Active Pursuits

Information on Public Lands

Much of the fun to be had in the Northern Rockies takes place out of doors. Throughout this book, you'll find contact information for national and state parks, national forests, and the like. Here are some key statewide and regional resources. The U.S. Forest Service has information about national forests and wilderness areas in Montana, as well as Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming, at the Northern Region Office, Federal Building, 200 E. Broadway, Box 7669, Missoula, MT 59807 (tel. 406/329-3511; www.fs.fed.us/r1). The rest of Wyoming's forests, as well as Thunder Basin National Grassland, are covered by the Rocky Mountain Region Office, P.O. Box 25127, Lakewood, CO 80225 (tel. 303/275-5350; www.fs.fed.us/r2).

The federal Bureau of Land Management also manages millions of acres of recreational lands and can be reached at its Wyoming state office, 5353 Yellowstone Rd., Cheyenne, WY 82009 (tel. 307/775-6256), or its Montana state office, 5001 Southgate Dr., Billings, MT 59101 (tel. 406/896-5000).

For information on Montana state parks, fishing, and hunting, get in touch with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, 1420 E. 6th Ave., P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620 (tel. 406/444-2535; http://fwp.state.mt.us). This organization also offers a 900-number information line (tel. 900/225-5397) on a wide variety of recreational topics for $1.50 per minute. In Wyoming, contact Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites, 2301 Central Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001 (tel. 307/777-6303; http://wyoparks.state.wy.us). For hunting and fishing, contact Wyoming Game and Fish, 5400 Bishop, Cheyenne, WY 82003 (tel. 307/777-4600; http://gf.state.wy.us).

Choosing an Outfitter

If you're just getting started as an outdoor adventurer, it might be wise to hire an outfitter to train and guide you in the ways of the wild. Even if you're experienced, you might prefer to pay someone else to handle the logistics of food, shelter, and planning, so you can just enjoy yourself.

When considering an outfitter, think about things like group size, activity level, and guide expertise. Do you mind sleeping in a tent every night? Do you want to travel with a small group or be part of a larger one? With strangers, or friends? Is your fitness level appropriate to the type of trip you want to take? Honestly evaluate your own limitations, your health, your outdoor experience, and your travel comfort zone.

Make sure that the company is up-to-date with government permits and insurance. Find out how well the company knows the area where you're going, and ask for references from people they've taken on similar trips. Inquire about your guide's background and experience. Get a firm price, including extras like airport transfers, meals, or equipment rentals.

Though this book discusses regional outfitters, you can also find an outfitter through The Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, 2033 11th Ave., #8, Helena, MT 59601 (tel. 406/449-3578; www.moga-montana.org), and the Wyoming Outfitters and Guide Association, P.O. Box 2650, Casper, WY 82602 (tel. 307/265-2376; www.wyoga.org).

Among reputable national and international companies that offer outdoor adventure trips in this region, including multi-activity excursions: Austin-Lehman Adventures (tel. 800/575-1540; www.austinlehman.com); Backroads (tel. 800/462-2848; www.backroads.com); GORPtravel (tel. 877/440-4677; www.gorptravel.com); Moguls Mountain Travel (tel. 888/604-5848; www.moguls.com); and The World Outdoors (tel. 800/488-8483; www.theworldoutdoors.org).

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Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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				Frommer's Montana & Wyoming, 7th Edition Author: Eric Peterson Pub Date: May 27, 2008 Price: $19.99				Related Titles: Arizona For Dummies, 4th Edition Frommer's American Southwest, 3rd Edition Frommer's Arizona 2008