With the weather warming up, we got the chance to stretch our legs for the first time this spring, on the Blodgett Canyon trail near Hamilton.
This classic Bitterroot Valley hike parallels Blodgett Creek, steadily climbing first through forest burned in the wildfires of 2000 and then through boulder fields. The first three miles up to a bridge over the creek afford views of the rocky spires of Printz Ridge.
While the sun was shining and the temperature reached up into the 60s, there was still plenty of snow on the trail after the first couple of miles, and we created our fair share of postholes.
See the photos here.
Distance: 6 miles round trip, turning around at the bridge over Blodgett Creek. (Trail continues).
Trailhead: From U.S. Highway 93 just north of Hamilton, turn west onto Bowman Road. After about three-quarters of a mile, turn south on Ricketts Road and continue 1.7 miles. Here, the road turns west and becomes Blodgett Camp Road. Follow it about 4.25 miles to the trailhead.
