Category Archives: Trailhead

Trailhead

Follow the Leader

by Jack Taylor

No matter which outdoor sport or activity you’re involved in, no matter what your ability level, no matter how long you’ve been doing it—having a good mentor will surely improve your experience. There will always be someone better than you, and that’s a great thing, because it means you’ll have a chance to improve. Finding a good mentor might be easier said than done, but with the right attitude, it can be a breeze.

The most important quality to look for in a mentor is compatibility. You’re going to spend time with this person, so make sure that you get along! Even if someone is extremely experienced or knowledgeable, you’re not going to get a lot out of the partnership if you find the person abrasive, contentious, or difficult to talk to. So, first things first: make a friend.

Where can you find a friend-and-mentor? Your best bet is to hang out where you imagine such a person would be hanging out. Looking for a river buddy? Head to the take-out. Climbing pal? Hit the crag. Even if you don’t have any skills or know-how, just start talking to people. Ask about what they’re doing, and offer a favor—like running a river shuttle or giving a belay. Don’t know how to do those things? This is where you start learning!

For the technologically inclined, Facebook groups can provide a platform for connecting with mentors. Most popular activities in the area have online groups, and it’s common for folks who are new to the area or sport to post publicly about seeking guidance.

As you begin to build a relationship with your mentor and build experience in your activity, recall that many folks have been in your position as a newbie. In fact, everyone who is good at something was one a complete novice at it. Even your mentor. All that to say, it’s natural to feel nervous, intimidated, and uncomfortable when trying new things. Working through these feelings is fun and rewarding, and leads to gaining confidence.

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Once you gain confidence, don’t be afraid to flaunt it. Your mentor ought to be enthralled that you’re finding your way along the path to excellence. Still, remain humble. There is always more to learn, and you’ll probably learn techniques or practices early on that should be adjusted or amended as you gain experience. Don’t be afraid to change your ways, or even to find a new or additional mentor.

Also, don’t be afraid to be skeptical. One aspect of a mentor-mentee relationship that can occasionally lead to trouble is known as the “expert halo,” wherein a mentee views a mentor’s practices as unequivocally right and correct. More often than not, there are many different ways to “do it right.” So speak up if you have a question, or if something looks off. It’ll lead to a learning moment, and could even prevent a mishap.

Lastly, if you’ve had a good mentor and have come to proficiency in your chosen activity, pay it forward by taking on a mentee of your own. Bringing a new soul into the realm of your passion is an exciting and rewarding experience. You’ll see reflections of your past self as your mentee works through challenges and overcomes obstacles. You’ll become more confident in your own skills by teaching someone else, which will lead you to having more fun. And best of all, you’ll have one more new adventure buddy to get out there with. So don’t be shy—get out and make it happen.

Trailhead

Path to Freedom

by Jack Taylor

If you’ve come to live in Bozeman, outdoor activities are surely a big part of why you’re here. So first of all, welcome: you’re in the right place. And now that you’ve picked up a copy of the Blue Light Guide, you’re going to be pointed in all the right directions.

This guide covers everything from outdoor etiquette, to gear recommendations, to activity-specific advice on where you can delve into southwest Montana’s spectacular landscapes. So take it all in, because around here, we pride ourselves on outdoor savvy. That doesn’t mean you have to run faster, climb higher, or ski harder than anyone else. Rather, it means that you’re doing it right: keeping outdoor spaces clean, respecting wildlife and other people, and above all, having a damn good time out there.

This place may seem daunting at first. Trust me, we’ve all been there. When I first arrived in Bozeman, I had so much gusto for adventure—but nowhere to point it. Where’s the best place to go hiking? Camping? Skiing? Climbing? I want to do it all! And I want the very best of it.

There was some trial and error. Trying new activities led to bumps and bruises. Meeting new adventure buddies made for some mismatched partnerships. Spending money on outdoor gear dwindled my savings account. This is a process we all go through. There’s no right or wrong way to do it—the road will inevitably have some peaks and valleys, just like all the peaks and valleys you’ll soon be exploring.

In due time, you’ll find your stride, settle in, and call Bozeman home. Because as long as you love spending time outside, you’ll naturally fit with the Bozeman crowd. So turn through these pages and set your sights. Once you’ve hit all the popular destinations, wander off the map. Find your own little slice of the outdoors in southwest Montana—after all, there’s plenty of it to go around. The journey will be trying, rewarding, and liberating. And in the end, you’ll be better for it. Happy trails, newcomer.

Trailhead, Welcome

A New Home

by Adam Brown

It had only been a couple hours since I’d rolled into Bozeman. Hungry from traveling and unpacking my weighed-down Subaru Forester, I swung by the nearby Town & Country to stock up on groceries. While checking out, I spotted some local magazines that I hoped would give me a lay of the land. One of them was the Blue Light Guide. As I poked through it, I noticed some coupons in the back. Pizza sounded good. I ripped out the coupon to Cosmic and grabbed a pie on my way home.

There I sat, eating pizza on the floor of an unfurnished apartment, reading all about Bozeman’s outdoor offerings. I was infatuated—and a little bit intimidated—by the culture and adventures that awaited me. Gallatin Tower, the Mad Mile, the Bangtail Divide; I didn’t have a clue what any of these things were, but I knew I wanted to try them. I had a good place to start, thanks to the Blue Light, and I was able to save some extra cash with the coupons (more money to spend at gear shops; see page 82). Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far I’ve come—in just a few short years, I’ve climbed, paddled, and pedaled some of Bozeman’s most iconic locales, and there’s still so much more to explore.

Since you’ve gotten your hands on the Blue Light Guide as well, I can only assume it will help you as much as it helped me. And if you’re wondering about the name, ask around. Here’s a hint: Bozeman’s blue light an invitation to adventure, a call to the outdoors, and an integral element of the local ski scene—just like this guide is, in the wintertime and all year ’round.

So, good luck exploring, enjoying, and adapting to the Bozone. We’ll see you out there.

Trailhead

Know the Code

by  Ej Porth

A few rules for Bozeman area trails.

We’re pretty lucky to have the 80-mile Main Street to the Mountains trail system right outside our back door. From campus, you can get downtown or to the top of a mountain—the options are endless. Bikers, runners, dog owners, commuters, and walkers keep the trails busy, making it everyone’s responsibility to follow the rules so we can care for our community trails and respect fellow users. Being a good trail user is a big deal here in Bozeman. Nothing gets you more glares and frustrated sighs than bad trail etiquette. But don’t worry—we’ll give you the lowdown on how to fit in and do your part. Here’s what you can do to be an A+ trail user.

Obey the posted signs and trail regulations. If a trail is closed, it’s closed for a reason. If a sign tells you to slow down on your bike, hit the brakes.

Stay on the trail. It might seem like a good idea to take a shortcut between switchbacks, but this can actually create serious damage to the trail. We need to respect the natural areas around the trail as well. On that note, don’t pick the flowers.

Don’t bike or walk on the muddy trails. Especially In the springtime, using muddy trails can cause serious damage and may require significant repair later on. Follow some of the Bozeman trail conditions on Facebook to see what trails are dry and ready to use.

Stay right on the trail. Just like when you’re driving, pass on the left.

Don’t litter. Duh.

If you’re a biker, yield to walkers. They have right of way. Slow down, use a bell, or call out “On your left!” before passing.

Downhill bike riders yield to uphill bike riders. It’s safer and easier for everyone.

If you bring a dog, PICK UP THE POOP! There are dog-poop stations with bags and trash cans all along the trail system. Don’t just pick it up and leave the bag on the side of the trail. You’ll forget about it. Ignoring your dog’s poop will bring very bad trail karma your way.

Obey leash rules. You’re representing all dog owners—help us look good. And no, your dog is not an exception to the rule because it’s “really well-behaved.” We all think that about our dogs, but it isn’t always true.

Pick up a Main Street to the Mountains trail map at the Gallatin Valley Land Trust office (212 S. Wallace, #102) or at local retailers.

Trailhead

The Most Dangerous Game

by the editors

The Montana mountains may be a refuge from the strains of life, but they too come with their fair share of stress—mainly, the not-so-friendly creatures that call them home. With a little awareness and education, though, you’ll escape your encounters with nothing but a great story. Here’s what’s out there, and what to do when you meet the locals.

Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)
Where to Find It: Mountains, but may roam urban areas in search of prey. Most active at dusk.

How to Avoid Trouble: At night, wear an extra headlamp facing backward. The light will blind a mountain lion and discourage it from stalking you.

If Trouble Finds You: Stand upright and face the cougar. Make a lot of noise and if attacked, fight back. Never run.

Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis)
Where to Find It: If you’re in the mountains of Montana, you’re in bear country.

How to Avoid Trouble: Carry bear spray and store your food safely—in a bear canister or hung up. Be noisy so you don’t surprise one. 

If Trouble Finds You: Avoid eye contact and stay calm. Slowly back away from the bear. If it charges, wait till it’s about 30 feet away, then let the spray fly. Should the spray not stop it, submit completely—collapse onto your stomach, use your hands to protect your head and neck, and pray to whatever gods you can think of.

Moose (Alces americanus)
Where to Find It: Open grassy fields, marshlands, and moist drainages.

How to Avoid Trouble: Make noise when out hiking and biking, and carry bear spray just in case. 

If Trouble Finds You: If it’s blocking your way, wait it out. If it charges, run away and get a tree between you and the angry moose. A squirt of bear spray should send it running.

Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)
Where to Find It: Dens, under rocks, houses, or anywhere else a snake can fit in open, arid country. The banks of the Madison are prime real estate in the warmer months.

How to Avoid Trouble: Listen for the rattle and keep your distance. Avoid reaching into dark places and running through sagebrush.

Trailhead

The Blue Light District

by Cordelia Pryor

Welcome to Bozeman! Whether you’re a student, ski bum, trout bum, young professional, remote worker, retiree, or a traveler just passing through, Bozeman has a plethora of top-notch outdoor-recreation opportunities to offer. But where to begin? Finding one’s way in a new locale is no mean feat. Worry not, friend—the Blue LightGuide is here to help.

New to the outdoors, or at least the Montana variety? Inside this guide you’ll find tons of useful info, from gear and etiquette tips to the area’s top fishing spots and biking trails. Tight on cash? The coupons in the back can feed, clothe, and outfit you for all your excursions. Day or night, total newbie or just looking for some pointers, this guide has something for everyone, every season.

Whence the name, you ask? Well, atop the iconic Baxter Hotel is a blue light that flashes whenever Bridger Bowl gets two inches of fresh snow or more. As that flashing bulb ushers skiers to Bridger’s snow-covered slopes, we hope this guide ushers you to Bozeman’s outdoors: the fields, forests, mountains, and rivers that make this place so special.

However you choose to take to the trails—by foot, bike, or ski—the Gallatin Valley welcomes you warmly with an abundance of wildlife, awe-inspiring views, and new challenges each day. Make no mistake, this place has its pitfalls—winter can be brutal, summer hot and smoky, spring muddy and unpredictable, and fall nonexistent. But amid it all, there is a singular Montana splendor, and this guide will help you find it.

So, while you’re out there enjoying everything Bozeman has to offer, remind yourself of how lucky you are to have found this place. Endless opportunity awaits and all you have to do is reach out and grab it. Once again: welcome, and we hope to see you out there, reaching for fun and fulfillment in all directions. Good luck, and Godspeed.