Angela Jamison is a native Montanan and she grew up in beautiful Bozeman. I'm the mother of two girls and write a blog about our life here and taking in the simple pleasures of family and food.
As the weather warms to unseasonable temperatures, so does everyone’s desire to get out and enjoy it. This was evident as my family approached the popular M trailhead this past Sunday and found cars overflowing from the parking lot onto the highway. I have become accustomed to having the trail to myself during my mid-week runs up the M so I thought for sure there was something going on to cause this many people. I soon found it was nothing other than the promise of a bluebird, near 60-degree day that brought the crowds. At the trailhead was a small table set up with a young man and a big sign reading “Trail Ambassador”. Interesting. But, I didn’t think too much of it. We made our way up the trail with what seemed like everyone else in Bozeman and had a nice time. The next day I was reading the newspaper and saw an article about this new Trail Ambassador program. It talked about the Gallatin Valley Land Trusts plan to educate people on the most popular hikes in the Gallatin Valley about trail etiquette, provide conditions and maps, and manage potential conflicts. That’s what got me…potential conflicts? Hiking for me has always been a peaceful, friendly experience. I was shocked to hear that is not always the case. It’s another sign of the ever growing population in Bozeman. More people means more personalities and potential for conflict. Everyone has their personal reasons for getting out in the mountains, the more of us there are the better our manners on the trail need to be. This led me to thinking about my own ideas of proper trail etiquette. I decided my Montana native status and the amount of hiking I do gives me enough expertise to write on the subject. That and the fact I’m a mom and teaching common courtesy is an everyday occurrence.
GREET YOUR FELLOW HIKERS
A simple smile or “good mornin” go a long way. I like the solitude of a hike and there’s nothing more I love than getting a trail all to myself. This is when I feel the most away from it all. Unfortunately as this beautiful town grows so do the amount of people in the mountains. If we are going to be on the same trail then at least acknowledge the person you are hiking by. I get that you might be on a hard core run, while the person you are passing is on a leisurely hike so stopping to chat isn’t what you are looking for. Just give a wave, a smile and keep on going. Or maybe you ventured out to sort out something difficult going on in your life, I always say hiking is my therapy. Still try to give a small smile, sometimes an interaction with a stranger can shift your perspective. Consider it bonus therapy.
PASS WITH CARE
We all hike at a different pace. Some race up the mountain, others have to stop often for water breaks. Some are elderly and take great care to not slip and some have kiddos with them who are barreling down the mountain as fast as their little legs can take them. If you are approaching someone and you know you are going to overcome them, make sure to pass swiftly while saying excuse me and don’t forget to say thank you if they move over for you. If you are the one getting passed…step to the side. It’s not a race up and if someone is approaching you, simply move over and let them go on by. Add a friendly “hello” and “enjoy your day”. It’s good hiking karma.
FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS
It’s Bozeman, so odds are every other person you meet on the trail is going to have a dog or three. I think dog etiquette is simple, yet it raises plenty of controversy around here. My take…if your pup isn’t always friendly keep them on a leash. If your dog is well behaved and takes voice commands let them run free, it makes them so happy. BUT, don’t assume everyone you meet loves dogs and wants your Fido to run up with a big sloppy kiss. Fear of dogs is very real to some, so keep them close to you as you encounter others. Once you pass they can run on their merry way again. As for picking up after your pet…if it’s on or near the trail do the right thing and pick up after your dog.
STAY ON THE TRAIL AND KEEP IT CLEAN
There’s a reason they ask you to stay on the trail. To stop erosion which can kill vegetation and ruin the trails that many work hard to develop. And, please, don’t litter. Nothing ruins the beauty of our mountains like trash on the trail. You know the saying…pack it in, pack it out. If you notice trash, help out and pick it up. We want these trails to be around for many generations to enjoy, we must handle them with care.
Almost all experiences I have had on the trail have been friendly. I hope this continues as we grow and the need for these trail ambassadors will be more to provide trail conditions and less to resolve conflicts. I believe the Gallatin Valley Land Trust is smart to initiate the program and their motto for it is something I say on a daily basis to my children…we’re all in this together. It works when there is an argument about whose turn it is to feed the dog as well as with hitting the trail. Be nice to each other and remember we truly are all in this together.