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OUTDOORS

The ample outdoor recreation opportunities may well be part of the reason you

moved to Bozeman in the first place, but if something else brought you here, there’s good news: The fishing, hiking, skiing, and boating around southwest Montana is world class. Some people in the region live for alpine skiing (some even try to ski 12 months out of the year)! Some only think about fishing. For others, it’s backpacking, or biking, or four-wheeling, or ATV-ing…the list goes on and on. Just drive around town and you’ll see snowmobiles tied onto pick-ups, skis and bikes lassoed to Subarus and cars of all sizes that look like they’ve taken a mud bath. The point is that when people in southwest Montana get into something, they get into it. Luckily, there’s something for everyone in Montana’s mountains, lakes and rivers. Spend some time trying to figure out what makes you happiest in the great outdoors and take advantage of our beautiful region.

OUTDOOR TIPS —

There are some must-dos, and never-dos, to know about recreating in Montana. The first, and most obvious, is to be prepared. Know where you’re going and look up directions beforehand (With spotty reception in most areas outside of town, having a paper map never hurts!). It’s important to look up the weather forecast too. Getting stuck in a blizzard without the proper gear isn’t fun. Recreating alone can be risky, so going with a friend or two is safer. But if you do choose to go out by yourself, make sure you let someone know where you’ll be and when you expect to return. Later, let them know you’ve made it home safe. Animals are our friends, but sometimes they don’t know that. Carrying bear spray with you never hurts, even if the chances of encountering a bear are slim (You can use bear spray on other animals). Follow other basics, like keeping your food in a bear safe lock box or bear bag far away from the tent if you’re camping, and making some noise when you’re hiking. If you do see a bear or other animal, keep your distance. You can tell people you were much closer later to make it a better story; but if you actually get closer, you might not get to tell the story at all.

Forest fires are a constant reality in the western United States. Make sure to be extremely careful when handling flame at any time of year, but particularly during the dry summer months. Learn more about preventing forest fires at https://www.smokeybear.com. Make sure to practice proper trail etiquette. Beyond being friendly, make sure not to hog the trail and to be respectful of others - avoid blasting music or being obnoxious when out on a hike. If joined by your fourlegged friend, make sure to clean up after them, and to dispose of the bag. Don’t leave it sitting on the side of the trail. That’s gross! Make sure to pack out what you pack in - follow the old Girl Scout mantra and leave the place better than how you found it. Bozeman is full of gearheads, and having the proper equipment is definitely important. But don’t let the high cost at some stores stop you. While you might not want to skimp on, say, a good skiing helmet; a regular backpack that can hold a water bottle or two works just as well as a fancy hydration pack with a built-in water reservoir. Nice hiking shoes can protect your feet better and may be easier on your legs, but regular sneakers will carry you just fine up and down most trails. If you’re trying out a new activity but don’t want to invest in new gear, check some of the outdoor shops around town for rentals, like Roundhouse Ski and Sports Center, Ph.D Skis and Chalet Sports, to name a few. Play it Again Sports and Second Wind Sports both sell quality used gear at a more affordable cost, and Bozeman’s Facebook marketplace is chock full of used gear for sale. Most importantly, get out there. Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from exploring all that Southwest Montana has to offer.

OUTDOOR NONPROFITS

TO SUPPORT —

Southwest Montana is full of environmental and outdoors-focused nonprofits,and a lot of the recreational opportunities around southwest Montana are there thanks to the tireless work of nonprofits. Here are a few to follow and support.

Gallatin Valley Land Trust

Based in Bozeman, Gallatin Valley Land Trust, or GVLT, preserves open space in the region through conservation easements. The organization also works to expand the trail system, and has helped bring the Main Street to the Mountains system - a goal to connect trails in town to trails in the mountains - to over 80 miles of trails. Founded in the 1990s, one of GVLT’s first projects was partnering with the city of Bozeman to purchase Peet’s Hill to be a city park, an early goal of the organization’s founder, Chris Boyd.

Find more information at gvlt.org

Bridger Ski Foundation

Bridger Ski Foundation, or BSF, provides educational and competitive nordic, alpine and free-style skiing programs for people of all ages. The foundation also maintains Nordic ski trails in Bozeman, including at Bridger Creek Golf Course, Highland Glen Nature Preserve and Sourdough Creek Trail. The foundation provides scholarships, financial aid and equipment assistance, and keeps its trails open to anyone (though they do offer optional trail passes). Find more information at www.bridgerskifoundation. org

Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association

The Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association, or SWMMBA, is only a few years old. The organization focuses on increasing bike access to trails, and builds new trails, maintains existing ones and advocates for mountain bikers. SWMMBA worked with the Bureau of Land Management to establish 17 miles of trails at Copper City near Three Forks. The project took two years and was completed in 2019.

Find more information at www.southwestmontanamba. org

Friends of Hyalite

Hyalite Canyon is part of the Custer Gallatin National Forest and maintained by the Forest Service. It is the most-visited national forest service area in Montana, so Friends of Hyalite works to care for Hyalite. One of the key things Friends of Hyalite does is help fund the plowing of Hyalite Canyon Road during the winter, which is key to maintaining access to the canyon during the snowy season.

Find more information at www.hyalite.org

Sacajawea Audubon Society

Sacajawea Audubon Society works to foster interest in birds and advocates for conservation of natural land

and wetlands throughout southwest Montana. The organization also holds the Bridger Raptor Festival and other educational events.

Find more information at sacajaweaaudubon.org.

OUTSIDE KIND —

Outside Kind is a partnership between several Bozeman outdoor nonprofits led by One Montana and was born out of an increase some noticed in conflicts on trails. Outside Kind is an educational campaign intended to help teach people about proper outdoor etiquette, whether one is hiking, trail running, biking or skiing. There are “Ski Kind,” “Hike Kind,” “Hunt Kind,” “Fish Kind,” “Bike Kind” and “Wag Kind” campaigns, each with messaging tailored to the activity encouraging people to be kind, cool and aware when recreating.

Find more information at www.outsidekind.org.

HIKING —

Trails of all surfaces and varieties abound in and around Bozeman. Take a look at the Gallatin Valley Land Trust’s website, gvlt.org, to find a map of local trails. Some favorites are the “M” hike and the Drinking Horse Trail. The two are on either side of Bridger Drive and are connected by an underpass. A paved path now connects the trailheads and Story Mill Park, giving everyone access to the mountains. There are two ways to get up to the “M.” One is steep. The other is steeper. Whichever way you scramble up to the top, you’ll get rewarded with a good view of Bozeman and part of the Gallatin Valley. Just across the road is Drinking Horse, which is just as steep as the “M.” Scramble up to the top and enjoy a snack at the picnic table. From here you get a good view into Bridger Canyon as well as a look at Bozeman from above. Also close to town is Triple Tree, a five-mile, lollipoplike trail that starts from a parking lot off of Sourdough Road. This trail features some steep sections, but rewards hikers with a great view of the area south of Bozeman.

Hikes in Hyalite

Bozeman really is blessed to be so close to Hyalite Canyon, which is just south of town and offers spectacular trails. There are a few must-do hikes in Hyalite. On the easier end of things is Palisade Falls, which is paved much of the way. If you want to stroll along the reservoir, the West Shore Trail (#431) leaving from the reservoir parking lot makes for a nice trail. Another favorite is the trail to Hyalite Lake starts out paved until you pass Grotto Falls, then climbs 2,000 feet to the lake. Other good trails include History Rock, Blackmore Lake/Peak, Emerald Lake/Heather Lake and Langhor Meadows. You really can’t go wrong in Hyalite.

Hikes out Gallatin Canyon

U.S. Highway 191 connects Bozeman to Big Sky, West Yellowstone and the park, but there’s some great stops along the way. Lava Lake, Storm Castle and Porcupine Creek are a few highlights.

Yellowstone hikes

Investing in an annual park pass makes it easier to justify driving into the park for a hike. And, of course, there are too many amazing hikes in Yellowstone to list. Check them out on the park website: www.nps.gov/yell.

Hikes in the Bridgers

The Bridger’s sometimes feel like Bozeman’s personal mountain range, and there are some great hikes in those hills, like Fairy Lake, Battle Ridge, Sypes Canyon and the Bridger Ridge Trail

Other nearby favorites include Bear Trap Canyon, Kirk Hill, Leverich Canyon, Mount Ellis Trail, Sourdough Creek Trail, and South Cottonwood, to name just a few. The book “Day Hikes around Bozeman” by Robert Stone is an essential guide.

SKIING —

For many, winter is the best season in Montana, with plenty of alpine (downhill) and nordic (cross-country) skiing opportunities. Downhill

Bridger Bowl is under 20 miles away, and Big Sky about 45 miles south, so many Gallatin Valley locals get a pass to either mountain. But don’t discount some mountains further away. Showdown, Discovery and Red Lodge are all within a days’ trip driving distance and might not be as crowded. If you’re looking for a season pass, make sure to check it out early. Prices tend to go up the closer we get to winter.

Bridgerbowl.com bigskyresort.com

Southwest Montana is increasingly becoming known for its great nordic skiing options. You can choose to get a season pass to Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, which is right near Bridger Bowl and features over 45-kilometers of pristine groomed trails. The forest service grooms trails in Hyalite and the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone is another nearby(ish) option, but there are plenty of options right in town.

The Bridger Ski Foundation grooms trails at Highland Glen Nature preserve, Sunset Hills and the Bridger Creek Golf Course, to name a few. Check out more (and buy an optional, but recommended, ski pass) at their website: https://www.bridgerskifoundation.org http://www.rendezvousskitrails.com https://www.crosscutmt.org

GOLFING —

For those looking for a more leisurely activity, there are plenty of golf courses around Bozeman.

Bridger Creek Golf Course

Bridger Creek is a public golf course located along a creek from which it takes its name. Bridger Creek focuses on golf education and lessons. 2710 McIlhattan Rd, Bozeman, (406) 586-2333 http://bridgercreek.com/

Riverside Country Club

Riverside is a country club with a golf course located north of Bozeman. Riverside is member owned and has been operating since 1959. 2500 Springhill Rd, Bozeman, (406) 587-5105 https://riverside-country-club.com

Valley View Golf Club

Valley View is a private golf club right in the middle of town with a course, pro shop and restaurant. 302 E Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, (406) 587-9751 https://vvgcbozeman.com

Cottonwood Hills Golf Club

Located west of Bozeman, Cottonwood Hills is family owned and offers season and daily passes. 8955 River Road, Bozeman, 406-587-1118 https://www.cottonwoodhills.com With nine holes, the Livingston Golf Course is situated right along the Yellowstone River. Day and weekend rates can be found on their website. 44 View Vista Dr, Livingston, MT, (406) 222-1100 https://www.livingstongolfcourse.com

ON THE WATER —

“A River Runs Through It” may be fictional, but its representation of the world-class fishing in southwest Montana is certainly accurate. Located near the headwaters of the Missouri River, the Bozeman area is home to several can’t miss rivers to cast a reel in. The first step will be getting the right gear - try a few of the fly shops around town, like The River’s Edge Fly Shop or Fins & Feathers. There are a host of fishing guides, including Montana Angling Company, Wild West Flyfishing and Bozeman Fly. If you’re looking to go out by yourself, there are a wealth of good spots. Hyalite Reservoir and Creek are two good options close to town, as is the Gallatin River near Axtell Bridge. The Gallatin flows from the northwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park and eventually meets up with the Madison and Jefferson to form the Missouri River near Three Forks. Speaking of, the Madison River is one of the best spots for fishing. The river also flows out of Yellowstone and is formed from the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbons rivers. Bear Trap Canyon outside of Ennis in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness is a good place, but it is popular with rafters and boaters and can be crowded. The Yellowstone River is also a popular spot. There are plenty of fishing access sites on the river through the Paradise Valley between Livingston and Yellowstone National Park. And yes, the name of the valley is accurate.

14 recycling site locations in Gallatin County:

Fairgrounds, Walmart, Safeway, MSU, JC Billion, Bozeman Convenience Site, Gallatin Gateway, Big Sky, Belgrade, Manhattan, Churchill, Logan Landfill, Three Forks and West Yellowstone.

GallatinSolidWaste.org

Bozeman Convenience Site 2143 Story Mill Road Open 8am-3:30pm Tuesday-Saturday Logan Landfill 10585 Two Dog Road, Manhattan Open Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm; Saturdays 7am-4:30pm Household Hazardous Waste - Call 406-451-1230

LETS TALK TRASH!

New Bozeman Campus For many years, Billings Clinic Growing to meet has been serving the community of Bozeman with high quality, your needs. compassionate women’s and children’s services at our two locations in the Gallatin Valley. As our community continues to grow, so are we, by expanding our services to meet those needs. In the spring of 2022, Billings Clinic will open a new destination ambulatory center for the Gallatin Valley.

Growing to meet our communities needs.

We now offer the following services:

• Primary Care • Cardiology • Gastroenterology • Hematology and Oncology • Occupational Medicine • Ophthalmology • Orthopedics • Podiatry • Psychiatric Services • Radiology

Mon-Fri: 8 am to 5 pm 3901 Wellness Way (406) 898-1200 • OB/GYN • Urology

Mon-Fri: 8 am to 5 pm 925 Highland Blvd., Ste. 1210/1220 (406) 587-9202 or 1-866-587-9202

• Pediatrics • Pediatric Endocrinology

Mon-Fri: 8 am to 6 pm Sat: 8:30 to 11:30 am

Walk-ins Welcome 1819 S. 22nd Ave., Ste. 100 (406) 522-KIDS (5437) We are open in all these locations and accepting new patients.