Escape to Montana’s stunning mountains on this all-women’s backpacking trip—perfect for anyone ready for a rewarding challenge. While this is a bit more difficult than the beginner option, this is still open to first-time backpackers and those wanting to spend the night in the wilderness! In just four days, we’ll explore Upper Holland, Sapphire, and Necklace Lakes, surrounded by stunning alpine beauty. If you’re feeling up to it, your guides will offer stretching, meditation, and journaling time every day. As you’ll have all meals included and plenty of optional activities to try out, you can relax and look at this trip as a quick getaway from your everyday life!

Meet your guides at the meetup location in Whitefish, Montana, where we’ll go over gear, food, and how to properly pack your backpack. From there, we’ll drive to the Holland Lake trailhead and begin our hike through thick forest, waterfalls, and open views as you climb steadily toward your camp near Upper Holland Lake.

Along the way, we’ll learn backpacking basics—from gear use and navigation to how to set up camp. Once at our lake-side site (what we call the honeymoon spot), we’ll unwind with a dip in the alpine water, lounge in the sun, or connect with your hiking companions. Your guides offer optional guided stretching, journaling, and meditation to help you settle into your new mountain rhythm. After a hearty dinner and a (fire-ban-permitting) cozy fire, we’ll drift off under the stars—either solo or with your tent buddy.

Hiking: 6.3 miles (10.1 km)
Elevation gain: +2,339 ft (713 m)
Meals: Lunch, snacks, dinner

Wake up to mountain air, coffee & tea, and a gentle morning stretch with your group. After breakfast, we’ll pack light daypacks for a beautiful loop to Sapphire and Necklace Lakes—tucked even deeper in the mountains. First, we’ll hike 2 miles (1,000 ft gain) to the striking blue Sapphire Lakes. After a snack or a swim, we’ll continue 2.5 miles (661 ft gain) to the Necklace Lakes—known for its peaceful alpine meadows and chain of clear glacial lakes. Take a long break, soak your feet (or more!), and enjoy the peace and serenity. 

This day hike totals 9 miles round-trip with approximately 1,661 ft of elevation gain. After our adventure, we’ll return to basecamp for dinner, fire (if allowed), and another chance to unwind with stretching, conversation, or lakeside relaxation.

Hiking: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Elevation gain: +1,661 ft (506 m)
Max elevation: ~7,500 ft (2,286 m)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner

Enjoy your final morning with coffee by the lake and a quiet moment to soak it all in. Take a refreshing swim if you’d like before packing up camp at a relaxed pace. Then, we’ll hike the familiar 6.5 miles back down to the trailhead. Once at the van, cold drinks and salty snacks await! Guides will shuttle us back to the meetup point in Whitefish, where our cars or rides will be waiting.

Hiking: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks