One of my favorite drives in Montana is the drive from my home, up through York, Nelson, Beaver Creek Canyon, and on to the top of Hogback Mountain. Hogback is the most conspicuous mountain feature at the back of my house. This makes driving to the top especially satisfying.
Yesterday, I finally managed to
take Desiree on that drive. We left
early in the morning and arrived at Beaver Creek Canyon just as direct light
spilled down through the spectacular collection of limestone cliffs and projections. At times, driving through the canyon felt
like entering the jaws a giant, toothy beast.
We encountered the season’s
first dusting of snow before ascending to the top of 7,800-foot-tall Hogback. At the top, we jumped from the truck and spun
around to take in the radial expanse—a view featuring Helena as well as every
mountain range within sixty miles.
We also walked out along the
edge of the exposed limestone spine of the mountain and explored the high and
windswept landscape.
On our drive out, we stopped at
Refrigerator Canyon Trailhead and hiked in so Desiree could see the narrow slot
through the massive stone walls.
The day turned out to be one of Desiree’s favorites since her arrival here in Montana this May.
Desiree on the Road
Encountering the First Snow of
the Season
Desiree in Refrigerator Canyon
The Slot Canyon and Sky
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