On the Trail With Dayle: A Walk for Every Reason Under the Big Sky

South Cottonwood Trail

“To everything (Turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (Turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose under heaven."

–Pete Seeger, American songwriter, musician, singer, and social activist

Pete Seeger was equally well-known as an environmentalist and as a musician. When I began to think about a column on different types of Bozeman walks, the lyrics from Turn, Turn, Turn (via Ecclesiasties) kept playing in my brain. Walking has—for me at least—many different purposes.

 I do walk a lot—three to five miles a day—almost every day. Many of these miles are on Main Street to the Mountain trails, others are on Bozeman sidewalks, and some are on trails and/or sidewalks in other places. This weekend, for example, I am headed to Marin County, California, for a family visit. I have already checked with the Airbnb folks about walkable routes to grocery stores and local restaurants. And I’ve also been using my AllTrails app to plan hiking routes in the redwoods and along the ocean—locations not available in Montana!

As I go about my daily walks in and around Bozeman, I have realized that I have multiple—and sometimes quite different—reasons for walking and therefore different choices of routes, times of day, shoes, and clothing. So far, I have come up with eight categories for my usual walks. Obviously, many of my daily routes serve more than one purpose!

1. Mental Health Walk

   Research shows that walking, especially outdoors, is good for your mood. In the short term and over the long run, moving your body reduces depression, stabilizes mood swings, and increases feelings of self-worth. When I feel crabby or blue, I know that a walk on a quiet forested path will improve my mood. Think Tuckerman Park or Story Mill Nature Reserve.

2.  Cognitive Health Walk

   According to experts, walking boosts brain power by reducing stress, increasing blood flow, and growing your memory center. This translates into greater creativity, a lower risk of dementia, and improved communication between brain networks. I know that when I’m stuck on a writing project or a personal decision, any walk is the best way to move forward.

3.  Physical Health Walk

   This is probably the most obvious reason to take a hike. By now, most of us know that a regular walking routine improves blood sugar and blood pressure—and reduces the risk of most chronic diseases. If I’m taking a walk that is “good for me,” I choose a path where I can maintain a moderately quick pace for 30 to 45 minutes, like the Gallagator Trail.

4. Functional Fitness Walk

   As a senior, I am always concerned about balance, strength, and stability. I sometimes joke that one of my main goals every day is not to fall. Walking on uneven ground with a medium amount of weight in a backpack is a great way to stay steady on my feet. In good weather, I love walking to my gym along the Story Mill Spur to Bridger Drive.

5. Errand Walk

   Bank. Post Office. Co-op. Yoga. Doctor’s Office. Bookstore. Gym. Restaurants. Dentist. I lived in Bozeman for two years without a car, so I got used to going places on foot. I have probably walked most of the streets between Kagy and Oak at one time or another. With the current parking issues on downtown streets, I can often get places faster by walking than driving.

6. Dog Walk

   I do not experience these as often as I would like because I do not have a dog. However, I love loaner dogs and take my friends’ dogs on walks whenever I can. The choice of a trail depends on the dog’s level of fitness, ability to get along with other animals, and how much I trust them to come when I call. Often Peets Hill is the perfect place for doggie playtime.

7. Emotional Health Walk

   While I am quite happy walking long distances by myself, walking and talking with a friend is always a special treat. When you have issues that need another person’s perspective, a trail is an ideal place to connect. Any trail or sidewalk can do, but I prefer those where you can walk side by side, like most of those I have mentioned so far.

8. Joyful Walk

   For pure pleasure, I prefer more mountainous terrains—which often involves driving to a trailhead as a starting point. When I have the time, I head toward Drinking Horse, Sourdough Canyon, or South Cottonwood trails. Honestly, I felt a little surge of joy just now as I typed the names of these trails onto my laptop screen.

 With all these benefits and different ways to walk, it’s easy to see why I love living in Bozeman and why the Main Street to the Mountains trails are so important to me.