Lee Metcalf Wilderness: Beehive Basin Trailhead Access and Route Strategy
A high alpine basin accessible via a popular day hike, offering views of the Spanish Peaks.
Where on earth
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- Region
- Northern Rockies
- Country
- USA
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
Key takeaways
- Top activity: backpacking
Topic summary
A high alpine basin accessible via a popular day hike, offering views of the Spanish Peaks.
Intended uses
backpacking
Verification notes
Last verified September 2, 2026.
Plan with verified data
Lee Metcalf Wilderness: Beehive Basin Trailhead Access and Route Strategy trip tools
Popular pursuits at Lee Metcalf Wilderness: Beehive Basin Trailhead Access and Route Strategy
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
Animals around Lee Metcalf Wilderness: Beehive Basin Trailhead Access and Route Strategy
About the Lee Metcalf Wilderness
The Lee Metcalf Wilderness is a significant outdoor area, with the Bear Trap Wilderness being one of its four units. This area holds historical importance as the first wilderness managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Spanning 6,347 acres, the Bear Trap Wilderness offers dramatic scenery, characterized by 1,500-foot cliffs that line a canyon. This wilderness provides opportunities for various outdoor activities throughout the year, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The region is part of the larger Rocky Mountain range, which is known for its vast mountain systems and outdoor recreation possibilities across Western North America.
Bear Trap National Recreation Trail
The Bear Trap National Recreation Trail is a key feature of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, stretching nine miles through a canyon. This trail follows the river for its entire length, providing access to whitewater rafting opportunities. A notable section for rafters is the Class IV - V Kitchen Sink rapid. The trail is open year-round, offering scenic views alongside the river. Access to the trail is available from both the north and south ends of the canyon, catering to different types of recreational use. River level and temperature information for the Madison River below Ennis Lake can be found through official USGS channels.
Activities and Environment
The Lee Metcalf Wilderness supports a range of outdoor activities. Hiking is popular, with trails like the Bear Trap National Recreation Trail offering opportunities to explore the canyon and river areas. Camping and picnicking facilities are available for visitors looking to extend their stay. The area's rivers are suitable for fishing, and water sports like paddling and whitewater rafting are prominent, particularly with the challenging Class IV-V Kitchen Sink rapid. Wildlife viewing is also an option, allowing visitors to observe the natural inhabitants of this wilderness. The entire region is part of the Rocky Mountains, a range sculpted by tectonic activity and glacial erosion over millions of years.
Getting to Lee Metcalf Wilderness: Beehive Basin Trailhead Access and Route Strategy
For floater access, turn east off US Highway 287 at McAllister and follow the Ennis Lake road to the Wilderness Boat Launch. Hiker access is located at the north end of the canyon.
Route options
- Bear Trap National Recreation Trail
This nine-mile trail follows the river through the canyon, offering scenic views and access to whitewater rafting. It is open year-round and can be accessed from the north or south ends.
Seasonal conditions
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Year Round | The Bear Trap Wilderness is open year-round. Check river levels and temperatures for the Madison River below Ennis Lake for current conditions, especially for water activities. |
| Summer | Year Round | The Bear Trap Wilderness is open year-round. Check river levels and temperatures for the Madison River below Ennis Lake for current conditions, especially for water activities. |
| Fall | Year Round | The Bear Trap Wilderness is open year-round. Check river levels and temperatures for the Madison River below Ennis Lake for current conditions, especially for water activities. |
| Winter | Year Round | The Bear Trap Wilderness is open year-round. Check river levels and temperatures for the Madison River below Ennis Lake for current conditions, especially for water activities. |
Permits, fees & closures
No fee is required for access. Confirm any specific permit requirements for activities like rafting with the managing agency, the Dillon Field Office.
Fees: No Fee.
Official source: Lee Metcalf Wilderness - Montana - Bureau of Land Management · Verified September 10, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Class IV - V Kitchen Sink rapid on the river
- Changing river levels and temperatures
What to pack for Lee Metcalf Wilderness: Beehive Basin Trailhead Access and Route Strategy
- Camping gear
- Fishing equipment
- Paddling equipment for water sports
- Emergency communication device
- First-aid kit
- Water filter/purifier
Lee Metcalf Wilderness: Beehive Basin Trailhead Access and Route Strategy FAQ
- What activities are available in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness?
- Activities include camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, water sports, and wildlife viewing.
- Is there a fee to access the Lee Metcalf Wilderness?
- No fee is listed for access to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness.
- How can I access the Bear Trap National Recreation Trail?
- The trail can be accessed from the north end of the canyon for hikers. Floaters can access the area via the Wilderness Boat Launch at the south end of the canyon.
- Is the Lee Metcalf Wilderness open year-round?
- Yes, the Bear Trap Wilderness unit of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness is open year-round.
- Where can I get information about river conditions?
- River level and temperature information for the Madison River below Ennis Lake is available through USGS resources.