A MOVEMENT FOR BOZEMAN
Pay It Trailward
You may know the idea behind Pay It Forward: someone does something good for you, and instead of paying them back, you pass it along — so the good keeps moving. Pay It Trailward is our version of that idea…
Whether you’ve lived in the Gallatin Valley for 4 months or 40 years, you’re here because you love the outdoors. And trails are what connect you to the places you love, and to the people you meet along the way.
When you join the Pay It Trailward movement, you’re not only showing your support for the trails you use and love every day, but also supporting the trails still to come. The connections that don't exist yet. The land that's up for grabs. The routes that could tie a neighborhood to a school, or a school to a trailhead, and, perhaps most importantly, humans to other humans.
Our community is a special place. Let’s keep us enjoying time outside, together — Pay It Trailward.
Join the Movement
Join 10,000+ Fellow Trail Champions
Be the first to know about new trail miles, land conservation wins, and the projects your support makes possible. No donation required – just stay in the loop.
Get Trail Updates
Our Vision: A Trail for Everyone
IN 30 YEARS, EVERY PERSON IN THE GREATER BOZEMAN AREA WILL LIVE WITHIN A 10-MINUTE WALK OF A SAFE, CONNECTED TRAIL SYSTEM.
Trails are more than just dirt and gravel — they are critical infrastructure. They are essential to our physical well-being, our mental health, and our community’s social fabric. Trails should be inclusive and equitable, free of charge, and accessible to everyone in our growing community. This inspires our ambitious long-term goals.
We are creating critical connections that tie our neighborhoods, schools, and parks together, ensuring immersive experiences in nature are never out of reach.
Feature: Peets Hill
Originally named for John Peets who was a dairy farmer on this land, it was platted for 612 homes in 1892 when Bozeman was trying to demonstrate the urban density and sophistication worthy of a state capital.
Today it’s called Burke Park, and in fact it was GVLT’s first community trails project back in 1993. More recently, GVLT partnered with the City of Bozeman, and along with the support of 700 individual donors, we were able to purchase an additional 12 acres at the south end of the park, providing even more open space and trails for the community. When neighbors connect and children explore on Peets Hill, you’re seeing community trails at work. We hope you’ll feel that sense of connection the next time you’re on the trail.
Know someone who loves these trails?
Share the movement.
Haven’t Joined Yet? GET trail updates
Other Ways to Pay It Trailward
You don't need to do anything big to start:
Give what you can. Even a $5 gift helps build new trails for future adventures.
Take a favorite trail and invite someone new to experience it with you.
Challenge yourself to spend 30 minutes in nature several times this week without looking at your phone.
Tell a friend how you’re Paying It Trailward and encourage them to join you.
Look for Pay It Trailward markers across the trail network this fall. Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram!
Unlock $500 Today!
There’s never been a better time to become a Gallaguardian. A generous supporter is ready to amplify your impact:
• Become a new monthly donor and unlock a one-time $500 gift to GVLT
• Increase your current monthly gift and unlock a one-time $250 gift to GVLT
Gifts are unlocked regardless of your monthly donation amount.