Trail Well Traveled – 3/17

Welcome to the Trail Well Traveled!

Each Friday, in partnership with Montana Wilderness Association we will feature a new western Montana trail and then give one lucky listener some cool goodies to help them embark on their journey!

Kirk Hill

An easy trail that’s short but fun, with many ways to go!

Roundtrip: 1.7 miles

Directions: From Missoula, head east on I-90 to Bozeman. Take Exit 305 and head south on N. 19th St. Continue all the way south of town to the Kirk Hill stables, near where S. 19th starts to curve to the right. The trail head is clearly marked.

What to expect: After starting out in a marshy meadow (with a couple foot bridges), the trail climbs the steep forested hill with several short switchbacks.  The middle section of the trail passes through an aspen grove. Enjoy nice views of the Gallatin Valley as you climb, and at the turn-around point there is a panoramic overlook where you can view the distant farms and mountains.

Although it is a fairly short trail, there are several loops and you can take one – or combine two or more to extend the journey!

Benches along the trail path are perfect places to take in a picnic or a conversation, and maps are posted at each junction.

Tip: If you go in fall or winter be prepared for potentially chilly wind at the overlook. Also, Yaktrax or another form of ice-grabbing footwear might be helpful on some of the icy switchbacks.

Learn more about this trail, file your own trip report and photos, or check out some other great hikes at hikewildmontana.org.

And don’t forget to tune in to the Trail 103.3 each Friday at 9:50 am for the next featured trail and your chance to win!

#KirkHill #trail #hikewildmtorg #Trail1033 #montanawildernessassociation #Bozeman #trailwelltraveled