Beartooths or Bob?

Curt –

Both are great backpacking venues. Both allow camping anywhere. I don’t consider the Bob brushy, and it’s so big that you can definitely find solitude in a gorgeous area – though there are some places (especially mainline trails) with many stock parties. Beartooths are similar; many routes get heavy traffic but on others you’ll be lonesome. Wildlife comparable in both, fishing much better in the Beartooths. Consider the Lake Plateau for great scenery, great fishing, many campsites, and plenty of room to explore. Also consider some of the more remote routes in the Absarokas such as Silver Lake or (if you’re in good shape) Speculator Pass.

Richard

Thanks for the reply, Richard! I definitely value your opinion and you’re advice in the past has been spot on. Plus, I was hoping you’d chime in on the fishing :)

I think for now I’ll focus the planning on the Beartooths. Looks like some great opportunity for off-trail and cross country travel!

I consider the two pretty different.  The Beartooths are granite, much higher in base elevation, and have tons of lakes and tundra.  The Bob is more varied.  The western side is more PacNWish, with big v-shaped erosion cut drainages, thick vegetation, and high peaks.  The eastern side has some big open sage valleys, lots of jagged limestone ridges and peaks, and the forests are a bit drier and sparse.  The fishing in the Beartooths is probably “better” but that’s pretty much all in lakes stocked with non-native species, which in my book knocks the quality back quite a bit.

The Beartooths will give you big views more often, and the XC tundra walking at 10k is unreal.  If you go first week of September you could get slapped with snow, but that’s not very likely.

The Bob will give you a more varied route; easy to do a huge 10 day loop with massive variety.  Throw me a mileage figure and some idea about what things you’d prioritze and I’ll give you a route idea.

Thank you, Dave! We’d definitely prioritize the fishing, big views and the “unreal XC tundra walking”. We value soaking in the experience more than covering huge miles. With travel and likely a trailhead camp on either end we’re probably talking 7 full trail days at our disposal. 10-12 miles a day is pretty reasonable unless the terrain is brutal. Ideally there’d be a couple “zero” days at premium locales that might have multiple lakes in the area or summit to tag. Given that, maybe 50-60 miles?? Could we get a good taste of the place in that range?

On another note – did I see that you’re shooting some trad gear now? I have some pristine cedar arrows I’m not going to shoot that I’m happy to send your way as a thanks. I can send the specs if you’re interested.

With those priorities I’d steer you towards the eastern side of the Lake Plateau.  A majorily XC loop north from the Beartooth Highway, getting you up towards the hydrologic divide, Albino Lake, Silver, Tarn, etc.  Very unique terrain and easy to do longer or shorter days.  Only downside would be the altitude and as mentioned small chance of getting slapped by the weather.

In the Bob I really try to steer people towards point to point routes, even though the driving is a pain.  50-60 miles ends up being a bit short for some of the ideal options.  Lion Creek-Little Salmon-South Fork-White River-White River pass-W Fork Sun-Gibson Reservoir would be my first pick.  You get old growth Cedar Forest, two alpine passes, and some ridiculous Cutthroat fishing.

Sending a PM re my new longbow habit.

I agree you can’t go wrong with either.  Your fishing opportunities are going to be mostly lakes in the A-BT, you get some really good stream fishing (and lake fishing too) in the Bob complex.  There are some trophy golden trout lakes in the A-BT (along with rainbows, cutthroats and cutbows), the Bob has some quality native cutthroat and bull trout opportunities.

First week in September is perfect for either; you definitely want to be in before September 15 when the backcountry seasons open for both- it can get just a little western that opening week :)

Mike

Thanks, MIke. That’s helpful – especially about the fishing. We’ll start with a week or so remaining in August and just go to Labor Day. I like to get back home as soon as possible in September because our archery season starts 9/1 :)