The Mountain Belles have done SO MANY fun events: archery, shooting, birding clinic, cross country skiing, "snow-ga," stand-up paddle boarding, white water rafting, Leave No Trace clinic, ski conditioning clinic, yoga, aerial arts, cross fit training, water safety clinic, bear aware clinic, trap release clinic, climbing, fly-fishing, wilderness first aid, and many more! Check out some of our recent events below, most recent is first. Each album has lots of photos. Scroll through!
Yellowstone Hike to Bunsen Peak & Hot Springs Soak!
Saturday, October 3
A small group of Belles took a hike to Bunsen Peak Fall Hike, YNP, stopping for lunch at Mammoth and then a relaxing soak at Yellowstone Hot Springs in Gardiner. Thank you to Yellowstone Hot Springs for making our soak a special treat!
Spanish Lakes 3 Night Backpacking Trip
Labor Day Weekend -- Friday, Sept 4 thru Monday, Sept 7
Labor Day Weekend a group of 11 intrepid Mountain Belles ventured into the Custer-Gallatin National Forest to try their skills at backpacking for three nights! What a grand time we had testing our limits! NOLS Wilderness Medicine instructor and Mountain Belles sponsor Lena Conlan of Crossing Latitudes led the way and ensured a safe and exhilarating adventure!
A NIGHT OUT: Mountain Belles CAMPING 101!
Friday, August 14, 6 pm, to Saturday August 15, about 10 am
Just say YES! These ladies did and were rewarded with a fun night out in the wild! A step up from learning to pack a backpack, these women learned how to pitch a tent and survive a night in the wild!! :) Mountain Belles sponsor Lena Conlan with Crossing Latitudes, a NOLS wilderness medicine instructor, led the charge with her vast knowledge and endless entertainment!
Mountain Belles White Water Rafting with Montana White Water in Big Sky!
Classic Whitewater/More Challenging
Always a fun time with our Mountain Belles sponsor Montana WhiteWater! A buncha Belles showed up on a hot Montana summer day to ride the rapids through the gorgeous canyons of the Gallatin River! There's never a dull moment and always lots of smiles on this yearly event!
Mountain Belles Madison River Float Trip!
Saturday, July 11 (weather & water flow dependent), 9 am to 3 pm
A gorgeous day for the MADISON RIVER FLOAT! A small group of Belles got it in early and had the river all to themselves. They saw lots of birds and a deer crossing the river ♡
How to Use Our Camping Gear: An introduction to backpacking!
Wednesday, July 8, 6 to 8 pm
Basically this evening was all about Camping Gear! Sponsor Lena Conlan of Crossing Latitudes led a fun evening at Bozeman Beach under the pavilion on how to pitch your tent, what to look for in a sleeping bag, how to pack your backpack, how to light a campstove, and answered questions about people's gear! Now everyone's ready to backpacking (check out upcoming events!) YAY!
Virtual Adventure Share!
Tuesday, May 26, 6:30 pm
Online
WHY: Because we can't GO on adventures right now, but we can SHARE great stories!
WHERE: In your most comfy chair in your living room!
WHO: Mountain Belles members share pictures & experiences virtually via ZOOM
We had a fun evening meeting together on ZOOM to share stories about Lena Conlan's life as an adventure guide (amazing pictures from all over the world!), Susan MacCall's Ironman Training experdiences and tips, Paula Power's New Zealand trek, and Karen Walton shared about Mountain Belles past adventures.
While meeting online isn't the same as getting together in person, we all felt like we went on a virtual adventure! Yay!
WHERE: In your most comfy chair in your living room!
WHO: Mountain Belles members share pictures & experiences virtually via ZOOM
We had a fun evening meeting together on ZOOM to share stories about Lena Conlan's life as an adventure guide (amazing pictures from all over the world!), Susan MacCall's Ironman Training experdiences and tips, Paula Power's New Zealand trek, and Karen Walton shared about Mountain Belles past adventures.
While meeting online isn't the same as getting together in person, we all felt like we went on a virtual adventure! Yay!
Virtual Bear Awareness Clinic
with Danielle Oyler of Montana Bear Education Working Group
May 7, 6 pm
Online
WHY: Because BEARS!
WHERE: In your most comfy chair in your living room!
WHO: Danielle Oyler of Montana Bear Education Working Group
While everyone was staying healthy during CoVid isolation we brought our favorite bear educator into our living rooms via ZOOM! Danielle Oyler of Montana Bear Education Working Group shared expertise about bear behavior and bear safety and answered questions from Mountain Belle members and friends. The Montana Bear Education Working Group is a collection of federal and state agencies and non-profit organizations that have common interests in reducing bear-human conflicts, increasing social tolerance for bears, and promoting the understanding of bears and their biology.
WHERE: In your most comfy chair in your living room!
WHO: Danielle Oyler of Montana Bear Education Working Group
While everyone was staying healthy during CoVid isolation we brought our favorite bear educator into our living rooms via ZOOM! Danielle Oyler of Montana Bear Education Working Group shared expertise about bear behavior and bear safety and answered questions from Mountain Belle members and friends. The Montana Bear Education Working Group is a collection of federal and state agencies and non-profit organizations that have common interests in reducing bear-human conflicts, increasing social tolerance for bears, and promoting the understanding of bears and their biology.
Big Creek Cabin Winter Weekend
Friday, Feb. 7 through Sunday, Feb. 9
We had a weekend of fun at Big Creek Cabin during this popular yearly event! With eight Belles spending Friday night and three more joining on Saturday and lots of fresh of snow to play in at B Bar Ranch, this was one for the books! After a few hours of XC skiing Saturday we headed over to Yellowstone Hot Springs for a good soaking. Sauce hats were the head cover du jour and Skhoop gear had good rep as did our own sponsor Sharon Dugger with Girls Outdoors! Good friends, good food, and lots of wine (but no whining!) were the evening highlights. Enjoy the photos and make your plans to now join us next year!
Cross Country Skiing Custer Gallatin National Forest
Saturday, Jan. 25 & 26
A fun couple of days was had in West Yellowstone on the Rendezvous Ski Trails and along the Madison River, as the Mountain Belles descended on the slopes! About 14 belles made a day trip out of it and another 8 spent the night and made their way over to the Madison back country trails for a second day of glorious weather and XC adventure. Thanks to all the belles who agreed to drive carpools and all of the camaraderie that it took to pull this one off!
Lewis & Clark Caverns Candlelight Tour
Mountain Belles celebrated the holiday season with a trip to the Lewis & Clark Caverns for a candlelight tour! What a fun way to see and hear the history of this special place. About a dozen Belles took part in this seasonal adventure that included squeezing through some tight spaces and shimmying down a slick slide! Thank you to our parks guide, Erin, for a fun and informative tour!
Mountain Belles at Spire Climbing!
Saturday, Nov. 16
Lots of fun, learning, and climbing at Spire Climbing + Fitness! Thank you to all the Belles (about 10) that came out for the adventure of climbing and thank you Instructors at Spire Climbing and Fitness Center for an amazing lesson and event!!!
Bridger Mountains Hike & Hawk Watch
with Sacajawea Audubon Society
Saturday, Oct. 12 (Sunday, Oct. 13 back-up weather day)
8:30 am to 5 pm
Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Seven Belles joined Adam Richardson of Sacajawea Audubon Society to count raptors for the 29th Annual Bridger Mountain Fall Raptor Migration Project. It was an invigorating hike to the crest of the Bridger Ridge from Bridger Bowl Ski Area with some skedaddling up pretty steep incline (elevation 2,200 feet), but per the Mountain Belles motto and mission: no woman was left behind and we all traveled at an even pace that allowed everyone to have a great time!
YNP & Chico Hot Springs
Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 am to 5 pm
About 15 of us enjoyed a two-stop event September 28th at Yellowstone National Park and Chico Hot Springs.
A very inspiring and creative ranger-led terraces tour (90 minutes) of the Mammoth Hot Springs on the boardwalks was followed by a few hours of lunching and soaking at Chico Hot Springs!
It was a chilly day in the park, but the hot soak afterward made it worth it!
A very inspiring and creative ranger-led terraces tour (90 minutes) of the Mammoth Hot Springs on the boardwalks was followed by a few hours of lunching and soaking at Chico Hot Springs!
It was a chilly day in the park, but the hot soak afterward made it worth it!
Hollowtop Backpacking Trip
August 9 - 11: (Friday - Sunday) Two-night Backpacking Trip.
Cancelled due to weather! "When thunder roars, go indoors!"
We were bummed, but had to call it... as you can see, our packs were bummed, too!
We are hoping to reschedule this trip! Eight ladies were signed up, but more would be welcome!
August 9 - 11: (Friday - Sunday) Two-night Backpacking Trip.
Cancelled due to weather! "When thunder roars, go indoors!"
We were bummed, but had to call it... as you can see, our packs were bummed, too!
We are hoping to reschedule this trip! Eight ladies were signed up, but more would be welcome!
Mountain Belles & Backpacker Magazine "National Summit Day"!
Saturday, August 3
START TIME: 6:30AM ( plan on 6-7 hours to complete this hike)
LENGTH: 10 miles (round-trip), ELEV. GAIN: 3,434', SUMMIT ELEV: 10,154'
Saturday, August 3
START TIME: 6:30AM ( plan on 6-7 hours to complete this hike)
LENGTH: 10 miles (round-trip), ELEV. GAIN: 3,434', SUMMIT ELEV: 10,154'
July: Leave No Trace Hike!
July 31, 6 to 8:30 pm
Mount Ellis Trailhead at 2070-2124 Mt Ellis Ln, Bozeman, MT 59715.
Weather didn't cooperate, so we took it inside. A fun & informative time was had by all as Lena took us on an "indoor hike"!
Mountain Belles White Water Rafting!
Saturday, July 20
Montana Whitewater Rafting Co.
Saturday, July 20
Montana Whitewater Rafting Co.
JUNE 15, 2019: Thompson Park - Hike/Bike Trail Ride
JUNE 3 - 7, 2019: Multi Day Golf Clinic
APRIL 13, 2019: Bear Aware Clinic & Hike
FEBRUARY 22 - 23 - Two Night Cabin Stay with B-Bar Ranch Visit and Chico Hot Springs Soak
JANUARY 26, 2019 - Winter Hike near Storm Castle.
November 14, 2018 - Annual Fall Fling!
October 8, 2018 Taiko.
September 26, 2018. Aikido!
August 18 - 20, 2018 Two Night Backpacking Trip.
July 28, 2018 Medicinal Plant Identification Outdoor Workshop:
Presented by Robyn Klein: Plants, People and Health Instructor at MSU in the Department of Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology.
Presented by Robyn Klein: Plants, People and Health Instructor at MSU in the Department of Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology.
July 21, 2018 Whitewater Rafting! This is an annual event. If you missed it this year, you should try and go next! It's a blast!
June 4 - 8, 2018 Golf Clinic at Bridger Golf Course! (This was a week-long event. If you missed it, we'll probably do it again next year!)
May 31, 2018 Navigation Clinic. Lena Conlen of Crossing Latitudes, Inc. covered the basics of charts, topographic maps and compass use. What’s the difference? What do the different symbols on the map mean? How do you orient the map? What’s a contour line? What are the parts of a compass? How to take a compass bearing? Why shall I bother when my phone has a GPS? Etc.
May 24, 2018 Outdoor Birding Clinic: Hostess Lou Ann Harris is a longtime Audubon member and currently serves as Vice President on the Sacajawea Audubon Board. She became involved in the bluebird trail through Mary Geis in 2007 and received her Master Banding License in 2010. Lou Ann took us to Cherry River for some great bird sightings!
May 5, 2018 Self-Defense Clinic. 3 Rivers Defense hosted this clinic. We learned a lot!
April 18, 2018 Birding Clinic. Debi from Wild Birds Unlimited hosted our third annual birding clinic. If you've never been, be sure to go to the next one! We learned so much!
March 27, 2018 Gardening Clinic. Hostess Cheryl Moore-Gough is an Adjunct Assistant Professor, MSU and Horticultural Consultant and the author of many gardening books such as The Montana Gardener's Companion. We learned about: When should you buy plants and when should you transplant them outside? Also, when planting them, how about spacing? What plants go good together? What plants do great in Bozeman? What plants aren't worth growing? Some pictures to come soon.
March 24, 2018 - Climbing at Spire
February 11, 2018 - Lave Lake Trail Hike.
February 10, 2018 - Cross-Country Skiing at CrossCut!
February 3, 2018 - Sypes Canyon Trail Hike
January 31, 2018 Spanish for Travelers! Participants learned some basics of the Spanish of Latin America and shareed laughter and food. Our instructor, Lorena Santos, taught greetings, as well as practical and conversational phrases. The emphasis was on words that help us connect with locals during our travels to Spanish-speaking countries. Instructor: Lorena Santos is a biology teacher and tree frog specialist from Rio de Janeiro. She is currently living in Bozeman and studying English. Lorena is a native Portuguese speaker and Spanish proficient. Lorena is looking forward to an active year with the Mountain Belles!
JANUARY 27, 2018 - S. Cottonwood Trail Creek Hike.
DECEMBER 17 - Lewis and Clark Caverns Holiday Tour.
December 6, 2017 - Book & Cookie Swap! The name says it all! This was the 4th year in a row we've hosted this event and it's always lots of fun!
November 8, 2017 - Women's Health & Wellness Fair
This is the 3rd time we've done this fair and it's a great event! Women were invited to come and get some great information from the many booths of health and health-related professionals and businesses. While there, they got some food, swag, samples, and some won some great prizes in the raffles!
Some groups/businesses that came:
Advanced Eyecare, Transformational Coach Angela Patnode, Board of Health, Bozeman Health Center, Bozeman Help Center, Bozeman Physical Therapy, Bridgercare, Caleigh's Holistic Skin Care, doTERRA essential oils, Fluidity Massage and Skin Care, Full Circle Doula Care, Health in Motion Physical Therapy, Healthy Gallatin Health Department , Haven, Isagenix, Norwex, People's Republic of Health Acupuncture, Purium Health Products, Women's Advanced Imaging, YogaMotion Academy
This is the 3rd time we've done this fair and it's a great event! Women were invited to come and get some great information from the many booths of health and health-related professionals and businesses. While there, they got some food, swag, samples, and some won some great prizes in the raffles!
Some groups/businesses that came:
Advanced Eyecare, Transformational Coach Angela Patnode, Board of Health, Bozeman Health Center, Bozeman Help Center, Bozeman Physical Therapy, Bridgercare, Caleigh's Holistic Skin Care, doTERRA essential oils, Fluidity Massage and Skin Care, Full Circle Doula Care, Health in Motion Physical Therapy, Healthy Gallatin Health Department , Haven, Isagenix, Norwex, People's Republic of Health Acupuncture, Purium Health Products, Women's Advanced Imaging, YogaMotion Academy
October 11, 2017 - Fall Fling social! About 40 women came to share food, wine, make new friends, and earn awesome raffle prizes.
September 23, 2017 - Overnight cabin trip.
August 25 - 27, 2017 - Two Night Camping/backpacking trip in the Tobacco Root Mountains
August 9, 2017 - Camping Gear Education and Swap
(Also, gear preparation for the overnight camping trip.)
(Also, gear preparation for the overnight camping trip.)
July 22 , 2017 -White Water Rafting!
June 17 May 20, 2017 - Disc Golf with professional disc golfer, Ron Pannesi at Bohart Ranch.
May 20, 2017 - Horseback Riding!
This was our very first horseback riding event! It was held at Broken Hart Ranch in Gallatin Gateway.
This was our very first horseback riding event! It was held at Broken Hart Ranch in Gallatin Gateway.
April 12, 2017 - Birding Clinic.
Debi Naccarto, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, discussed resources available to be a better birder.
Debi Naccarto, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, discussed resources available to be a better birder.
April 4, 2017 - Gardening Clinic. Host Cheryl Moore-Gough gave a talk on "Early Season Vegetable Gardening Smarts." Cheryl holds an M.S. in Plant Sciences from Montana State University, and has been gardening and saving seeds in Montana for over 30 years. She holds the rank of Yondan (4th degree black belt) in Aikido.
Cheryl Moore-Gough is an adjunct assistant professor in horticulture at Montana State University, currently teaching Vegetable Production. She taught and coordinated the Montana Master Gardener program for five years and co-authored its handbook. She has published numerous works alone and with her late husband, Dr. Robert Gough known as "Dr. Bob", including six gardening books. She has ghost-written for several on-line gardening advice sites, and has written for Montana Magazine, Fine Gardening, American Nurseryman, Zone 4 Magazine (now Rocky Mountain Gardening Magazine) and she hosts “Northern Gardening Tips,” which is broadcast by radio stations throughout Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas on the Northern News Network.
Cheryl Moore-Gough is an adjunct assistant professor in horticulture at Montana State University, currently teaching Vegetable Production. She taught and coordinated the Montana Master Gardener program for five years and co-authored its handbook. She has published numerous works alone and with her late husband, Dr. Robert Gough known as "Dr. Bob", including six gardening books. She has ghost-written for several on-line gardening advice sites, and has written for Montana Magazine, Fine Gardening, American Nurseryman, Zone 4 Magazine (now Rocky Mountain Gardening Magazine) and she hosts “Northern Gardening Tips,” which is broadcast by radio stations throughout Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas on the Northern News Network.
March 27, 2017 - American Heart Association Heartsaver® CPR AED course. This was a classroom, instructor-led course that teaches Adult, Children and Infant CPR and AED use, as well as how to relieve choking on an adult, child and infant.
March 21, 2017 - Line Dancing!
February 11, 2017 - Kickboxing!
February 4th, 2017 - Winter camping in a national forest cabin!
January 22, 2017 - Cross-Country Ski Clinic at Bohart Ranch. We had a group lesson (beginners/never-evers and the advanced) followed by lots of fun in the snow!
December 14, 2016 - 3rd Annual Book and Cookie Swap!
NOVEMBER 9, 2016 - Self Defense Clinic
This was voted one of our most popular clinics! The group learned some basic moves as well as some tactics and tips on being prepared and aware from a Deputy at the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office.
This was voted one of our most popular clinics! The group learned some basic moves as well as some tactics and tips on being prepared and aware from a Deputy at the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office.
October 15, 2016 - Archery with Extreme Performance Archery
October 9, 2016 - FALL FLING at the Caspian restaurant
Every year we have a Fall Fling to 1- have a great social get-together 2- update members about upcoming events and to 3- recruit members. Usually we do a pot-luck. This year we teamed with the owners of the Caspian to offer a sampler plate of delicious food. (One of the owners is a Mountain Belle herself!) It was a fun afternoon to hang with friends and to meet some new ones.
Every year we have a Fall Fling to 1- have a great social get-together 2- update members about upcoming events and to 3- recruit members. Usually we do a pot-luck. This year we teamed with the owners of the Caspian to offer a sampler plate of delicious food. (One of the owners is a Mountain Belle herself!) It was a fun afternoon to hang with friends and to meet some new ones.
September 9, 2016 - PIYO in the PARK
Laura Ordile and Kari Berg Marks hosted a PiYO clinic for us! What is PiYO? PiYo is the best Pilates and yoga-inspired moves with cranked up the speed to give you cardio, strength, and flexibility training—all at once. PiYo packs it ALL into each workout so you can build lean muscles —all while burning crazy amounts of calories. This was a great event!
Laura Ordile and Kari Berg Marks hosted a PiYO clinic for us! What is PiYO? PiYo is the best Pilates and yoga-inspired moves with cranked up the speed to give you cardio, strength, and flexibility training—all at once. PiYo packs it ALL into each workout so you can build lean muscles —all while burning crazy amounts of calories. This was a great event!
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August 6, 2016 Whitewater Rafting!
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July 23, 2016 Mt. Baldy Climb (and navigation clinic)
Saturday, July 16, 2016. OVERNIGHT CAMPING AT A FOREST SERVICE CABIN
June 30th SUP YOGA WITH FLOW OUTSIDE (Yoga on Stand-up Paddle-boards!)
June 6th, 2016, SUP CLINIC WITH FLOW OUTSIDE.
May 18th, 2016 GARDENING CLINIC. This event was hosted by local author Cheryl Moore-Gough. Cheryl holds an M.S. in Plant Sciences from Montana State University, and has been gardening and saving seeds in Montana for over 30 years. She is an adjunct assistant professor in horticulture at Montana State University, currently teaching Vegetable Production. She taught and coordinated the Montana Master Gardener program for five years and co-authored its handbook. She has published numerous works alone and with her late husband, Dr. Robert Gough known as "Dr. Bob", including six gardening books such as The Montana Gardener's Companion: An Insider's Guide to Gardening under the Big Sky. She has ghost-written for several on-line gardening advice sites, and has written for Montana Magazine, Fine Gardening, American Nurseryman, Zone 4 Magazine (now Rocky Mountain Gardening Magazine) and she hosts “Northern Gardening Tips,” which is broadcast by radio stations throughout Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas on the Northern News Network.
MAY 15, 2016 NAVIGATION II CLINIC. Lena Conlan, of Crossing Latitudes and Mountain Belle board member, led this hike towards Mount Baldy with a group of brave women, practicing their recently learned navigation skills in the process as well as other survivor skills. Due to weather conditions, they chose not to continue on all the way to Baldy this time. Stay tuned for our second Navigation II Clinic on Saturday, July 23rd. All members are welcome, even if you did not take the Navigation I Clinic in April.
April 21, 2016 NAVIGATION I CLINIC Lena Conlan, of Crossing Latitudes and Mountain Belle board Member, hosted this class. Navigation Clinic I is the first of two clinics. This first clinic covered the basics of charts, topographic maps and compass use.
March 3, 2016 - OUTDOOR FITNESS CLINIC.
Carol Brennan – former Mountain Chief Belle – and owner of Simply Fit and Safety First - hosted a fun and active Outdoor Fitness. Carol grew up racing Far West, raced NCAA, raced on a pro circuit, raced for the US Speed Skiing Team on the World Cup and became the second female NCAA coach in the nation.
Carol Brennan – former Mountain Chief Belle – and owner of Simply Fit and Safety First - hosted a fun and active Outdoor Fitness. Carol grew up racing Far West, raced NCAA, raced on a pro circuit, raced for the US Speed Skiing Team on the World Cup and became the second female NCAA coach in the nation.
February 6, 2016 x-country skiing (Bohart Ranch)
January 30, 2016 Snow-ga and snowshoeing. (New World Gulch Trail, Bear Canyon.
January 6, 2016 - Spire Climbing. Great night!
December 2015
Second Annual Book/Cookie Swap. Fun social night!
NOVEMBER 2015
Bozeman's Huffing for Stuffing! Thanksgiving Day, November 26th. Mountain Belles who attended are a combination of slow walkers, speed walkers to avid runners. The above photo is of some Belles who attended (with some spouses).
Jazzercise!
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OCTOBER 2015
Zip-lining with Montana Whitewater.
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Fall Fling
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Bozeman Hay Maze - This was an "informal" event that 2 of our Board members hosted.
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SEPTEMBER 2015
Aerial Arts of Bozeman
Women's Health & Wellness Fair
AUGUST 2015
"Leave No Trace" Clinic, hosted by our very own Lena Conlan, Board member of the Mountain Belles and owner of crossinglatitudes.com.
JULY 2015
White water rafting with Montana Whitewater.
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Water Safety Clinic
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Clothing Swap Party - 3rd Annual! This is an "informal" event hosted by one of our Board members. Hold onto your castoffs and join us next July!
JUNE 2015
Fly-Fishing clinic. This was a 2 day clinic. On Friday evening, participants learned about fly-fishing and fly tying. Saturday morning, they got to test out their new skills!
Stand-up Paddle-boarding