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OUR TRIPS

Montana’s wilderness offers two paths for veterans — on the river or on the trail — plus an annual Backcountry Immersion fundraiser.

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a veteran sitting on the edge of a raft while floating the smith river with the montana vet program
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HOW MUCH DOES A TRIP COST?

Nothing for veterans. We cover the essentials so cost is never a barrier to getting into the Montana backcountry. These trips are funded by our donors, mission partners, and fundraising events.

MVP covers:

  • All meals in the field

  • Group gear (rafts, shelters, safety/medical, comms)

  • Hotel the night before and after a trip, shuttles, logistics, and instruction

  • Training, coaching, and post‑trip community

You cover:

  • Travel to/from Great Falls, MT

  • Personal clothing/footwear and optional extras

Bottom line:

Get to Great Falls and we’ll take care of the rest.

WANT TO HELP KEEP TRIPS FREE?

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3 TYPES OF TRIPS

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Our float trips take veterans deep into the wild beauty of Montana’s Smith River. Over four days and 59 miles, participants raft through remote canyons, camp under towering cliffs, and work together on conservation projects. These trips restore camaraderie, build resilience, and give veterans space to reconnect.

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Our hike trips challenge veterans on Montana’s rugged trails. Over four days in the backcountry, participants push through river crossings, rough terrain, and long miles — carrying weight, sharing laughs, and finding strength in the struggle. Each trip is led by veteran team leaders and supported by partners who ensure safety and success.

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Backcountry Immersion is a five-day fundraiser open to the public. Taught by survival experts, Special Forces veterans, and backcountry instructors, this event pushes civilians to their limits while funding our veteran trips. Every ticket sold helps keep our Float and Hike Trips free for veterans.

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HIKE TRIPS

Our hike trips challenge veterans to push themselves through Montana’s rugged terrain. Over four days, participants carry weight, cross rivers, and climb into remote valleys where grit and teamwork matter most. Each trip blends adventure, practical skills, and deep conversation — showing veterans they can still endure, lead, and thrive long after their service.

  • 4 days of guided backcountry trekking

  • River crossings, rugged terrain, and remote valleys

  • Pig Egg carried in portions by every participant

  • Campfire conversations, fitness, and mindfulness practices

  • Team leaders ensure safety, growth, and mission focus

veterans hiking through the backcountry of MOntana while on a veteran adventure trip with the montana vet program
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veterans floating the smith river on rafts while on a therapeutic adventure trip with the montana vet program

FLOAT TRIPS

Our float trips take veterans down Montana’s legendary Smith River — a 59-mile stretch of wild beauty accessible only by boat. Over four days, participants raft through towering limestone cliffs, remote canyons, and pristine campsites while building camaraderie and resilience. These trips are both an adventure and a mission, with veterans giving back through conservation projects along the way.

  • 4 days, 59 miles of river wilderness

  • Rafting, camping, and backcountry skills

  • Morning yoga, breathwork, and cold-water immersion

  • Conservation work in partnership with FWP/USFS

  • Campfire meals, shared stories, and lifelong friendships

BUILT INTO EVERY MISSION

TOOLS FOR THE MIND & BODY

Yoga, Breathing, Meditation

We train veterans in combat yoga, breath-work, and meditation—not as soft comforts, but as tools for discipline, recovery, and resilience. These practices sharpen focus, regulate stress, and give you weapons to fight back against the daily battles of life after service.

WILDERNESS & STEWARDSHIP

Thriving in the Outdoors

 We don’t just pass through Montana’s wild places — we take care of them. From trail clearing to riverbank restoration, every mission teaches veterans how to thrive outdoors while giving back to the land that heals us. Conservation isn’t an afterthought here — it’s part of the mission and part of the therapy.

BROTHERHOOD & CAMARADERIE

Qualified Team, Tight Ratio

Every trip is veteran-led, with experienced guides who have been tested in combat and in the mountains. Our participant-to-leader ratio is never higher than 2:1, creating trust, mentorship, and bonds that last long after the trip.

SUFFERING WELL

ADVENTURE & TOUGH-MINDED HEALING

We don’t run from the hard things—we go straight into them. Shared suffering on the trail, long miles, cold rivers, and backcountry challenges strip away the noise of modern life and build real strength, resilience, and healing.

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IF YOU STILL NEED MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT OUR FAQ PAGE.

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Laura Zerra, Steven Lee Hall Jr. and participants leanr about knots while at the backcountry immersion fundraiser for the montana vet program

BACKCOUNTRY

IMMERSION (FUNDRAISER)

Backcountry Immersion is our five-day civilian fundraiser led by survivalist Laura Zerra, Steven Lee Hall Jr., alongside a team of combat‑proven instructors (Green Beret, SERE instructor, Marine mountain survival). This isn’t a veteran trip — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime challenge where civilians learn survival skills and push themselves in Montana’s wild.

Tickets are a $3,000 donation, and every dollar goes directly to keeping our Veteran Float and Hike Trips free of charge.

CONTACT US

MVP LOGO - Montana Vet Program Logo
P.O. BOX 1072
Great Falls, MT, 59403
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CONSIDER A MONTHLY DONATION

WE WILL BE IN TOUCH

Montana Vet Program is a veteran nonprofit (not a veterinary school).

©2026 by Montana Vet Program

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