All posts by pocket@dmin

Activities, Around the Bozone

Summer Lovin’

by Leah Veress

Getting up and at ‘em in warmer weather. 

When the weather warms and the Bozone defrosts, odds are you’re itching to pull out your hiking boots, climbing gear, mountain bike, or fishing rod—but why not broaden your horizons, beat the crowds, and dive into some new, less mainstream outdoor activities this summer? Here are a few ideas to get you started.


Hunting & Gathering
Kill two birds with one stone, avoid the masses, and get in touch with your long-repressed primal side by finding your own food. If you’re interested in cutting your teeth as a hunter, don’t just twiddle your thumbs ’til big-game season comes around. Instead, learn how to hunt, clean, and cook wild game by pursuing smaller critters like squirrels and rabbits—species whose seasons are year-round. Head onto some public land—off-trail to avoid startling hikers—with a .22 rifle or 20-gauge shotgun and get to it. Come fall, you’ll be ready for the bigger fellers.

If the idea of harvesting an animal makes you queasy, fret not. The mountains of southwest Montana host an abundance of huckleberries, strawberries, raspberries, and edible mushrooms. Grab a basket and head to the highlands. We can’t give away our spots, but with some research and time spent in the backcountry, you’re sure to discover your own crop. Once you have your foraging skills dialed, you can begin pursuing fungi. Spring is morel season, and late summer brings a bountiful chanterelle crop. But be sure to bring an ID book or a knowledgeable buddy along—both species have poisonous lookalikes.


Slacklining
First pioneered by Yosemite’s rock-climbing community, slacklining has snowballed in popularity among various alcoves of the outdoor community. The practice—walking across a length of one- or two-inch nylon webbing suspended between two anchor points—claims a host of benefits, like improving balance and inducing meditative states. All you need to get started are two trees and a line. Start above soft ground in your back yard or a local park. Once you’ve got the hang of things, you can move to highlining or water-lining.

Bird watching in the Gllatin Valley


Wildlife Watching
Snag your binos, ID books (or download an app like Merlin or Seek), a snack, a good hat, and get ready to glass some wildlife. You can head into Yellowstone Park—a quick hour-and-a-half drive from the Bozone—or into any of the surrounding mountain ranges. Just be sure to respect private-property boundaries and give wildlife adequate space, lest you become a battering ram or dinner. If birding is more your speed, you’re in luck. With the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve right on the edge of town, you won’t have to travel far to spot your favorite feathery friends.

While still water is often cast as the ugly cousin of whitewater in southwest Montana, it shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re looking for a relaxing day, load up your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and hit the lake. Some good options are Hebgen, Quake, or Ennis lakes. Bring a lunch and get off the water to beat the afternoon winds, or put in early and end your paddle before they pick up. You can also cast a line from your craft and score some dinner if that’s your thing.


Cliff & Bridge Jumping
For the adrenaline junkies among us—and Tom Petty—few things beat that weightless, heart-in-your-throat feeling of free-falling. With spots like Williams Bridge by Three Forks and the ragged cliffs above the Ennis Lake dam, it isn’t hard to come across opportunities to catch some air and leap into the water. Always test the water’s depth before jumping—either by visually inspecting the area for obstacles, swimming to the bottom with goggles, or dropping a weighted object like a rock or anchor.

There’s really no wrong way to enjoy a Montana summer so long as you’re outside. So grab a buddy, a mentor, or go at it alone and meet some new friends on the water, in the field, or on a mountain.

Activities

Water World

by Carson Sprague

Chasing Montana’s whitewater.

Bozeman—and Montana as a whole—isn’t exactly known for whitewater, especially when compared to other states in the American West. The rivers of Montana are generally renowned for their fishing and floating opportunities instead of the roaring, high-volume rapids or secluded, multi-day stretches of river found in states like Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon.

There’s still plenty of fun to be had under the Big Sky. All you’ve got to know is where to look.

All said, we’re not much of a destination for seasoned boaters and paddlers hungry for carnage—but that’s their loss. There’s still plenty of fun to be had under the Big Sky. All you’ve got to know is where to look.


Where to Go
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone is the only major river in the contiguous United States that is undammed in its entirety. The ‘Stone is free to flow however she pleases, which means that high water season can get pretty damn rowdy, though mid- to late summer is less exciting.

For more excitement, put in at Yankee Jim and take on its three major rapids—Boat Eater, Big Rock, and Box Car—and take out at Carbella campground.

The Gardiner town section is a fun stretch for intermediate boaters and oarsmen alike. Put in at Confluence Park and get ready for some action—the first waves are just 50 yards from where you launch, but things slow down quickly once you’ve passed the airport. If you’re looking to get multiple laps in—or have other plans later that day—consider taking out at McConnell fishing access area. Alternatively, you can enjoy the carefree float down to Cinnabar or Yankee Jim.

For more excitement, put in at Yankee Jim and take on its three major rapids—Boat Eater, Big Rock, and Box Car—and take out at Carbella campground. At median water (6,000-12,000 cfs), this float can be a challenging and exciting ordeal. But watch out when flows get over 15,000 cfs, as all three rapids can easily flip your boat.

Gallatin River
The Gallatin—or more affectionately, the Gally—is one of the premiere sections of whitewater in the Gallatin Valley, and the most easily accessible for folks living in Bozeman. It’s a great stretch, and there are plenty of access sites to choose from depending on what you’re looking for and how long you’d like your float to be.

Depending on water levels, the rapids can be anywhere from class II to class IV, including the infamous House Rock rapid.

For non-stop action that you can lap all day long, put in at the Lava Lake trailhead and take on the infamous Mad Mile. It’s a fast-paced, boulder-ridden ride that’s sure to satisfy even the most adrenaline-driven boaters. Depending on water levels, the rapids can be anywhere from class II to class IV, including the infamous House Rock rapid. Take out on river left at Lower Storm Castle, shuttle the rigs, and enjoy the whole 4-run ordeal all over again. If you’re looking for a longer float, consider putting in at Moose Flat or Greek Creek.

Madison River
The Madison’s claim to fame has always been its world-class fly fishing (not to mention the oft-mentioned bikini hatch in mid-July). While the lower sections of river belong to the leisure floaters, tubers, and driftboaters, the upper section—Bear Trap Canyon—belongs to whitewater fanatics.

Bear Trap is as exciting as it is scenic. Here you’ll find two bona fide class IV’s: Double Drop and the Kitchen Sink.

Starting just below the Ennis Dam at the Trail Creek day-use area, Bear Trap is one of—if not the—most exciting sections of water in southwest Montana. Tucked away in the solitude of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Bear Trap is as exciting as it is scenic. Here you’ll find two bona fide class IV’s: Double Drop and the Kitchen Sink. The latter can really be a doozy, so be sure to scout or portage on river right if you’re feeling trepidatious or unfamiliar with swimming technical whitewater. Take out on river left at Black’s Ford, or continue downriver to enjoy the bikini float.

Essential Gear
If you’re looking to get on the river this summer, the first thing you’re going to need to find is a suitable personal floatation device (PFD). It’s undoubtedly the most important piece of gear in any boater’s arsenal, and one that you shouldn’t skimp on. Be sure to find something comfortable, as you’ll be wearing it every day you’re on the water. Next, it’s time to look for a dry bag. A standard 10- or 20-liter roll-top bag will work fine for most day trips, as they can hold all the essentials—phone, keys, extra layers, and a first-aid kit.Montana rivers are pretty cold for nine months of the year, so if you’re hoping to partake in some early- or late-season boating, I’d strongly recommend you invest in cold-water gear, like a wetsuit or drysuit. Wetsuits are significantly cheaper, and easier to care for. Conversely, drysuits are significantly warmer—you can layer-up to your heart’s content —underneath—but they’re pricey, harder to maintain, and like Gore-Tex waders, can become drowning hazards should they fill with water during an unexpected plunge.

Montana rivers are pretty cold for nine months of the year, so if you’re hoping to partake in some early- or late-season boating, I’d strongly recommend you invest in cold-water gear, like a wetsuit or drysuit.

Lastly, if you’re looking to buy a boat but don’t know what’d best suit your needs, check out “Face-Off: Kayaking vs. Rafting” .

Etiquette
Boating etiquette is pretty straightforward and can be boiled down to one simple principle: don’t be a jackass. No one person owns the river. Be efficient at the boat ramp, and be courteous to others who are waiting to launch. Don’t crowd other folks when you’re on the water—they’re probably not interested in listening to your tunes or getting into an unannounced splash fight. Similarly, give anglers a wide berth, and don’t blow through their fishing holes and spook all the trout—unless you’re seeking a fistfight at the takeout.

Don’t crowd other folks when you’re on the water—they’re probably not interested in listening to your tunes or getting into an unannounced splash fight.

If it seems as though several boats are moving downriver as a group, let them be and don’t cut into their pod. If you’re a kayaker surfing a wave and see a boat approaching you, eddy out so they can maneuver through without worrying about running you over or comprising their line. Finally, don’t be a drunk. Nobody wants to deal with your shenanigans, and they didn’t sign up to be your personal rescue party if something goes awry.

Activities, Around the Bozone

The High Life

by Fischer Genau

Learning the ropes.

Climbers are able to scale some of the most treacherous terrain on Earth with only a rope, harness, partner, and a few hunks of metal. The Bozeman area sports a wide variety of such terrain, and there are ample opportunities for climbers to test their mettle. From burly boulders to bulletproof limestone cliffs, Bozemanites can find somewhere to go damn near year-round, despite the long winters. So, if you’re looking for your next big challenge, or you’re a newbie just getting her bearings, here’s a guide to get you started.

From burly boulders to bulletproof limestone cliffs, Bozemanites can find somewhere to go damn near year-round, despite the long winters

Essential Gear
Start with the basics. A pair of climbing shoes and a chalk bag will allow you to start bouldering and building your strength, turning the delicate skin on your fingers into callouses. The next step is a harness and helmet. Once you’ve got those, you can bum your brains out, tagging along with more experienced climbers who’ve got all the other goodies. It gets more expensive from there, but with each new purchase you’ll become less reliant on others (freedom ain’t cheap). Sport climbers will want to invest in a set of quickdraws, a rope (preferably 9.5-10mm for durability), a belay device, and some anchor-building items like cordalette, locking carabiners, and slings. Boulderers who want to take the next step just need a crash pad or two before they can strike out on their own, although it’s always best to bring a spotter. A traditional climbing rack is the epitome of autonomy, but buying one can really break the bank—a full rack of cams and stoppers will run you a cool grand. It helps to buy one piece at a time and collect your treasure chest over several months or even years.

A traditional climbing rack is the epitome of autonomy, but buying one can really break the bank—a full rack of cams and stoppers will run you a cool grand.

Uphill Pursuits and Spire Climbing Center both stock just about everything a climber could need, and Spire even sells consignment shoes and cheap chalk bags out of their lost & found. Second Wind Sports also often stocks used climbing shoes. Facebook Marketplace can be a good place to find certain pieces of discounted gear, but buyers beware: never buy a used rope, harness, cordalette, or quickdraws from a stranger, although carabiners, cams, stoppers, and climbing shoes are usually okay.

Where to Go

BEGINNER
You just bought a chalk bag and climbing shoes at the pawn shop. Your friend who convinced you to do so has inspected your wares—the shoes smell vaguely of mold, but look sturdy enough—and you’re ready to go. But where to begin?

Bear Canyon is only 30 minutes from town (20 in the car, 10 on the approach), and it contains over 40 bolted routes between 5.6 and 5.10. Plus, if you hit it in April immediately after the rock dries out, you can link it with a Bear Canyon ski lap for an easy multisport day.

For more variety, consider Allenspur, a 45-minute drive from town at the mouth of Paradise Valley. Allenspur has 80-some sport routes ranging from 5.7 to 5.12, and the views of the valley and the Yellowstone River are hard to beat.

Scorched Earth

INTERMEDIATE
You have your own rope, a set of 14 shiny quickdraws, and you just bought a Black Diamond Camalot C4, although you’re not entirely sure how to use it. Last weekend, you finally climbed Ignition (and took two whippers in the process), and you’re hungry for more… where to next?

On the south side of town, Practice Rock is a good place for anyone who wants to practice their trad climbing on a variety of mellow routes up this small gneiss crag just a few minutes up Hyalite Canyon. Climbers can also walk up Practice Rock’s backside to set a toprope on most routes, and it offers a smattering of sport climbs as well. 26 climbs in total from 5.6 to 5.12, including the classic touchpiece: Cardiac Arête, 5.12c.

If you head east from Bozeman on I-90 for 10 miles, you’ll reach Bozeman Pass, a collection of limestone crags containing over 50 routes, all sport, with a variety of 5.11 and 5.12 climbs to choose from. Don’t miss Black Russian, 5.11d, which boasts a combination of pockets, spiny dishes, and crimps on bulletproof rock.

Scorched Earth is another option, and although it only has about 15 routes, most of them are clean, intermediate sport climbs around 5.11. A half-hour south of Bozeman on Highway 191, the crag gets its name from the ample sunshine that blasts its south-facing walls, making it an excellent place to climb in the winter.


ADVANCED
You’re well on your way to becoming a trad king—at least that’s what you tell yourself in the mirror every night while flexing your wiry muscles—and you’ll clip into almost anything if it’s bolted. You keep a note of all the routes you want to climb before the snow comes, and you’re ready to start ticking them off the list… but you’re new to Bozeman and aren’t sure where to get the goods.

If you only climb in one area in Bozeman, it’s gotta be Gallatin Canyon. With over 400 separate climbs and counting, and a good mix of trad, sport, boulders, and even alpine routes, you could spend years there and still find surprises. Try Bowling for Buicks, a 5.12a sport route, or the iconic Sparerib, 5.8, a two-pitch trad climb that concludes with a set of double cracks running all the way to the top.

Outside the obvious, there are plenty of gems, some more hidden than others. Wolverine Bowl on the backside of the Bridger Mountains is more secluded than other crags around Bozeman—partly due to the 30-minute drive and hour-long approach—but it features some of the best limestone sport climbing in the area. If you go even further out of town, you can explore the Pipestone area’s practically limitless boulders, most of them undeveloped, or Natural Bridge’s profusion of steep, limestone sport routes, where new climbs go up every year.

Etiquette
It’s always important to be conscious of your impact on other people and the landscape, and climbing is no exception. Basically, just be respectful and remember that the world doesn’t revolve around you. If that sounds too complicated, here are some helpful pointers.

Don’t crowd on the crag. If someone else is on a route, pick a different one and patiently wait your turn instead of breathing down their necks—even if you’ve been waiting all week for a crack at it. Also, don’t hog a route once you’re on one. If it’s a popular climb in the area, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to have a go.

Don’t be a distraction. That means leave your dog at home if she’s going to bother other climbers (or other climbers’ dogs) and keep volume at a reasonable level by not spraying beta or playing loud music, unless you’re 100% certain that everyone else will enjoy listening to a 17-minute Grateful Dead song as much as you do.

Clean up after yourself. Pack out all your gear, check for trash when you leave, and, for the love of all things holy, dispose of excrement—yours or your dog’s—properly by digging a hole or packing it out

Activities

Tie One On

by Eli Fournier

Back to the basics.

No matter your occupation or preferred activities, there are a handful of knots that every Montana outdoorsperson should know—knots that are useful in all kinds of situations, whether paddling the rivers, camping in the mountains, or moving your mattress to the fifth rental house in two years. Learn the following four knots, and you’ll be all set.

Bowline knot

Bowline
The bowline might be the most versatile knot ever invented. It’s used to tie a loop on the free end of a rope. However, that loop can be strung around something while crafting the knot—say, a tree branch to tie off a boat, a food bag to construct a bear-hang, or a car frame to attach a tow rope. Thanks to the mechanics of the knot, the rope will break before it ever pulls lose. Yet to undo it, just “pop” the shoulder of the knot and pull it apart with ease.

Double figure-eight knot

Double Figure-Eight
The double figure-eight is a climber’s bread and butter. It’s used to connect the harness to the rope—a pretty dang important connection point. Fortunately, it’s simple to tie. Once you’ve made the initial loop and strung the rope through the harness, just be sure to retrace it exactly the same way. Have a friend check your work. Like the bowline, the double figure-eight can be used to create a temporary loop at the end of any rope or cord—but it’s more streamlined, so lends itself to attaching a carabiner, among a myriad of other applications.

Trucker’s hitch knot

Trucker’s Hitch
Even if you don’t have a truck, you’re gonna use the trucker’s hitch at some point to lash something to your vehicle—after all, you’re in Montana now. This dead-easy knot makes an adjustable loop (called a “hitch” in knot lingo), so it can be cinched down tight to secure a load. It’s commonly used to lash a canoe to the top of a car or tighten up the guy-out ropes of a tent.

Blood knot

Blood Knot
Aside from the clinch knot, the blood knot is the most common fly-fishing knot. It’s used to connect two pieces of tippet, or tippet and leader. But you ask: Doesn’t the double surgeon’s do that? Yes, but that knot is best when joining lines of similar diameter. A blood knot can easily connect lines of different sizes, making it far more versatile (not to mention stronger). It’s a streamlined, elegant knot that takes some practice to master, but you’ll never tie another surgeon’s again.

Around the Bozone, Preparation

Balanced Learning

by Thomas Austin

Finding the sweet spot between pain and gain.

Before I moved to Bozeman, I thought I had a solid foundation in most of the area’s popular outdoor sports. In high school I skied a handful of days each season, mountain biked occasionally, had a few trail runs under my belt, and backpacked at least once a year. But once I moved and started making more outdoorsy friends, I realized I was still a novice at all these activities. Sure, I could hold my own on a trout stream, but rock walls, dirt trails, and ski slopes were another story.

Keeping up with the cadre of crushers I kept as friends required quick learning. No matter the activity—mountain biking, whitewater paddling, or backcountry skiing—I relied on the same simple process. I’d spend as much time as possible practicing, and I jumped at every opportunity to leave my comfort zone. In time, I discovered that a balance between the two—getting reps at the upper threshold of one’s ability and also participating in nerve-shattering group outings—was the best method for dramatically improving performance.

The most effective way to develop any skill is to learn from those more skilled than oneself, and the best mentors are folks who’ve put in countless hours mastering their craft and have developed a vast repertoire of knowledge they’re willing to share.

Stepping out of our comfort zone forces us to expand the scope of terrain that we’re comfortable in and push the boundaries of our ability.

If you’re looking to get into an activity, find a knowledgeable friend and ask to tag along on an outings. Study what she does, how she does it, and try to replicate it. Ask every question that comes to mind, and don’t settle for answers you don’t understand. Take this time to identify what you need help with the most.

Input from a knowledgeable peer can make the difference between fruitless struggle and rapid improvement. We’re all capable of more than we think, and sometimes we just need a hard-charging friend to push us further than we thought possible. Stepping out of our comfort zone forces us to expand the scope of terrain that we’re comfortable in and push the boundaries of our ability.

That said, it’s frustrating as hell to always being the weak link. Spending all your time trying to keep up isn’t fun, and practicing solo—without the fear of slowing down the group or looking like a noob—provides the opportunity to relax and go at your own pace. Recreating on manageable terrain allows you to hone your technique and try new things. You’ll struggle at first, but if you stick with it, you’ll soon familiarize yourself with your strengths and weaknesses, develop your own style, and gain confidence in your approach. Breakthroughs in performance are the result of countless hours of practice.

As a beginner, it’s tempting to be overly critical, but negativity can create frustration. Being great right away isn’t normal, and progress wouldn’t be rewarding if it were. Good things take time.

Remember to acknowledge the limitations of your abilities even as your skills sharpen. Understanding your comfort zone is critical. Even if your ultimate goal is rapid improvement, carve out some time to take it slow. Eventually you’ll find the balance that works for you. For me, an even split between pushing myself and taking it easy yields the best results.

Lastly, make sure to keep your inner dialogue positive. As a beginner, it’s tempting to be overly critical, but negativity can create frustration. Being great right away isn’t normal, and progress wouldn’t be rewarding if it were. Good things take time. Embrace your mistakes, pick yourself up when you fall, remind yourself why you started in the first place, and remember that improvement requires pushing the envelope.

Finally, take comfort in knowing that learning never ends. There’s always room for improvement, and that’s the best part. The reward lies in the pursuit of perfection, not the realization of it. If you buy in and embrace the grind, your efforts will be rewarded. Take your time and strive for greatness. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be the one mentoring the next generation of mountain phenoms.

Around the Bozone

Jackass Citation

by the editors

Calling ‘em like you seem ‘em.

Montana has a special charm, and not just because it’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Generally speaking, Montanans are kind and considerate—something that’s increasingly rare in today’s social climate. Folks around here look out for their neighbors and tend to possess the self-awareness necessary to not overstep or infringe on each other’s ability to reasonably enjoy themselves. But every so often, someone comes along who doesn’t seem to understand, or just doesn’t care to follow, our particular social norms—those time-honored traditions that have safeguarded a careful balance of shared use and impact on those around us.

We’re not talking about people showing up at your favorite fishing hole (unless they high-holed you, of course). Nope, we’re talking about those inconsiderate a-holes who blast music or leave dog-poop baggies on the trail, take up multiple parking spots at busy trailheads, and dust you out on dirt roads, among other signs of staggering self-absorption. Actions like these demonstrate a level of rudeness and blatant disregard for others’ experiences in shared spaces that we just can’t abide.

 

But every so often, someone comes along who doesn’t seem to understand, or just doesn’t care to follow, our particular social norms—those time-honored traditions that have safeguarded a careful balance of shared use and impact on those around us.

In search of the right response for these infuriating instances—something between a passive-aggressive stare and slashing their tires—we came up with the Jackass Citation: a customizable, catch-all admonishment for all the arrogant imbeciles you may be unlucky enough to run into. Other transgressions include, but are not limited to: littering; not quenching campfires; being boisterous in tranquil backcountry spots; not digging a cathole and/or leaving toilet paper in the woods; not honoring hoot-owl restrictions, and letting their untrained, overpriced mutts steal your food or jump on you.

While some of these violations may warrant more “legitimate” ramifications, an impromptu citation will at least (hopefully) make ’em realize their wrongdoings and possibly prevent future infractions. If nothing else, it’s just plain old cathartic to call out their BS.

If nothing else, it’s just plain old cathartic to call out their BS.

Feel free to leave the citation on a windshield—or better yet, just walk up and hand it to the perpetrator. Just remember that the rebuke should fit the crime. Use discretion, circle the appropriate epithet and punishment—and don’t overdo it, lest you become the jackass.

Good citing, good citizens of the Bozone!

For additional copies, email [email protected], stop by the O/B office on Mendenhall, or pick up another Blue Light.

Around the Bozone

Outdoor Après

by Tim Cawdrey

Finding the best local booze and bites.

There are a couple of sayings I hear often about Montana neighbors: “They’ll give you space, but not distance.” or, “You may not see them for weeks, but they’re there when you need them.” This rings true not only for the folks next door, but for our neighboring towns and the bars, distilleries, and breweries they contain. No matter where you end up after an exhausting day, there’ll always be a barstool and a bartender waiting for you. Here are a few personal favorites from some recreational hotspots across southwest Montana. Just be sure to drink plenty of beer and leave a good tip.

No matter where you end up after an exhausting day, there’ll always be a barstool and a bartender waiting for you.

Cordoned-off access wise by the Gallatin Range is the fishing mecca of Montana: Ennis. Once you’ve floated, fished, biked, or toured to your heart’s content, go quench your thirst with a pint from Burnt Tree Brewing. Lookin’ for something harder? Check out The Gravel Bar or Willie’s Distillery. If you get too tuned-up to drive, don’t sweat. Just call Tony and book a room at the Lure Me Inn right down the road. For a one-stop shop, check out the Sportsman’s Lodge—where cold beer, tasty food, and warm beds await.

On the other side of the mountains is Gallatin Canyon—a renowned playground for rock climbers, elk hunters, and river rats alike. If New York style pizza, sub sandwiches, and a full bar on your way home then don’t miss The Buck in Four Corners. If you’re on the southern end of the canyon, head over to Riverhouse BBQ—their seven-dollar chicken meal can’t be beat.

Even if you can’t catch a fish in Park County, rest assured knowing you can always catch a buzz. If you just got back from backpacking the Absarokas or floating the ‘Stone, there’s no better place to refuel than Follow Yer Nose BBQ. Alternatively, you can saddle up to the bar at The Attic or rest your tired bones in a booth at The Owl.

There are plenty of fine establishments back home in Bozeman for the thirsty recreator, and you don’t have to look far to find ‘em, either. For some cheap, laid-back drinks, check out the College Street Taproom, or head two doors down for pizza & pitchers at Columbo’s. If hops aren’t your thing, then don’t miss out on the fine offerings at Lockhorn Cider or Valhalla Meadery. For a smooth-sippin’ cocktail to remember, hit up one of town’s two distilleries, Bozeman Spirits or or Wildrye.

Quite a selection, eh? Make it a quest to visit them all, the same way you tick off the area’s outdoor offerings. Just remember, when you do belly up, drink lots and tip well.

Around the Bozone, Trailhead

Blast from the Past

by Jamie Rankin

Revisiting living history.

Out here in southwest Montana, history isn’t just something we read about—it’s something we live amongst. Whether you’re casting a line in the Missouri or trail running in the Expedition 12k, there’s always a story to be told. All it takes to find out is slow down, look around, and listen up.

Missouri Headwaters State Park
30 minutes northwest of Bozeman sits the town of Three Forks—the site where the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson rivers braid together to form the Missouri. In July of 1805, the Lewis & Clark Expedition stood at this intersection, uncertain of which fork would take them toward the Columbia. They ultimately opted for the Jefferson, and Lewis & Clark named each river after a political figure: President Thomas Jefferson; Secretary of State James Madison; and the Secretary of the Treasury, Albert Gallatin. Centuries before the Corps of Discovery’s Expedition, Indigenous peoples, including Shoshone and Flathead bands, traditionally used the river corridors, hunting grounds, and gathering areas in and around this landmark.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Just west of Three Forks, the mountains open—not skyward, but underground—into the limestone labyrinth of Lewis & Clark Caverns. However, neither of the explorers for which the cave system is named ever saw the caverns. Rather, they were discovered in the 1890s by deer hunters who spotted steam rising from a mountainside vent. The discovery of caves captivated the attention of curious locals. The Civilian Conservation Corps took up residence at Camp Cavern in the 1930s, transforming the wild underground into a walkable wonderland. They blasted the tunnel, wired in lights, and constructed a 3.2-mile access road that winds like a ribbon to the cave’s mouth. You can still trace the CCC’s handiwork in every stone wall, carved stair, and lantern-lit chamber. When the caverns—Montana’s first state park—officially opened in 1941, thousands showed up to celebrate the event.

The Civilian Conservation Corps took up residence at Camp Cavern in the 1930s, transforming the wild underground into a walkable wonderland.

Beaverhead Rock State Park
Visible from Highway 41 near Dillon, Beaverhead Rock rises strikingly from the valley floor. It is a striking limestone monolith shaped by nature. While it may appear to be just another rocky outcrop to the untrained eye, Beaverhead Rock was particularly significant to native peoples—especially Sacagawea. Having been kidnapped as a young girl by the Hidatsa, Sacagawea many years far from her home, her family, and her tribe, the Shoshone. When she spotted the formation (which is shaped like a beaver’s head) while accompanying the Corps of Discovery, she knew that she had finally come home.

While it may appear to be just another rocky outcrop to the untrained eye, Beaverhead Rock was particularly significant to native peoples—especially Sacagawea.

Madison Buffalo Jump State Park

For nearly 2,000 years, tribes including the Shoshone, Crow, Blackfeet, and Nez Perce choreographed epic hunts at the Madison Buffalo Jump, driving herds of bison off the cliffs in a ritual of survival and ingenuity. Young men—called “runners”—donned wolf, buffalo, or antelope skins and sprinted ahead of the stampede, guiding the animals over the edge. At the cliff’s base, bison bones and tipi ring impressions—marking where families once gathered to process meat, prepare hides, and live amongst the land—lie buried under years of dirt and sediment. Today, the site is a quiet, day-use park. A short interpretive trail leads you up to the rim of the bluff, offering sweeping views and informational displays.

Young men—called “runners”—donned wolf, buffalo, or antelope skins and sprinted ahead of the stampede, guiding the animals over the edge.

Alder Gulch & Virginia City
Virginia City—one of Montana’s first boomtowns—was founded in 1863, following the discovery of gold in Alder Gulch. The town quickly blossomed into a bustling mining hub, attracting thousands seeking fortune. At its peak, Virginia City boasted a population of 5,000, becoming the one of the Montana territory’s first social centers and transportation hubs. In 1865, Virginia City was named the territorial capitol of Montana. The town’s prosperity was fueled by the extraction of gold, with an estimated $30 million—roughly $595 million today—worth mined in the first three seasons alone. However, hydraulic mining and the following dredging operations in the early 20th century led to the destruction of several communities, including Nevada City, which was entirely eradicated by dredging.