The Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness area is one of the four units of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. It was the first BLM- administered land to enter into the wilderness preservation system. The 6,000-acre area offers beautiful wilderness scenery plus exciting whitewater rafting featuring the famous Class IV - V “Kitchen Sink” rapid. The 1,500-foot cliffs that border the canyon provide a dramatic backdrop for nature study, hiking, rafting and fishing along the nine-mile Bear Trap Canyon National Recreation Trail. The trail follows the river the length of the canyon but can only be accessed from the north end (no through-hiking).

Recreational opportunities include hiking, rafting, kayaking and fishing.

Open year-round. River level and temperature information is available at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow. Refer to the "Madison River below Ennis Lake."

Fees: Permits are not currently required for non-commercial recreational use, but registration is requested at the boat launch and trailhead access points.