Nearly every weekend my husband and I have the exact same conversation. It goes something like this:  
“Would you like to go for a hike?”  
“Sure. Where do you want to go?”
“I dunno. Where do you want to go?”  

And, hence ensues the countless hours of google searches, random map hunts, and running about the house looking for the guide book that has that one hike in it that we would do if we could just remember the name…...  

Fortunately, for most Bozemanites, it is not that hard to get outside. But, with 80 miles of trails within the city limits and hundreds more in the vicinity, sometimes the toughest part is just getting started. Here are some ideas for next time you find yourself suffering from our outdoor embarrassment of riches.

Just hike, you dummy!    
A great hike doesn’t have to mean bushwhacking through the backcountry. Bozeman’s Main Street to Mountains Trail System is used by hikers, bikers, commuters, runners, birdwatchers, dog walkers, and encompasses everything from the quiet, windy  Tuckerman Park to the grand vistas of Drinking Horse Mountain, the convenience of Peet’s Hill to the charming microenvirons of Cherry River.   

Still not sure where to go? Check out one of GVLT’s Discovery Walks. Whether you are new to town, new to the trails, or simply want to explore with some new friends, these one-hour, guided walks will help you discover the world right outside your back door. Discovery Walks are available at various times throughout the day and run from May through July. More information on GVLT’s Discovery Walks can be found at http://gvlt.org/events/discovery-walks/.

Get Involved!
The abundant trail and recreational opportunities in our region don’t come without a price. Every summer, land managers and trail crews struggle to keep up with the ever growing demands of weekend warriors, especially along some of the more popular hiking trails. This summer, why not do your part and build up a little sweat equity in the trail system by participating in a Volunteer Trail Project?

Each year, GVLT kicks off the summer season by celebrating National Trails Day with a community-work party. This year, we’ll be putting the finishing touches on the new Bozeman Pond Park, bringing to a close a multi-year effort to create a truly unique urban park on Bozeman’s rapidly growing west-side. Work starts at 9 on Saturday, June 4, and runs through lunch. No special skills or equipment are required, just your good-nature and love for the trails. GVLT will host additional weekend work parties on July 10 and August 14, location TBD. If you would like more information, or would like to schedule your own date with a group, email lucas@gvlt.org.

Take the Summer Trails Challenge
OK, so we all know that spending time in the wilderness reduces stress, makes for better sleeping, more creative thought, and increased attentiveness. If that isn’t enough, how about some cold, hard cash? Between National Trails Day on June 4, and the solstice on June 21, community members are encouraged to record how far they walk, hike, or bike on area trails, any trail.  Then, log onto www.gvlt.org/events/challenge.

For every mile, GVLT will receive $1 from the Trails Challenge Fund, supported by dozens of community businesses. Seriously. You earn $1 for GVLT just by walking a mile. It is that easy. Our goal is to reach 20,000 miles in just 17-days! Participants are invited to an ending celebration BBQ at the GVLT office on completion of the challenge at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, June 21.

So get out there! And, every time you see a trail totem, or Main Street to the Mountains sign, remember that Gallatin Valley Land Trust is working hard to protect open space, build trails, and strengthen the connection between our community and the incredible landscape that surrounds us. We’ll keep doing our part. Now you go do yours!   

Laura Prindiville lives and works in the beautiful Gallatin Valley.  She can be reached at GVLT at 406/487-8404, ext 1, or by email at laura@gvlt.org.