RED LODGE
Sunday, August 14, 2016 | H1
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INSIDE Fun Run
The 13th Annual Fun Run for Charities returns to Red Lodge on Saturday, September 3. Page 2
Labor Day Arts Fair
Hosted by the Carbon County Arts Guild, the annual fair brings together more than 90 artisans and fine craftsmen from across the region. Page 3
Upcoming Events
Red Lodge is host to exciting events year-round; read up on the upcoming events. Page 4
Explore Red Lodge is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette General Manager Dave Worstell Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Advertising Manager Shelli Scott Special Sections Coordinator Spencyr Schmaltz Content Editors Tara Cady Charli White Access Explore Red Lodge at www.billingsgazette.com/ specialsections
RED LODGE, MONTANA
A Mountain Town for All Seasons BY TARA CADY tcady@billingsgazette.com
Many equate this quaint town to a seasonal vacation hotspot, but locals know that there’s much more to it than that. Red Lodge oozes outdoor recreation—not just during the touristy months, but all year long. Interest surrounding nonevent-based recreational activities continues to grow. Lauren Larson, marketing coordinator at the Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce, puts it simply, “We have hundreds and hundreds of visitors that come through [for vacation] and ask about hikes.” As luscious greens and their mountainous backdrop evolve into bold shades of yellow and purple in the prairie and the peaks, the beauteous trails within Red Lodge’s backcountry beg to be traveled. This fall, fasten your pack and opt for the outdoors, where exhilarating experiences await.
Take a hike
The Beartooth Recreational Trails Association (BRTA) creates and maintains trails in the greater Red Lodge area in collaboration with the City of Red Lodge, the Chamber and the U.S. Forest Service. These paths range in difficulty, boasting local leisurely strolls as well as climbs with elevation gains in the hundreds and thousands of feet. Such grand athletic feats begin in the outskirts of town off of Highway 212 (The Beartooth Highway) and West Fork Road, challenging even the seasoned hiker. As for trails within city limits, the Airport Trail is accessible via 15th Street at McGil-
Red Lodge
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRTA
len Avenue, Highway 78 at the Rodeo Grounds entrance and White Avenue and Airport Road. Bicycle trails have recently been added to certain paths, including those east of Red Lodge High School, Coal Miners Park and Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition, the city’s new initiative, the Active Transportation Plan, is in its initial stages to make Red Lodge more pedestrian and bikefriendly. This fall, the Beartooth Billings Clinic begins construction of their Wellness Trail, Red Lodge’s newest unbeaten path. The Nichols Creek Trail is also in the works, adding to the Willow Creek Trail which connects Red Lodge Mountain and the Palisades Campground. Keep up-to-date on the details of your adventure by following BRTA online at beartoothtrails.org. Start your trek, it’s trail season.
Peak Your Interest Grant Barnard, vice president of the Beartooth Recreational Trails Association, outlines what makes these trails fantastic in the fall. “By mid-August, [Red Lodge] is much quieter,” he said. “It’s much easier to avoid crowds and parking problems.” Take advantage of the serenity that is Red Lodge as late-summer colors sweeten into autumn and try your hand (and muscles) at one of these local trails. What better day to celebrate the scenery than National Public Lands Day Sept. 24? Coal Miners Park Trail Trek at your leisure along the hillside east of Red Lodge High School, where loops have been added in response to a recent push for more bikefriendly trails for kids and novice mountain bikers. Face of the Mountain Trail This five-year-old trail features multiple options for the avid hiker. Don’t let the eight mile journey fool you – this trek crosses into Wyoming and requires a car at the other end if you dare to take the full hike. A hiking book highlights stop-offs along the way. Palisades Campground Trails From Highway 212 and West Fork Road you’ll reach the Palisades Campground. Multiple trailheads (e.g., Willow Creek Trail and Palisades Trail) Continued on Page 4
YOUR BASE CAMP FOR ADVENTURE
Fun Run 13 for charities
Benefitting 56 local charities RegisteR today FoR!
September 3, 2016 Red Lodge, Montana
“Giving lifelong sanctuary to non-releasable native Montana wildlife and sharing a message of conservation and education.”
10K & 5K Fun Run 5K & 2 Mile Fun Walk no ent ry fee. donations encouraged.
Where FUN benefits Everyone!
Our Goal is to Raise $250K for Charity
Summer Hours
Enjoy the summer with a special weekend adventure package. Choose from golf, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, or fishing.
To Book Your Getaway Call 406.446.1111 www.rockcreekresort.com M 1
Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
NocturNal life tour august 20th, 7pm - 9pm call ahead for discouNts.
406-446-1133
FROM BILLINGS TURN LEFT ON 2ND STREET IN RED LODGE. www.yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.org