Snowshoeing in style

Montana winters bring many joyful activities to the table. Skiing and snowboarding are perhaps the most popular activities many Bozemanites take part in, but snowshoeing is typically underrated. According to a study conducted by Tubbs Snowshoes, roughly 5.5 million people participated in a snowshoeing activity in the previous year with over 500 middle and high schools requiring snowshoeing as a part of the physical education curriculum nationwide. Snowshoeing is considered a high-energy activity with a study from the University of Vermont adding that snowshoers can burn 420-1000 calories per hour, twice the amount of calories one would burn when walking at the same speed. This is perhaps in part due to the added weight. Snowshoeing has also been proven to help with balance, endurance and coordination.

In the Bozeman area, there are many trails available for snowshoeing, ranging from beginner to experienced paths. The Highland Glen Loop is a great trail for those who are interested in trying snowshoeing or would like to take a shorter trek. The 1.8 mile loop starts from the Painted Hills parking area and is moderately trafficked, and dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash. This is a separate trail from the Highland Glen Nature Preserve Loop, which is a four mile out and back loop also considered “easy” by Alltrails.com. For a more moderate snowshoe adventure, folks can check out Blackmore Lake Trail and Lick Creek Loop. The Blackmore Lake trail is roughly 4.3 miles. It is very heavily trafficked and dog friendly as long as the dog remains on a leash. Lick Creek is a 4.7 mile loop that is moderately trafficked and also used as a cross-country ski trail. Sypes Canyon is also ranked moderate according to Alltrails.com and is roughly 6.2 miles. The longer trails are for the more experienced snowshoers, such as Baldy Peak Summit coming in at 9.6 miles long. Due to its difficulty, Baldy Peak is typically lightly trafficked with dogs allowed.

For those who are interested in purchasing or renting snowshoes, there are many shops in Bozeman with easy accessibility. Both Round House Ski and Sports Center and Chalet Sports on W. Main street offer snowshoe rentals. You can also rent show shoes from the Outdoor Recreation Program for only $7 for two days. Other places like REI, Play It Again Sports and East Slope Outdoors offer snowshoes as well. Snowshoeing offers great health benefits and those looking for some joyous winter activities another opportunity to experience Bozeman’s outdoors.