Montanans everywhere – including in Jefferson County – thrive when recreating outdoors.
It’s an activity I craved in my childhood, but never had the means or bravery to pursue it to the degree I yearned for. Now in my 20s and living an independent life, I’ve had the opportunity to broaden my horizons and take in more of the Big Sky.
But I’m only just getting started.
As I venture into the wilderness and take on new outdoor activities, I’ll share these adventures with you and provide answers to the questions that may be holding you back from doing so yourself.
My off-road debut
I probably could have picked a better day to take my Jeep Wrangler off-roading for the first time, but I’d caught the adventure bug and wasn’t willing to wait a second longer to push my limits.
Driving down Interstate 15, a torrential downpour prompted whispers of caution in the back of my mind. Traffic had slowed to just 55 miles per hour and visibility was no further than the front of my hood.
I trekked on, nonetheless.
I met my father Neal and younger sister Taylor in Jefferson City. Dad asked, “Where are we going?”
“Somewhere,” I responded.
We loaded up the Jeep and started down the road leading past Tizer Gardens. Probably only 10 to 15 minutes down this way, I realized this trail was beyond my current skill level.
So we turned around and decided to take another route. That’s the beauty of not committing to a destination: there’s no remorse when plans don’t work out quite as planned.
And I’ll let you in on a secret: the best memories are made when plans change.
Our plan B turned out to be the Occidental Plateau just north of Wickes. I’d seen some of the route once before and felt confident in my ability to navigate deep ruts and avoid jagged rocks.
I was buzzing with excitement as the Jeep easily crawled up the damp, uneven road. Even when the soft dirt turned to crumbling rocks, the excitement didn’t fade.
“I’m finally doing it,” I thought to myself, while cautiously asking my dad which way I should go to avoid puncturing one of my tires. And before you ask, no, they were not off-road tires. I wasn’t that prepared.
At times fear crept into my mind, telling me that I had been too overeager and had taken on more than I could handle. Luckily for me – and somewhat ironically – the road was too narrow to turn around now.
Finally, the road returned to its smoother composition and we emerged into a treeless opening that overlooked the smaller hills below us. The heavy rain had left a thick fog sitting at this altitude, so although the view was somewhat obscured, and there was an added sense of serenity in the solitude.
We took this as an opportunity to let the dogs pile out of the vehicle and explore a little on foot ourselves. That’s another tip I have for beginner off-roaders: Don’t focus so much on the final destination that you neglect to stop and take in the journey.
Using OnX as our navigation of choice, we chose not to turn around and head back the way we had just driven; instead, we attempted to navigate our way back towards Helena.
Tip #3: Have a map ready when exploring, and know how to read it. After several hours of aimless exploration, we rolled into Basin – that’s right, not Helena – tired, hungry and satisfied from the adventure.
I’d done more than climb a mountain: I’d conquered a fear and done what I had always wanted to do. (After all, that’s why I’d purchased the Jeep a year earlier.) I’d seen places I could never have imagined existed prior to that day.
Now, am I suggesting you do as I did on your first off-roading adventure? Not entirely. Go prepared. Pack some snacks, bring some tools to help you get unstuck (sagebrush thrown under the tires will help you gain traction in snow or mud, FYI), and read the map a little closer before leaving cell reception.
But go; you’ll only regret staying behind.
Since finally taking the leap for my first off road adventure, I’ve confidently ventured down other scraggly roads in Jefferson County. If I had stuck to the paved interstate that led from comfort zone to comfort zone, I’d never have come across a bountiful grouse whortleberry patch. I’d never have seen frogs in a hidden swamp. I’d never have found the version of myself I craved as a child.
With snow now piled across the state of Montana, I imagine I’ll brave a trail and go on my first ever “snow wheeling” adventure. And when I get back, I’ll tell you all about it.
In the meantime, I’m happy to answer questions regarding my off-roading adventure. I’m also looking for suggestions for my next outdoor adventure! Please write me at ElizaInTheOutdoors@gmail.com.
