Hiking – Syndication Server

Discover historic wonders at Montana’s Pictograph Cave State Park

Witness the magic.

One of the West’s most prolific archeological sites is surprisingly accessible. Pictograph Cave State Park is right outside of Billings, Montana. It’s famous for pictographs inside caves and for a phenomenal dig in the 1930s that revealed more than 30,000 artifacts.

“That really put it on the map of archeology in the West,” said Richard Tooke, the park’s ranger/manager/chief cook and bottle washer.

The 23-acre park includes three caves and is located about seven miles south of Billings. At roughly 50,000 visitors per year, it’s one of the busiest parks in south-central Montana. But when I visited on a Monday morning in early June, there were only a few other folks around. Here’s what I saw there and what you can look forward to when you visit.

A rock and grass landscape at Pictograph Cave State Park in Montana. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

Pictographs

So, what do the pictographs depict? It’s hard to say for a couple of reasons.

“At least 12 different Northern Plains Indigenous tribes were in and out of here,” said Tooke. Modern Indigenous people might not know what all the pictographs represent. And if they do, they might not want to share that intel with outsiders. Plus, the porous sandstone is not a permanent artistic medium. When people started studying the pictographs in the 1930s, artists recorded about 105 of them. Now it’s hard to see half that many, as rock layers slough off and minerals build up.

Tooke estimates that Montana has 650 to 700 known pictograph sites. Most are on private ranch lands or on remote public lands. “This is one of the few places where people can just get off the interstate and in ten minutes hike up to the cave and see rock art and kind of contemplate this history of these native people being there for thousands of years doing everything people do in life,” Tooke said. The rock art chronicles the lives of long-ago people. “Some of it’s about their spirituality, some of it is simply you know, a grocery list. A grouping of animals, perhaps. This is what you can find here when you hunt and gather.”

A cave wall with pictographs at Pictograph Cave State Park in Montana. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

In winter, warm air occasionally hits the super chilled rock just right, and additional pictographs become visible. On those days, “You can see 20 or 30 more pictographs than you can see on a drier surface,” Tooke said. The local Crow people call this place Alahpaláaxawaalaatuua, which means a place where there is spirit writing. Tooke said that many visitors still consider the park a place with “a heavy presence of spirits and energy.”

A cave wall with faint pictographs at Pictograph Cave State Park in Montana. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

I visited on a dry day where it was hard to identify all but the most obvious pictographs, such as a grouping of red rifles. I relied heavily on signage to help me find the pictographs on the cave wall.

A sign titled "viewing the pictographs today" at Pictograph Cave State Park in Montana. — Saved from confusion by the interpretive sign! / *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

Wildlife at Pictograph Cave State Park

Pictograph Cave State Park is also popular with migratory birds and other wildlife. The visitor center posts a list of about three dozen birds that have recently flown by, including the pinyon jay, northern flicker, Merriam turkey, and the hairy woodpecker.

Tooke told me about a mule deer who for several years running left her fawn on the floor of one of the caves while she went off to forage. “She was pretty smart about leaving her baby where the people would probably dissuade any big cat from coming through,” he said.

The park also has porcupines, coyotes, mule deer, bobcats, mountain lions, and five different types of snakes. Indeed, I was impressed by the most aggressive depiction of a rattlesnake I’ve ever seen on a park warning sign.

A "beware of rattlesnakes" sign at Pictograph Cave State Park in Montana. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

Pictograph Cave State Park recreation and education

Visitors also come for recreation. Hikers enjoy a circular trail system, while cyclists like the park roads. Even bikers enjoy the region.

“There’s a lot of motorcycle rallies in the area, and those guys are always in and out,” Tooke said.

In addition to offering recreation opportunities, education is a big part of the park’s job. In the fall, many school groups visit. Montana’s Indian Education for All program requires school curricula to cover Indigenous people. A trip to see the pictographs is a fun way to learn. Astronomy clubs also like to bring their telescopes for night sky viewing events.

Artifacts in a glass case at Pictograph Cave State Park in Montana. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

Tooke is happy to lead the park’s conservation mission. He explains that he enjoys “taking care of these kind of roadside attractions that have historic cultural meaning and are part of our heritage as Montanans.” Tooke adds that Montanans “take pride in our state park systems and the place we live in.”

Pictograph Cave State Park is open year-round: seven days a week in summer, and five days a week the rest of the year.

The 5 best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Let’s explore.

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is a stunning destination for nature-loving hikers. Stretching across 265,807 acres, this park features a fascinating array of environments, from towering mountains to enchanting forests. The region offers incredible views that will impress all kinds of hikers. Warm weather months treat guests to gorgeous meadows full of wildflowers, while winter invites adventurers to appreciate the park’s serene, snowy vistas. Even travelers who prefer to stay in their car will find beautiful sights along the park’s iconic Trail Ridge Road.

For visitors who are most excited about the park’s top trailside attractions, over 300 miles of hiking trails await. Discover five of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park with our photo guide below.

Escape into a lush forest at this Oklahoma nature preserve

Discover the magic.

It’s a Sunday in spring, and trail ambassadors Kathy and EJ Rossman are explaining Oklahoma’s cross timbers ecosystem to me as we stroll through the Keystone Ancient Forest. I’ve borrowed a darling dog named Hitch and am keeping him on a close leash. We’re in copperhead and timber rattler country here near Sand Springs, Oklahoma.

“We’re just here to help people,” Kathy says, explaining the role of volunteer trail ambassadors. “We tell them a little about the ancient forest. And then trail guides just go out and hike all the trails so that if people need help…” Just then, a hiker asks her for a trail recommendation, and I see her in action.

Keystone has worked hard to make the 1,380-acre forest accessible and inviting, from building a new visitor center to offering burly Trackchairs for wheelchair users. The city of Sand Springs and the Nature Conservancy teamed up to preserve an ecosystem that has largely disappeared.

Two trail ambassadors posing together within Keystone Ancient Forest. — Trail ambassadors EJ and Kathy Rossman. / *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

What are cross timbers?

Cross timbers are new to me. This ecosystem once covered 30,000 square miles, reaching from Texas through Oklahoma and into Kansas. “It’s a joining of the eastern red cedars and the western oaks,” Kathy explains.

“University of Arkansas first identified this as being a special area,” EJ adds as we walk along the Frank Trail. “Cross timbers is — it’s called the ancient forests, but it’s really more of an ecosystem because it’s an assemblage of plants and geography and geology and a mixture of trees and little savannas.”

Coming from Oregon, I don’t find the trees particularly tall. But looks deceive here. “This tree could easily be 60 years old, even though it’s very thin,” Kathy says, pointing to a small oak. Poor soil and lack of sunshine as trees shade one another means they grow slowly. “So you can’t tell the age of the tree just by the diameter of it,” she says. “It really does take coring to see.” Some of the post oaks are 300 years old, and red cedars can reach 500 years.

Author Washington Irving traversed this land in 1832 and left a colorful historical record. He described the “vexations of flesh and spirit” travelers faced “struggling through forests of cast iron.”

Since Irving’s visit, most of the cross timbers have been lost to road construction, agricultural lands, housing, and oil and gas development. Now, the ecosystem also faces invasive species, such as Chinese privet and Japanese honeysuckle. According to the Nature Conservancy website, Keystone Ancient Forest is the first preserve dedicated to preserving historic cross timbers forest.

A hiker on a trail in Keystone Ancient Forest. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

Updates to the preserve

As a first-time visitor, I had a little trouble finding Keystone Ancient Forest. The Uber app had the wrong address, so my driver and I were confused when we pulled up on a residential block.

“Uh, it’s supposed to be a forest,” I said, confused. Turned out we were about 10 miles off. My driver, an outdoorsy guy who has lived in the area for 40 years, had never heard of the preserve.

Over the last few years, Keystone has worked to raise its profile. Before that, EJ says the preserve was entirely volunteer-run and only opened once or twice a month, depending on the season. He and Kathy have been volunteering here for about 10 years, so they’ve seen the changes. The visitor center opened in 2021 and is one of the most notable improvements.

A sign for a butterfly exhibit in Keystone Ancient Forest. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

City staff and volunteers have built trails ranging from easy and paved to the rugged, hilly Falls Trail. A new butterfly savanna, the largest in the state, is a special habitat designed to attract 80 butterfly species.

People who want to borrow a Trackchair can reserve ahead — and they can choose between right and left-handed controls.

A Trackchair at Keystone Ancient Forest. — This special track chair makes trails accessible for wheelchair users. / *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

Keystone Ancient Forest dog days and other events

On a dog-friendly day, I was lucky enough to borrow an adorable pup named Hitch from a generous employee. Leashed dogs are currently allowed on the first and third weekends of the month. But check the website before your visit, as rules are subject to change.

Guests looking to visit for special events will be happy to know that Keystone Ancient Forest offers a handful of fun activities throughout the year. For the last 10 years, the preserve has held an annual fundraising trail run. Runners can sign up for a 5K, 10K, or 15K.

A white and gray dog on a leash during dog day at Keystone Ancient Forest. — Hitch! / *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

At night, you might find an astronomy club setting up in the parking lot, taking advantage of Keystone’s dark skies. Guided night hikes are also occasionally offered. Kathy especially likes the late-night New Year’s Eve hike. “You can come out here and do a night hike into a new year,” she says.

The Keystone Ancient Forest is a great asset for those in the Tulsa area and visitors wanting to learn about the cross timbers ecosystem. Learn even more about it here.

How Wild Diversity helps BIPOC and LGBTQ communities thrive outdoors

The outdoors are for everyone.

Wild Diversity wants to see more members of BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities outside, whether hiking a trail, paddling a canoe, or camping in the wilderness. Since its founding in 2017, the Portland, Oregon-based nonprofit has tackled an outstanding number of initiatives and programs, including youth summer camps and group adventures for adults. The organization has also trained guides representative of the communities it serves.

Founder Mercy M’fon talked to Outdoors Wire about the need for Wild Diversity, its accomplishments so far, and its dreams for the future.

Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

A group of people from Wild Diversity in kayaks on a lake with mountains in the background. — *Photo courtesy of Wild Diversity*

Outdoors Wire: Tell us briefly why you started developing Wild Diversity.

M’fon: We started because we wanted to support the BIPOC and LGBTQ community. They were facing a lot of political actions against them. And we know that outdoors provides healing, helps people reset, helps relax, and brings people joy. And I wanted to really be a part of facilitating that for our community.

So we started in 2017. We did this gear drive to get gear so we can run the adventures. It became such a central part of the work we do in helping get people out accessibly. They don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on gear. They can just join us on one of our activities, see if they like it, and not worry about anything else.

We do adventures in Oregon and Washington. Our organization does a wide variety of adventures because we want people to find their own personal love language in the outdoors.

A group of people from Wild Diversity holding up foragables in a forest. — *Photo courtesy of Wild Diversity*

Outdoors Wire: What obstacles may discourage people in your communities from getting into outdoor adventure?

M’fon: Similar to a lot of people, the outdoors can just be really scary, first and foremost. There’s the gear, there’s the cost, there’s the community, there’s the knowledge and education about going outside and being safe outdoors. For the communities that we serve, they also face things like intimidation, people threatening them. Assault. They face violence outdoors just for existing sometimes. So, it can be really challenging.

We like to go outside as a community. We definitely provide all the education. We’re not just taking people on adventures. For example, if we went on a backpacking trip, we’re teaching them how to properly pack and fit their backpack. Teaching them how to cook, do the critter hang, and even to use the bathroom outdoors, which makes people nervous, too. So we really like to provide them with enough information that they feel comfortable going out on their own or with friends or family. And that’s our goal as a part of these beautiful community experiences is increasing their confidence and competence outdoors.

Two people in lifejackets in a lake. — *Photo courtesy of Wild Diversity*

Outdoors Wire: It looks like you’ve gathered a large number of diverse guides. How did you find each other?

M’fon: I really like to believe that all these guides found us. In the outdoor industry, you see many organizations say, “We can’t find anyone, we can’t find anyone.” It was always the reoccurring narrative around why they didn’t have diverse guides and diverse representation in the organization.

We put a call out every year for guides. And, some years, we get close to 100 applications of people wanting to join our program. And I think it’s just like there’s people in the community out there that says like, “Yes, I want to support this community. I want to bring joy and access and comfort to this community.” And really just believing and buying into our mission and the work that we’re doing.

The thing about having a guide development program is that you get people who say, “Hey, I might not be a professional who’s been doing this for years and years, but I’m willing to learn how to show up for our community and be outdoors.” I think that is a big step that creates more openness to it. If we’re looking at an industry that doesn’t have a lot of diversity, and we’re asking for diversity that doesn’t exist — are we creating the stair steps for that diversity to exist and to thrive?

A group of hikers posing under a fallen tree in the forest. — *Photo courtesy of Wild Diversity*

Outdoors Wire: How do you choose from all those guide applications?

M’fon: We look at the applications as a team. For us, the most important thing is “would I want to be on a trip with this person who’s applying?” It’s a lot about personality. I can teach them the camp craft skills, I can teach them the risk management. But are they going to be the person that spending a weekend with them, you’re like, “I want to get out in the outdoors again? I had such a fulfilling time.” And that is the number one thing we’re looking for with our guide program.

A group of people on the shore of a river holding up paddles in front of a kayak. — *Photo courtesy of Wild Diversity*

Outdoors Wire: What can hikers of any background do to try to support other hikers’ comfort outdoors?

M’fon: When we think about creating welcoming spaces in the outdoors, I think a smile and a hello goes a long way. I’ve heard people say, “I go up to every BIPOC person and I shake their hand.” And I’m like, that could kind of be awkward. It’s like targeting in a different way. The person’s very well-meaning, but it can be uncomfortable when somebody’s giving you this attention that you’re not sure about. So I would just say a smile and a hello goes a long way.

And work on being judgment-free. Not everybody who goes outdoors has the high-end gear or even knows what they’re doing out there. But they’re trying their best. If we can show them empathy and compassion for their situation and not judge them that they’re not at the level we’re at, I think that’s really huge.

Four hikers posing in front of a tree lined lake. — *Photo courtesy of Wild Diversity*

Outdoors Wire: What have you learned in this work that has surprised you?

M’fon: I don’t know if I was in a pessimistic place or if I was just unsure, but I thought it would be something that would be like some youth in the future will have an easier time in the outdoors because of the work we’re doing today. And then we started programming. And the surprising part was that I and our team and all the guides we worked with over the years, we’re making an impact today. With the events that we do, with the representation that we support, with the opportunities and the access we provide. It is not some far off into the future thing that’s going to be the change maker. It is every single thing that our team is doing today, right now, to bring this joy and access to our community.

A person in a kayak on the water. — *Photo courtesy of Wild Diversity*

Go trail running on this pristine path through Acadia National Park

Enjoy running with a side of scenery.

Maine’s Acadia National Park is full of stunning sights that will charm any nature-loving visitor. The park truly offers something for everyone. Birdwatchers can look for wildlife along Jesup Path, stargazers can watch the skies over Cadillac Mountain, and people who prefer driving to hiking can cruise along Ocean Drive.

But what about trail runners? What does this dazzling park have for outdoorsy folks who enjoy jogging through scenic landscapes? If you’re looking for a prime trail running spot at Acadia National Park, look no further than Jordan Pond Path. This running hotspot circles the tranquil waters of Jordan Pond, but waterfront views aren’t the only perks runners can look forward to seeing there. Take a peek at this trail’s best sights and learn more about the area in the photo guide below.

The 14 best trail running shoes recommended by pros

Find your new faves.

If you’re new to trail running, you might wonder why you can’t just wear your regular running shoes. You can — they just won’t work as well. Trail running shoes are designed to handle wilder conditions than asphalt, such as steep inclines, patches of mud and snow, and areas full of roots and rocks.

Great as trail running shoes are, you’ll still want to wear your regular running shoes on roads. Abrasive pavement can wear down rubber lugs on trail running shoes.

Which shoes are the best for trails? “There is no one-size-fits-all trail shoe,” said Steve Moore, owner of Run Moore, a specialty shoe store in Maryland. “The best trail shoe for you depends on factors such as foot shape, injury history, and the types of trails you run on.”

So, to find some of the best trail running shoes, we surveyed avid trail runners to get their opinions. Here’s what they had to say.

Go exploring on these 5 new rail trails across the US

Discover the trails.

Chances are, there’s a rail trail near you. Since 1986, the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) has turned abandoned and unused railway corridors into multi-use paths. As the conservancy says in its mission statement, “we are building a nation connected by trails. We reimagine public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors.” You’ll also find runners, wheelchair users, inline skaters, and sometimes even cross-country skiers or horseback riders on the more than 25,000 miles of open rail trails.

The RTC recently noticed a tipping point in rail trail appreciation. “We used to say there’s a rail-trail in every single state, and now we can say there’s at least one developing trail network in every state,” said Brandi Horton, vice president of communications for the RTC, in a statement. “It matters so much because it illustrates the relevance of trail networks to the nation. This is happening literally everywhere in America.”

Here are five of the most exciting RTC developments from 2023.

Discover the LA hiking trail frequented by stars like RuPaul and Taylor Swift

Visit a star-studded trail.

Celebrity sightings probably aren’t what draws most hikers to the great outdoors. Still, for fans of people like Taylor Swift, the chance to see your favorite star can be excellent motivation to explore a new trail. If you’re curious to discover a hiking hotspot frequented by celebrities like Swift, Ed Sheeran, and RuPaul, make your way to Los Angeles, California’s Franklin Canyon Park.

Visitors will find this lovely nature retreat tucked away between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley. Rumor has it that couples like Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis love to hike the trails within Franklin Canyon Park. In 2013, Taylor Swift and friend Ed Sheeran were even spotted hiking in the park. Swift was seen hiking Franklin Canyon again in 2019, with then-boyfriend Joe Alwyn.

https://www.instagram.com/taylahschild/p/C0AJQHgN4fL

Want to check out Franklin Canyon Park for yourself? While you’ll want to check the park’s official website for any closures, the area welcomes anyone looking for a place to unwind and escape the city. Get a sense of the area and learn what to expect there with the gallery of Franklin Canyon Park trail photos below.

Mind-blowing sights you’ll see on Glacier National Park’s best hike

It’s a stunner.

Glacier National Park’s Avalanche Lake Trail is one of the best hikes in Montana. Some hikers may even consider it the best hike in America. Join us on a trek through the woods to see what makes Avalanche Lake so special.

Two key factors help determine a trail’s popularity: accessibility and scenery. Spectacular views draw people to a trail, and accessibility ensures that those visitors can actually enjoy exploring the trail. While few trails are accessible to all people, the Avalanche Lake hike’s moderate difficulty makes it manageable for a wide audience of hikers. Plus, the Trail of the Cedars section of the hike is accessible using off-road wheelchairs.

Now, let’s dive into the scenery you can look forward to during your Avalanche Lake hike. If you’re looking for crystal clear waters and breathtaking natural landscapes, you’re in luck. Here are seven photos showing off the best of Glacier National Park’s Avalanche Lake hike.

Can you handle trail running along Mount Rainier’s Skyline Loop?

Shake up your running routine.

Washington state’s Mount Rainier National Park draws in visitors from all over the world. The park’s outstanding landscapes and inviting trails make it a treat for outdoorsy adventurers. But did you know it’s also a great place for trail runners looking for a challenge?

One of the region’s most captivating trail running spots is none other than Skyline Trail, aka Skyline Loop. With an elevation gain of roughly 1,700 feet and a round-trip distance of about 5.5 miles, this hiking/running trail welcomes athletic guests who want a strenuous workout. Runners brave enough to tackle this loop trail will be rewarded with some truly life-changing views. Get a sneak peek at those sights with these photos of Mount Rainier’s Skyline Trail.