Educational Hikes and Workshops
Explore some of the most pressing issues facing the A-B Wilderness
We invite you to join us this summer on a series of interpretive hikes, often led by local experts and Atlas contributors, throughout the A-B. Hear from local geologists, botanists, mining experts, and wilderness activists, as well as explore a topic while hiking a relevant trail. Hikes are FREE, but you do need to sign up to reserve a spot. Check out the various hikes offered below!
2021 Educational Hikes and Workshops
| Hike Topic | Date | Location | Presenter | Hike Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botany and Plant ID | 6/6/2021 | North Fork Bear Creek, Gardiner | Heidi Anderson | 8 miles |
| Historic Mining Visit and Discussion | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Whitebark Pine Tree: Keystone Species | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Off-Trail Navigation | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Trail Baking | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Hike Descriptions and Sign-ups:
Botany and Plant Identification
Jun 6, 2021
Description: Join botanist and wetland ecologist Heidi Anderson as we explore up the North Fork of Bear Creek near Gardiner!
As we make our way about four miles up the trail, expect to identify plants, pull some weeds, and observe Balsamroot at its peak. During the 8 mile trip we will also catch some views of Ash, Monitor, and Sheep peaks.
Meeting time and location: 8AM at the North Fork Bear Creek trailhead.
Campground Programs in the A-B Wilderness
We will also be hosting evening programs in some of the Campgrounds around the A-B. Look for us in places such as Pine Creek (Livingston), Eagle Creek (Gardiner), Soda Butte (Cooke City), Beartooth or Island Lakes (WY), Greenough & Cascade (Red Lodge), Emerald Lake (W. Rosebud), & Woodbine (Nye) Stay tuned! We’ll bring a variety of topics to our programs and answer your questions about the area. Sign-ups are not necessary for these programs, but we will practice appropriate social distancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do before the trip?
- Review the meeting location and time
- Check road conditions and plan on arriving at least 15 minutes prior to the hike start time
- Check the weather forecast! Be prepared with appropriate equipment and clothing for predicted weather
- Make sure you understand the difficulty and length of the hike. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to us at [email protected]
- Be sure to check the weather a few days beforehand and a day before. Weather can change rapidly in the A-B! Be prepared with appropriate clothing (non-cotton layers)
- Hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes
- Hat for sun protection
- Enough water and snacks for yourself (we will not be providing any water or food)
- Daypack
- Rain gear
- Some folks prefer to use trekking poles for added stability along rugged terrain
Most hikes will begin at trailheads with pit toilets. Please make sure to use the restroom prior to the start of the hike. There will likely be no restrooms along the hike and we encourage participants to practice Leave No Trace principles.
Will the hike be cancelled if it rains?
We will still be hosting our hikes if it is raining. Please be prepared! However, if the weather conditions are too extreme, the staff will make the call to cancel the hike. Safety is our number one priority! Participants will be notified as soon as the decision is made.
How you can Volunteer: We know that many of you have expertise in diverse fields: geology, botany, archeology, etc. If you would like to help the ABWF lead a hike or present a campground talk, we’d love to involve you! Contact us: [email protected].
We’ll continue to roll out new hikes and opportunities throughout the spring and summer.