Happy Summer! We’re currently running our annual Trailblazer challenge as part of the MUS Wellness Incentive program, and I’ve been enjoying all the awesome posts of your adventures in our beautiful state, so I thought I’d share one of mine. The objective of the trailblazer challenge is to go seek out some unexplored territory (for you), or revisit a trail you haven’t been to in a while.
Last weekend, I was able to check a box off my personal tic-list. Although I’m coming up on my 8-year anniversary with Montana, I’ve never hiked in the Crazy Mountains, yet have always wanted to. Every time I ski Bridger Bowl I look east to the Crazies and say, “I really need to get over there and hike this summer.” Now I can finally say that I have and they did not disappoint!
I began on Big Timber Creek Trail, which begins at the Halfmoon Campground on the east side of the Crazies. Big Timber Creek was raging, and thus provided an idyllic hiking experience for the first three miles. After crossing the creek for the final time, I ascended into the alpine environment beneath Crazy Peak, which featured several lakes, including my first destination of Blue Lake. After a mid-morning snack at Blue Lake, I packed up to the Crazy Peak west ridge-line, which provided stunning panoramas of the entire range.
Enjoy the pics, and best wishes for all your Montana adventures this summer. You can share your highlights using the #406summer tag on our Limeade Feed. Also, as I mentioned before, there is already a great collection up on the Feed featuring wildlife, wildflowers, incredible Montana scenery, your gardens, and general summer fun.
Keep blazing new trails!
Neal
Big Timber Creek Falls Big Timber Creek Blue Lake Ascending above Blue Lake Glacial Tarn Having a blast above Pear Lake Crazy Peak