More Miles, More Trails

GVLT kicks off summer with the ninth annual Summer Trails Challenge.

The Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) has thrown down the gauntlet once again: they know we're trail fiends, and they're out to capitalize on our addiction. But in the best possible way—by challenging us to log miles for even more trails.

Since 1990, GVLT has collaborated with the City of Bozeman and dozens of public and private organizations to expand the Main Street to the Mountains trail system to nearly 100 miles. We use these trails every day, whether we're commuting to work or training for a marathon. They help make the Gallatin Valley a great place to live, and to celebrate trails and provide critical funds to build more, GVLT is hosting their annual Summer Trails Challenge.

Between National Trails Day on June 1 and June 27, community members are encouraged to record how far they walk, hike, bike, or roll on any area trail. Then, log your miles at gvlt.org/challenge. For every mile reported, GVLT will receive $1 from the Trails Challenge Community Match Pool, supported by dozens of community businesses. $1 for one mile—it's that easy. Last year, GVLT raised over $80,000. This year, they’ve set their most ambitious goal yet—90,000 miles for $90,000! Participants are invited to a celebration BBQ at the GVLT office on completion of the challenge at 4:30pm on Thursday, June 27.

You can log miles at any point during the challenge, and all area trails, including Hyalite and backcountry trails, are fair game. Track to the best of your ability—this is an honor system. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the challenge for those who log the most miles, as well as several other categories.

So, are you up to the challenge?

For more information on GVLT’s Summer Trails Challenge, call 587-8404 or visit gvlt.org/challenge.