Lewis & Clark Lolo Trail - 5 Day Guided Mountain Bike Trip

DAY 1

Listed as Outside Magazine’s Top 25 Trips of a Lifetime, this historic mountain bike trip begins in Missoula, Montana. We begin by shuttling west over Lolo Pass along the same route taken by Lewis and Clark in September of 1805. Just over the pass, at the Powell Ranger Station, we head north to the Lolo Trail. This is the place where the Corps of Discovery entered the most mountainous part of their trip. As they entered the gentle foothills, they hoped to cross quickly to the westward slope on their way to the Pacific. Yet their hopes were dashed as Clark wrote on September 15th, “From this mountain I could observe high rugged mountains in every direction as far as I could see.” This is where our trip begins. In the 1930’s the forest service constructed a single lane road along the ridge top which Lewis and Clark traversed through the Bitterroot Mountains. While the road is rarely technical, the riding is challenging, fast, and rolling. Don’t be fooled by the low mileage days, the cumulative climbs will result in a serious work out. Day one begins with a steady climb on a narrow ridge top and ends with a winding swoop down to our camp on Cayeuse Creek. TOTAL MILEAGE: 13 miles

DAY 2

Today, we will pass several historic camps used by the expedition on both their initial trip west in 1805 and their return trip east in 1806. Again we will be on the roller coaster ridge top, with each climb rewarded by a ripping descent. After passing the spot where the corps had a meal of “bear oil and roots,” we will continue on to a series of cairns called Indian Post Office. Long before Lewis and Clark appeared in the Bitterroots, the Nez Perce Tribe used this route to go from their homes in the west to the buffalo grounds in the east. It is thought that perhaps the Nez Perce used the cairns at Indian Post Office to leave messages for one another. Our camp tonight is near Horseshoe Lake, a great place for a swim. Tonight we’ll discuss the history of the Nez Perce and tell the story of Chief Joseph. TOTAL MILEAGE: 15 miles

DAY 3

This morning we will pack a lunch to carry with us as we will be leaving our support vehicle for a hike on the ancient trail tread called the Nee-me-Poo Trail. We begin with a morning ride before we load our bikes on the support truck and hike past the Sinque Hole Camp and toward the Indian Grave, finally arriving at our destination, the Smoking Place. On the return voyage of Lewis and Clark, even after having visited this place once, Lewis writes: “We were entirely surrounded by these mountains, from which, to one not unacquainted with them, it would have seemed impossible to ever have escaped.” After our hike we continue riding towards Spirit Revival Ridge, the place where the corps first glimpsed the plains to the west giving them hope that they would in fact be able to continue their trip to the Pacific. At tonight’s camp near Sherman Peak, we will discuss the many skills needed by the members of the expedition not only to survive but to achieve their goals of mapping and cataloguing all the lands, people and animals which they encountered. TOTAL MILEAGE: 17 miles riding, 2 miles hiking

DAY 4

By now, your climbing legs will be in top form and your descending technique will be polished. Before we can descend the nearly 3,000 feet to our camp in the cedars, we must climb over 3,000 feet to the top of Rocky Ridge. A refreshing swim in Rocky Ridge Lake awaits, and we’ll have lunch lakeside. Up until today most of the trail has been in a forest of Lodgepole pines. Today will we see alpine fir, Engelmann spruce, mountain hemlock, Douglas fir, western white pine, and western red cedar. The trees change as the ridge we are riding turns to the south. It is easy to imagine the amazement of the Corps of Discovery as they continued to experience the vast abundance of this beautiful country. At our enchanting camp in the cedars, we will examine the friendship between Lewis and Clark and their men, in addition to their relationships with the many indigenous people they met along their way. TOTAL MILEAGE: 30 miles

DAY 5

After a short spin from camp we will visit the Clark Tree, a giant white pine in the final stages of its life. At this point in the journey, Clark’s thoughts had turned to the next challenge. They had survived the passage through the mountains and now they must prepare for the journey down the Columbia River. To do this they would need boats, and it was here in this ancient grove of enormous trees that Clark took heart, for here were trees from which they could make canoes. At this point, we finish the trip with a lovely hike on the final portion of the trail, to our lunch spot at Lolo Campground, where we will meet our shuttle for the return to Missoula. TOTAL MILEAGE: 5-10 miles riding, 2.5 miles hiking

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.

A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE: ✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks ✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware ✓ 1 cycling water bottle ✓ camp chairs ✓ solar showers ✓ sunscreen & bug spray ✓ bike stand and lube ✓ guides bring their own tools ✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

• Bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
• Helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

• cycling shoes
• 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
• 3 - 5 cycling shirts
• long sleeve cycling shirt
• long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
• cycling socks
• windbreaker
• tights or leg warmers
• 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
• rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
• rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
• sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

• camp shorts
• shirts
• warm socks
• long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
• 2 pair warm long pants
• long sleeve fleece or sweater
• pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
• warm gloves and hat
• brimmed hat or visor
• bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
• hiking shoes
• sandals
• rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

• toiletries
• medication (daily and emergency)
• towel
• biodegradable soap
• wet-wipes
• flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
• sunglasses
• optional day bag
• stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag
• cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

• camera, extra batteries
• binoculars
• alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
• books or maps
• we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Driving

Missoula is located 155 miles from Great Falls, Montana and 200 miles east of Spokane, Washington on Interstate 90. Spokane, Washington is the next closest international airport. There is parking available at the bike shop where the trip meets.

Flying into Missoula Airport Code: MSO

Flying into Spokane, WA Airport Code: GEG Spokane is an international airport. You can rent a car in Spokane and park it at the bike shop where the trip meets. This is a 3-4 hour drive.

It is a good idea to book you rooms several months in advance if possible. Here are a few recommendations:

Holiday Inn Parkside 406-721-8550, 800-399-0408 They have an airport van shuttle.

Doubletree 406-728-3100, 800-222-8733 They have an airport van shuttle.

C’mon Inn Hotel & Suites 406-543-4600, 888-989-5569

South Gate Inn 406-251-2250, 866-608-5966

Sleep Inn 406-543-5883

We love biking and traveling as much as you do! For over 30 years, we’ve been in the business of bike guiding and we’ve honed every little detail to give you the highest quality bike trip on the market. We’ve cherry-picked the best mountain bike trails and road rides so you can immerse yourself in the stunning landscape of the American West. We go the extra mile to make sure you have the most fun on your bike!

At Western Spirit, our staff is the heart of our company. Our guides love what they do, and are dedicated to providing you with a memorable vacation. Each of them has received extensive training in backcountry travel, cooking, natural history, and first aid, not to mention their cycling and mechanical skills. They are committed to helping people experience the outdoors and have a wealth of knowledge to share. Their attention to every detail leaves you free to enjoy the riding.

It’s our philosophy that everyone in our busy world needs to get outside more. We know it’s tough to squeeze it all in, but with Western Spirit we’re here to make it as easy as possible. Our friendly office staff is just a call away to help you find the perfect trip for you. We believe in getting away from it all, spending rejuvenating time in nature, and most of all, having a lot of fun!

The trip price includes food and drinks for the trip, guides, support vehicle, campsites, permits, and any entry fees into national parks and public lands.

Not included are: rental fees (bikes and camping gear), alcoholic beverages, gratuities for your guides, and applicable sales tax. If you would like to bring alcoholic beverages we will store them for you at the appropriate temperature.

Your total tour cost will include your trip fee, appropriate rental fees and applicable sales tax

We provide water, coffee, teas, electrolyte drinks, and assorted soft drinks. We cannot provide alcohol. You are welcome to bring your favorite alcoholic beverages and our guides will store them at the appropriate temperature. We’ll keep the beer cold while you’re out riding!

Yes! From lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day, we’ve got healthy and delicious food to fuel your fun. Food is one thing we take pretty seriously and we get rave reviews from our guests.

Our guides are amazing backcountry chefs and will prepare all your meals. All snacks are included. We’re sponsored by Clif Bar, and provide you with plentiful bars, snacks and electrolyte drinks. If you have specific favorite riding snacks, however, please bring them with you.

Yes, no problem! We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, and we do it frequently. Our guides are masters at making sure everyone is satisfied. Please let us know when you fill out your forms so our guides can accommodate you and your needs. It is good to be specific (e.g., vegetarian but prefer tempeh over tofu) to help the guides with meal planning.

We wish we could tell you exactly, but Mother Nature is quite unpredictable as you may know. Our trips are designed with the best weather in mind, and follow the seasons—desert trips in spring and fall, and mountain trips in the summer. By sticking to our packing list that we’ve designed for you, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes our way (bringing rain gear almost assures it won’t rain, right?).

Most of our permits allow us to take 13 guests and 2 guides, although many trips are smaller than our maximum allowed. Our Maze permit in Canyonlands National Park is more limited with only 7 guests and 2 guides to maintain the remote wilderness experience.

For mountain bikes, we use the Specialized Stumpjumper ST 29ers. For road bikes, we use the Specialized Diverge E5 Elite. All our rental bikes come with flat pedals, a helmet, and one water bottle cage. We provide the water bottle and all the bike repair gear.

If you’re renting a bike from us, you do not need to show up early. Please meet at the scheduled time and we will fit you to your rented bike then.

All Western Spirit rental bikes come with flat pedals. If you have clipless pedals (e.g., SPD, Crank Brothers, etc.), you’re welcome to bring them along with your shoes. We swap out pedals all the time!

The packing list will tell you how to pack, since it depends on which trip you are on. Overall, we use a 3-bag system:

Camping gear and personal items for camp (gets packed away in the morning and is inaccessible throughout the day), Small daypack (stays in vehicle and is accessible throughout the day, e.g., extra layers, prescription medications, extra snacks, etc.), Hydration pack you wear (all things you readily need, right there on your back). We recommend a 2-liter hydration system (e.g., Camelbak) to carry the things needed during the day (water, snacks, lunch, rain gear, extra layer, sunscreen, camera, etc.), and to easily hydrate without stopping.

Nope! We provide spare tubes (for 26”, 27.5” and 29” wheels), lube, tool kits, and pumps.

Certainly! If you bring camping gear, please bring a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. We’ll provide everything else you need. Don’t worry about the camp chairs—we bring those too!

Please make sure all your gear is in excellent, working condition before you head out on your trip. If you’re bringing your own bike, please make sure it has been tuned up and is in excellent riding condition before the trip.

Yes! We rent tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads. Sleeping bags are thoroughly washed between trips. The following prices are for the whole trip:

2-person tent – $40 Sleeping bag – $35 Sleeping pad – $15 Total $90

We offer solar showers which are a nice way to rinse off and refresh yourself, but it is not enough water to take a full-fledge shower. The showers are not private, so please bring a swimsuit and your own towel. Showers are dependent on water resources, which may be restricted if it’s a hot desert trip. Some campsites have streams and lakes available for swimming. We also recommend wet-wipes to refresh after a fun day on the bike.

It’s not a glamorous topic, and we know this can be a subject of concern and embarrassment for some. We make it as easy and sanitary as possible! If we’re camping in designated campsites, we use the pit toilets available in the campgrounds. If we’re camping in the backcountry, we obey by the pack-it-in-pack-it-out rule. We set up a portable toilet lovingly called “the groover,” and put it in a private location with a stunning view. We provide a hand wash system for clean up.

Please join us! We get solo travelers all the time and going on a bike trip is a great way to meet like-minded people. Many of our guests end up as lifelong friends after a Western Spirit trip.