Elk Horn Basin is a quiet, out of the way, seldom visited wildland with abundant 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.  The ride into camp is fourteen miles long and takes about five hours.

Elk Horn 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 elk are found here in good numbers.

This is a region rich in western history. Archeologists tell us Native American cultures occupied this area for over 9,000 years.  Our guests often find tipi rings, (cultural artifacts are always left undisturbed) arrowhead chippings and buffalo skulls while out exploring on day rides.

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.

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.

There are miles of small streams in the basin.  On average they are twenty to thirty feet across.  This is a fun fishery with a variety of interesting waters to explore.  The banks are mostly lined with willow and spruce.  There are cobblestone stretches of riffle and pool, cascades with boulder pocket water and step pools, and some flat meadow sections with fine gravel bottoms and the occasional beaver pond.
The trout here are a pure strain of West Slope Cutthroat.  They range from eight to twelve inches in length, see very few anglers, and are bold on the take.

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.

Custom Trips of four or five days in length are available for private party bookings of five or more participants.