Snow Hike

There is nothing more inspiring than mountains covered in snow, the frozen dust glistening in the sun, and an endless blue Montana sky.

Today I braved the frigid 16 degrees to go on a snow hike.  I'll be honest, compared to the -40 below temps less than two weeks ago, 16 degrees is a heat wave.  Early morning snow flurries cleared to a pristine Big blue Montana sky.  Over the past twenty-four hours the heart of Bozeman has received around three inches of fresh snow.

Wearing waterproof hiking boots and multiple layers, I hiked behind the Bozeman Public Library, up Peet's Hill - sled capitol of Bozeman, atop what I refer to as 'The Ridge.'  This trail follows a high bluff offering amazing views of the entire Gallatin Valley - including majestic views of the Bridger's, Gallatin, Madison, Spanish Peaks and even the fade wandering of the Tobacco Root Mountains.

The fresh fallen snow created a picturesque winter scene.  I love how the snow glimmers like jewels in the sun.  This is the jewel of the region, the treasure of skiers, and the water that fuels the dry summers on this rugged prairie-Mountain ecosystem. 

The snow crunches beneath your feet, at times you plomp along feeling like the weight of a dragon, other times gracefully sliding on the slippery surface.

The trees tall, communing with the sky, are living Christmas trees - evergreens that rise over thirty feet, their needles dusted with snow, so perfectly placed it almost doesn't look real.  The air is filled with the aroma of the oxygen life giving breath of the trees, invigorating the crisp air.

I climb up the hill, crunching along, taking time with each step to enjoy the view.  Atop the ridge I plod onwards through the snow for another mile before detouring towards the hospital trail.  The snow is deeper on this leg of ground.  At times all you see is vast plains of snow and crystal blue sky.  Several brave souls are skiing - cross country style. 

Snow hiking is silent, peaceful and brings life to winter.  If summer is love's song, then winter is a period of waiting that makes us embrace life, able to see beauty in the starkest and coldest of places.

If you are interested in snow hiking - you must get a tall set of waterproof hiking/snow boots, warm socks...wear waterproof pants as jeans get cold when wet.  Bring lots of layers.  Keep your camera and cell phone in a waterproof compartment.  Take time to enjoy the winter symphony around you!