Winter Wilderness Walks
Join us for our Seventh season of Winter Snowshoe Walks!
Winter is a great time to see our beautiful state in a new light.
The Montana Wilderness Association's Winter Wilderness Walks program has been getting folks out to play in the snow since 2004. This is a great way to meet new people, explore your surroundings and see wildlife in a different setting.
Volunteer leaders will take you on walks that are perfect for beginners to more challenging hikes to the top of mountain peaks. With so many choices this year, everyone can find a walk that suits their skill level. These walks are FREE and open to the public. Walk leaders will provide snowshoes if necessary.
This year the Winter Wilderness Walks Schedule is available as a PDF online. Each snowshoe walk description can also be found by date on our Events Calendar.
Walks By Number, Name and Date
EASTERN REGION
1. Prairie Winter Walkabout (Saturday, 1/16/2010)
2. Snowshoe the Beartooth Front (Saturday, 1/30/2010)
3. Beartooth Adventure (Saturday, 2/13/2010)
NORTHWEST REGION
4. East Fork Creek in the Scotchmans (Saturday, 1/9/2010)
5. Quarter Circle Bridge to Old Ranger Station (Saturday, 2/13/2009)
6. Big River Trail (Saturday, 2/20/2010)
7. Estes Lake (Sunday, 2/21/2010)
8. Moonlight over Blue Creek (Saturday, 2/27/2010)
9. Rescue Creek Trail (Saturday, 2/27/2010)
10. Stanton Lake Snowshoe (Sunday, 2/28/2010)
11. Devil Creek (Saturday, 2/6/2010)
NORTH CENTRAL AND ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT REGION
12. Kings Hill (Saturday, 1/9/2010)
13. Paine Gulch (Tuesday, 1/19/2010)
14. Blackleaf Canyon/Volcano Reef (Saturday, 1/30/2010)
15. Middle Fork of the Teton Adventure (Saturday, 2/6/2010)
16. Mizpah Bowls (Sunday, 2/7/2010)
17. Home Gulch (Saturday, 2/20/2010)
18. Lubec Lake (Sunday, 2/21/2010)
19. Moonlight Madness in the Southeast bowl of Mt. Lockhart (Saturday, 2/27/2010)
20. Sawmill Gulch (Saturday, 3/6/2010)
21. Lubec Ridge (Sunday, 3/7/2010)
22. Wagner Basin (Saturday, 3/13/2010)
23. Dog Gun Lake to Hardtrigger Ranch (Saturday, 3/20/2010)
24. Cottonwood Canyon- Big Snowy WSA (Saturday, 3/20/2010)
SOUTHWEST REGION
25. O?Brien Creek Trail—near Missoula (Saturday, 1/9/2010)
26. Lick Creek Loop—near Bozeman (Saturday, 1/9/2010)
27. History Rock to the Hyalite-Porcupine-Buffalo Horn WSA—near Bozeman (Saturday, 1/30/2010)
28. Mill Creek—near Ennis (Saturday, 2/6/2010)
29. Black Butte Snowshoe Tour—near Big Sky (Sunday, 2/7/2010)
30. Hyalite Reservoir—near Bozeman (Saturday, 2/13/2010)
31. Sawtooth Lake—near Dillon (Sunday, 2/21/2010)
32. Bridgers by Moonlight—near Bozeman (Saturday, 2/27/2010)
33. Humbug Spires Snowshoe Trek—near Divide (Saturday 3/13/2010)
CENTRAL REGION
34. Alice Creek Snowshoe (Saturday, 1/23/2010)
35. Charter Oak Mine (Saturday, 1/30/2010)
36. Foster Gulch Loop (Saturday, 2/6/2010)
37. A Sweetheart of a Walk—Stemple Pass (Saturday, 2/13/2010)
38. Willard Creek (Saturday, 2/10/2010)
39. Hellgate Canyon (Saturday, 2/27/2010)
40. Lazy Man Gulch/Ten Mile Environmental Trail (Saturday, 2/27/2010)
41. MacDonald Pass Adventure (Saturday, 3/6/2010)
42. Flesher Pass (Saturday, 3/13/2010)
43. Monture Creek (Saturday, 3/20/2010)
- Reservations are required and must be made directly with the Walk leader. Be sure to ask questions when you call so you are well informed and assured that the Walk matches your abilities.
- Carefully review the descriptions and make your selections of Walks based on your physical abilities, general state of health, hiking/snowshoeing experiences, and equipment.
- Children with adult guidance are welcome unless it is noted in the narrative that a hike is not suited for children.
- Each Walk has a size limit to guarantee a quiet experience, to protect fragile wildlands, and to comply with the guidelines of the managing land agency.
- All personal gear, food, and water are your responsibility. Please be sure you are properly equipped for abrupt weather changes with extra layers of clothing.
- No dogs are permitted, in fairness to fellow hikers and wildlife.
- Please leave all firearms at home.
- Be sure to plan adequate travel time so you are at the meeting place at the appointed hour.
- Don't be a "no show" at the trailhead after you have made your reservation. It leaves everyone waiting and worrying and denies someone else the chance to hike. If your plans change, you must notify the Walk leader as soon as possible.
The winter season can bring freezing temperatures, winter storms and avalanche danger. Be well prepared to start your winter adventure.
- Select proper fabrics and layer your clothing to help maintain a constant body temperature
- Bring plenty of food and water
- Carry the necessary emergency equipment
- Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return
- Recognize the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia
- Check the weather before you go
The Montana Wilderness Association assumes no liability for personal injury or loss of personal property on the Wilderness Walks program. Prior to your walk, please be advised that you will be asked to sign a waiver and release agreement.
There are no fees for the volunteer services of the walks leaders. Thank your walk leader; they are taking you on this adventure out of the goodness of their heart and their love of Montana wilderness.
If you would like to become a member of the Montana Wilderness Association, and automatically receive our Wilderness Walks booklet, a quarterly newsletter, and other special mailings, you can sign up online or contact Montana Wilderness Association's state office in Helena at 406-443-7350.
We look forward to seeing you on a snowshoe hike!