Main Street to the Mountains

photo of runner

"Main Street To The Mountains"
Trails System

GVLT's Vision:

GVLT believes that “By building trails we build community”. Community trails give us all a great way to connect with nature and connect with our friends and neighbors. Urban greenways are places to relax or exercise; ride a bike or walk to work, to school or to the store; or just enjoy being outside. For fun and recreation, as well as alternative transportation and public safety, trails and greenways are essential to our quality of life.

For 16 years, GVLT’s Community Trails Program has worked to realize the vision of a trail system that connects Bozeman’s Main Street to the mountains both north and south of town. In recent years, GVLT has broadened this vision to include the goal of a trail system that provides safe and enjoyable trail connections between Bozeman’s neighborhoods, and between Bozeman and the surrounding communities.

In 2007, the Main Street to the Mountains trail system will reach 50 miles and achieve it’s long-awaited connection to Main Street at the new Bozeman Public Library. Our trails weave their way through Bozeman's neighborhoods, along historic railroad corridors, on top of scenic ridgelines, and into the open lands surrounding the community. The "Main Street to the Mountains trails" allow residents and visitors of all ages to explore Bozeman by foot, bicycle, or cross-country skis.

What "Main Street to the Mountains" means to me:

"Our trail system is precious to me for so many reasons. On daily dog walks, I love the changing seasonal delights, from the earliest wildflowers to the scent of newly mowed hay, from the first liquid spiral of thrush song each spring to the first glint of snow on the mountains. I cherish glimpses of turtles, rabbits, and deer in the city limits, while enjoying vistas that embrace Bozeman's natural and human heritage. And I enjoy the instant camaraderie of people savoring corridors of peace and beauty in our increasingly bustling community."

—Former Bozeman Mayor
Marcia Youngman

"Trails are such a wonderful resource...they maintain a natural area within an urban setting."

— Steve Schnee
Schnee's Boots and Shoes

"Trails give people a chance to recharge their batteries when they are all worn out and frazzled."

— Mary Vant Hull

After John Hanes was hit by a vehicle while crossing the street in 1999, his family and friends were amazed and overjoyed at his recovery. Hanes, who is in his 70’s, credits his recovery in part to having access to great trails. He set a goal of hiking all the way to the "M", which he reached on a Thanksgiving Day after months of effort. "It was a very memorable day," says Hanes, who strongly recommends that "folks get out on the trails and enjoy the views." He especially likes hiking to the "M" late in the afternoon when "the light drops a little and shadows on the hills form---it is so beautiful."

— John Hanes

Why Trails and Greenways Are Good For Your Community