Havre Trails holding Hole in the Wall, Mission Ridge hike

Release and staff

Havre Trails is heading to the Little Rockies Sunday for a hike encompassing Hole in the Wall and Mission Ridge in Mission Canyon just outside of Hays.

For this event, Havre Trails is partnering with Hays-Lodge Pole High School science teacher Rod Benson, who is offering the hike as a fundraiser for his archery program at Hays-Lodge Pole School. Cost is $10 per person and $15 per family. 

The hike will leave Hays-Lodge Pole High School parking lot at 10:30 a.m. — organizers recommend leaving Havre at 9 a.m. to meet this start time. The school can be found from Montana Highway 66 by turning onto the main road to Hays. After 1 mile, turn left onto Lodge Pole Cut Across Road and drive a half-mile to the school.

An RSVP is required for this hike at https://forms.gle/TCCrMkWStRsfJPvF6 .

The hike is 4.8 miles in total with unique rock formations like Hole in the Wall, as well as a scenic overlook of the Little Rockies. The 3-4 mile hike is moderately difficult with some steep areas and loose rock. Organizers recommend wearing pants, sturdy boots and sun protection, and bringing water, snacks and lunch, as well as a full tank of gas. No dogs will be allowed on the hike.

For a glimpse of the scenery, Benson has photos online at https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqN7J75GGv and https://www.relive.cc/view/vJOKZ3NMx5v .

Return time to Havre from the scheduled hike is estimated at 4 p.m., but an optional, very difficult, 30-minute hike up Mission Peak will be offered. It includes a 3-mile drive to a separate trailhead. Also, for those who have extra time after the hike, the Slippery Ann Wildlife Viewing area, where hundreds of elk congregate each fall, is only a 30-minute drive further south.

For more information on this hike and Havre Trails, contact Lindsey Bennett at 406-344-2991.