Uncategorized
On the Trail: Walkin’ Jim’s Loop
Published
6 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Ciara Wolfe BSCO Executive Director
From the U.S. Forest Service North Fork Trailhead, you can enjoy an early season 7.5 kilometer Nordic ski along the North Fork Trail, also known as Walkin’ Jim’s Loop. The trail falls within Lone Mountain Ranch’s 85 km groomed trail system, but provides an excellent opportunity to ski before LMR begins grooming in early December. The densely forested area retains snow pack, and being fairly flat, the trail is accommodating to early season conditions.
The loop begins with 1.1 kilometers of easy skiing that passes through private property on an easement the USFS holds. The trail then cuts through a ravine, with the North Fork of the West Fork tributary found on the east side of the trail at the bottom.
After crossing a paved road, the trail continues for another 0.8 km of intermediate terrain that features some short climbs and descents. After a total of 1.9 km, you will come to the lollipop loop junction.
From here, you can continue on for a 3.7-mile intermediate level loop. This section of the trail offers the solitude of nature and the benefits of an aerobic ski.
If you get tired or are skiing with youth, there is a cut-off trail in the middle of the loop that will greatly shorten the distance of the trail. Upon completion of the loop, you return to the intersection where you began, and enjoy a relatively gradual downhill ski back to the trailhead on the same trail that led to the junction.
The trail is a backcountry ski until LMR begins grooming, so classic or backcountry Nordic skis are recommended. The road to the trailhead is not entirely groomed, so a four-wheel drive vehicle is also recommended.
Once LMR begins their grooming season, Walkin’ Jim’s Loop—named after the late poet, musician and environmental activist Jim Stoltz who drove the horse drawn sleigh at Lone Mountain Ranch for over 25 years—can be accessed from the ranch itself.
Walkin’ Jim’s Loop can be found on LMR’s winter trail map at lonemountainranch.com/the-ranch/.
For more information about Big Sky’s parks, trails and recreation programs, visit bscomt.org. The Big Sky Community Organization is a local nonprofit that connects people to recreational opportunities by acquiring, promoting and preserving sustainable places and programs for all.
Distance: 7.5 km out-and-back loop
Difficulty: intermediate
Elevation at trailhead: 7,170 feet
Surface: classic track with both skate and classic groomed trails
Uses: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking
Directions: From the Canyon: Take Lone Mountain Trail west from Hwy 191 for approximately 4.7 miles. Past the entrance to Lone Mountain Ranch, turn right onto North Fork Road and then take a left onto Ridge Road for approximately .3 miles to the trailhead.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
29mar3:00 pm4:00 pmGood Friday Mass: St. Joseph Catholic Mission3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event City:Big Sky
Event Details
Friday of the Passion of the Lord St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Friday of the Passion of the Lord
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Friday) 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm