First Havre Trails hike of the year set for May 5

Press release

For the group’s first hike of 2024, Havre Trails is partnering with Hays-Lodge Pole High School science teacher Rod Benson to offer a hike to Hole in the Wall and Mission Ridge in Mission Canyon just outside of Hays Sunday, May 5.

The guided hike on Fort Belknap Indian Reservation is a fundraiser for Benson’s archery program at Hays-Lodge Pole School. The cost to join the hike is $10 per person or $15 per family, with proceeds being donated to the youth program.

An RSVP is required join the hike. The form can be found and filled out online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScl6O0c-BWESDeWmvRR1Ci0bmEvtxHpQJ9uoqLPRk78iRS9ew/viewform .

The 4.8 mile trail will take participants past unique rock formations and a scenic overlook onto the Little Rockies. The trail leads up through the Hole in the Wall, to the canyon overlook, then to Mission Ridge, over a total of about three to four hours, with moderate difficulty including some steep areas and loose rock. This hike is not recommended for children.

For a glimpse of the scenery, people can view Benson’s photos at https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqN7J75GGv and https://www.relive.cc/view/vJOKZ3NMx5v.

After the scheduled hike, participants can join Benson for a hike up Mission Peak, which includes a 3-mile drive to a separate trailhead. This trail will take participants on a 90 minute hike that is rated very difficult.

The estimated driving time from Havre will require participants to leave Havre at 9 a.m. and travel to Hays where everyone will meet at Hays-Lodge Pole High School parking lot at 10:30 a.m. To find the school, people need to follow signs from Montana Highway 66 into Hays. After a mile, turn left onto Lodge Pole Cut Across Road. The high school is 1/2 mile further. Participants can expect to return to Havre at about 4 p.m.

Organizers have said that no dogs are allowed on the hike and recommend that hikers wear pants rather than shorts, sturdy boots, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, and that hikers bring water, snacks and a lunch — enough food for seven to eight hours. They also remind participants to start the day full tank of gas in their vehicle.

For further information about the hike and other Havre Trails events, contact Lindsey Bennett, 406-344-2991.