Elkhorn Basin is a quiet, out of the way, seldom visited wildland with tremendous wildlife populations and gentle landforms that are perfect for horseback exploration. It is located to the west of Yellowstone Park in the lower elevations of the Madison Range.

Elkhorn Basin contains some of the richest wildlife habitat to be found anywhere in the Yellowstone ecosystem. Golden eagles, great gray owls and sandhill cranes are frequently spotted. Countless species of western songbirds can be found here. Moose, buffalo, mule deer, and especially elk are abundant.

Elkhorn is a region rich in western history. Archeologists tell us Indian cultures occupied this area for over 9,000 years. Our guests often find tipi rings, arrowhead chippings and buffalo skulls while out exploring on dayrides. Miles of grassy parks attracted early-day stockmen here as well.  There are countless stories of cattle barons, colorful cowboys, horse-thieves and outlaws associated with the area.

Our pack trip begins at a trailhead on the Madison River and concludes thirty miles to the east at a trailhead near the Spanish Peaks.
We use a single camp mid way in our ride.

On layover days the trip emphasis is flexible. This is great horseback country...so short day rides which include wildlife watching and photography, are generally the central activity.
For those who would prefer a more leisurely day there is good hiking here with beautiful vistas only a short distance from camp.

For the horseback sojourner this ride on gentle mountain trails across the Madison Range offers awe inspiring scenery, the opportunity to see a large variety of native wildlife, and a relaxing visit to a land rich in western history.