutes":"59","seconds":"59"},"timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_abbr":"EDT","cost":"","cost_details":{"currency_symbol":"","currency_code":"","currency_position":"","values":[]},"website":"","show_map":true,"show_map_link":true,"hide_from_listings":false,"sticky":false,"featured":false,"categories":[],"tags":[],"venue":{"id":38419,"author":"22","status":"publish","date":"2018-11-16 13:09:01","date_utc":"2018-11-16 18:09:01","modified":"2025-12-12 16:59:15","modified_utc":"2025-12-12 21:59:15","url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/location\/absaroka-beartooth-wilderness\/","venue":"Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness","slug":"absaroka-beartooth-wilderness","address":"620 US-212","city":"Cooke City","country":"United States","province":"Montana","state":"MT","zip":"59020","stateprovince":"MT","json_ld":{"@type":"Place","name":"Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness","description":"","url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/location\/absaroka-beartooth-wilderness\/","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"620 US-212","addressLocality":"Cooke City","addressRegion":"MT","postalCode":"59020","addressCountry":"United States"},"telephone":"","sameAs":""},"show_map":true,"show_map_link":true,"global_id":"americanhiking.org?id=38419","global_id_lineage":["americanhiking.org?id=38419"]},"organizer":[{"id":33180,"author":"22","status":"publish","date":"2017-12-05 11:03:09","date_utc":"2017-12-05 16:03:09","modified":"2019-12-11 13:45:34","modified_utc":"2019-12-11 18:45:34","url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/host\/absaroka-beartooth-wilderness-foundation\/","organizer":"Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Foundation","slug":"absaroka-beartooth-wilderness-foundation","json_ld":{"@type":"Person","name":"Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Foundation","description":"","url":"","telephone":"","email":"","sameAs":""},"global_id":"americanhiking.org?id=33180","global_id_lineage":["americanhiking.org?id=33180"]}],"custom_fields":{"_ecp_custom_3":{"label":"Project Rating","value":"Strenuous"},"_ecp_custom_4":{"label":"Trip Accommodations","value":"Car Camping Tent Sites"},"_ecp_custom_5":{"label":"Accommodations Description","value":"Volunteers will stay at camping tent sites with access to an indoor kitchen. Bring bug spray for mosquitos and flies.\r\n\r\nVolunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; towels; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils."},"_ecp_custom_6":{"label":"Area and Attractions","value":"Mid-week, volunteers will have a chance to take a well-deserved break to explore the surrounding area. Cooke City sits just minutes from the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, offering endless options for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, and visiting scenic overlooks. While the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation is not licensed to lead guided trips inside the park, we will provide maps, information, and suggestions for self-guided outings.\r\n\r\nFor those without personal vehicles, ABWF can provide transportation using our organization vehicles to nearby destinations such as the Cooke City Visitor Center, the Beartooth Highway, or local trailheads and lake basins. Volunteers with their own vehicles are free to explore on their own, and many choose to extend their stay before or after the project to visit Yellowstone or the Beartooth Plateau more extensively.\r\n\r\nThis flexible day off gives participants a chance to rest, experience more of the region, and appreciate the landscape they've helped to care for during the week."},"_ecp_custom_9":{"label":"Minimum Age","value":"16"},"_ecp_custom_10":{"label":"Maximum Group Size","value":"6"},"_ecp_custom_11":{"label":"Travel Details","value":"Billings-Logan International Airport, Billings, MT is the closest airport. Airport pickup is available. Scheduled pickup is at 11:30am on June 21. Scheduled drop-off is at 12pm on June 27."},"_ecp_custom_23":{"label":"Project Access","value":"Volunteers should plan to hike and clear 5-10 miles of trail per day, most often to an alpine lake popular for fishing. The trails are classic Wilderness trails that are rocky and will be muddy and maybe swampy. Elevation gains are generally less than 1,000 feet elevation gain in a day but could be up to 1,500 feet gain. Elevation starts at 7,900 ft. "},"_ecp_custom_32":{"label":"Hike Type","value":"Day Hiking"},"_ecp_custom_33":{"label":"Registration URL","value":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/civicrm\/event\/register\/?id=369&reset=1"},"_ecp_custom_34":{"label":"Trip Length","value":"Full (week long)"},"_ecp_custom_37":{"label":"Volunteer Age","value":"Family Friendly"}},"json_ld":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Event","name":"Iconic High Country Peaks and Rivers in the Yellowstone Gateway, MT","description":"<p>Take in the iconic peaks that tower over the headwaters of the spectacular Clark\\'s Fork River in Cooke City, MT. 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