Wild Montana Winter Adventures open for registration

Press release

HELENA — Wild Montana’s eagerly anticipated Winter Adventures are now open for registration. Adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, public lands advocates, and families are invited to embark on a journey into the heart of Montana’s winter wonderland. From December through February, participants can choose from 32 free outings and educational experiences, all aimed at fostering a deeper connection with the state’s public lands and wild places.

Winter Adventures are free group outings led by volunteers. They combine education with wilderness experiences on public lands. This winter, participants can celebrate the New Year at a star party, learn winter survival skills, cross-country ski from Lolo Pass, snowshoe on the Continental Divide, experience the Middle Fork of the Judith River, and trek into Cowboy Heaven and the Pryor Mountains.

“Just like our flagship Wilderness Walks program, Winter Adventures are open to individuals of all ages and abilities,” Wild Montana Education Manager Sonny Mazzullo said. “Wild Montana is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who share a passion for the outdoors.”

The complete schedule is available at https://wildmontana.org/adventures . Winter Adventures are free to join, but registration is required. Winter Adventures are often led in partnership with supportive businesses and conservation partners. Registration opens for each Adventure one month before the event date.

WINTER ADVENTURES HOSTED BY THE WILD DIVIDE CHAPTER

Scratchgravel Hills Trek

Sunday, Dec. 10

Near Helena

3-4 miles

Moderate

The Scratchgravel Hills are a cherished asset in Helena’s rich public lands portfolio. A short drive from downtown Helena, the Scratchies are home to an abundance of multi-use trails with true Big Sky views. We’ll take a 3- to 4-mile stroll that connects two-track, gravel road, and single-track trails and showcases the wild Continental Divide west of town.

Trout Creek Canyon Snowshoe

Saturday, Jan. 6

Near Helena

6 miles

Moderate

A fun snowshoe into the heart of the rugged Big Belt Mountains. Participants will journey up Trout Creek Canyon, taking plenty of time to look at the 1,000-foot limestone spires and canyon walls.

Lincoln Prosperity Proposal Wildlife Tracking

Friday, Jan. 19

Near Lincoln

4 miles

Moderate

A snowshoe excursion high atop the scenic Continental Divide beginning at Flesher Pass. This area is prime wildlife habitat, and participants take time to investigate tracks we discover along the way. As they break to take in views across the Blackfoot Valley, Wild Montana’s federal legislative director and local field organizer will discuss how the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal will help keep the divide wild for generations to come.

From Pass to Pass: Snowshoeing the CDT around Lincoln

Sunday, Feb. 4

Near Helena

6 miles

Strenuous

Join the Continental Divide Trail Coalition for a wintery snowshoe from Rogers Pass heading south on the Continental Divide Trail toward Flesher Pass. Participants climb through a mixed conifer forest until we meet the ridge, and then we’ll follow the ridge above treeline and enjoy great views. After a couple of miles, they will take a break before returning to Rogers Pass.

Ski the Divide at Stemple Pass

Wednesday, Feb.. 14

Near Helena

5 miles

Moderate

Nordic skiing atop Stemple Pass is an experience as quintessentially Montana as huckleberry pie. This ungroomed ski across the windswept Continental Divide outside the Nevada Mountain is recommended wilderness. Participants will travel through old-growth forest and, if conditions are right, get views of the Scapegoat Wilderness and the Mission Mountains.

WINTER ADVENTURES HOSTED BY THE ISLAND RANGE CHAPTER

Paine Gulch Snowshoe

Thursday, Jan. 18

Near Monarch

6-8 miles

Strenuous

A snowshoe into Paine Gulch offers an excellent Little Belts experience. Participants will travel through weathered limestone canyons to an open meadow. From there, they will gaze up at the surrounding cliffs. If conditions and group vibes permit, they will gain a little extra elevation to get above the meadow for views of the surrounding peaks.

Crawford Creek Snowshoe

Sunday, Jan. 21

Near Neihart

5 miles

Moderate

The Crawford Creek Trail launches from the Belt Creek Ranger Station north of Neihart. Participants will snowshoe alongside the namesake creek, gradually gaining elevation and progressively more impressive views of the surrounding Little Belt Mountains.

Rocky Mountain Front Adventure: Jones Creek Snowshoe

Thursday, Feb. 1

Near Choteau

4 miles

Easy

This is a backcountry adventure along the Rocky Mountain Front. Participants will traverse up the Jones Creek drainage with their eyes toward the mountains inside the Bob Marshall Wilderness. This wild area is home to a variety of animals, including elk, moose, bobcats, lynx, and bears. The hope is to see some tracks as they wander in this winter wonderland.

Middle Fork Judith River Wilderness Study Area Snowshoe

Thursday, Feb. 22

Near Hobson

3 miles

Easy

Come snowshoe through the Middle Fork Judith River Wilderness Study Area, one of Montana’s wildest landscapes. Participants will stroll alongside the namesake river’s banks, pausing to gaze up at limestone cliff walls and spot deep caves that have formed over the geologic ages. This area is a wild winter wonderland, and organizers are excited to share it with participants.