The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation seeks connections with nature for all Montanans and Americans – connections that come from time spent on the lands we all share. We’re working to remove barriers for those that have not traditionally seen themselves as part of the American public lands story, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color and LGBTQ+ communities.
If you are part of a community that has historically been underrepresented in the outdoors, we would love for you to join us in the Wilderness. The goal of these trips are to engage individuals with a shared kinship and passion, to build wilderness skills within an accepting and supportive environment and foster life-long friendships. Every moment spent in an affinity space is a chance to connect with each other and ourselves. Around the campfire, on our mountain trails, and while exploring new landscapes, we build a community where everyone thrives.
These Wilderness Experiences are designed to be a learning opportunity for those who are wanting to engage with nature, be challenged to learn new things and experience the beauty of wilderness within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. You will gain the skills and knowledge to become a more confident wilderness user, and find strength and belonging amongst peers who can relate to your lived experience.
2022 Affinity Group Partner: Here Montana
In 2022 we have TWO (2) trips available, but we hope to offer more of these in future years. If you are interested in joining one of these trips, please click the links below to learn more.
Questions? Contact our Education and Partnership Specialist Erynn Castellanos at (406) 387-3808 or erynn@bmwf.org.
We also offer opportunities for Affinity Group Volunteer Partner Projects! If you’re interested in gathering a group to do some trail work and give back to Wilderness, this is your chance. Learn more.
Click on buttons below for more information and to apply! Applications close May 1st 2022.
Questions? Contact Erynn Castellanos erynn@bmwf.org or 626-347-9543.
These trips are reserved for members of the BIPOC community.
Please note: There is a $15 registration deposit for this trip.
This trip will take place August 4-7, 2022.
New to the outdoors? This trip is for you! We will be teaching participants all about exploring public lands. On this trip we will learn the basics of recreating in wilderness, including navigation, how to set up an LNT camp and staying safe in bear country.
We will also be learning about how trails are maintained in wilderness spaces, and will be doing some stewardship work (including but not limited to retreading trails, using a crosscut saw, and brushing). Participants will leave this experience with the confidence to camp, hike or just safely explore the outdoors on their own and with friends.
This trip will take place August 18-21, 2022.
For this trip we are looking for people who are comfortable with backpacking, and we welcome first time backpackers as well!
This trip is different than our Wilderness Stewardship 101 trip because we will NOT have mules helping to carry our packs and we will be 100% self-sufficient in the backcountry.
We will be backpacking up to eight miles per day on a loop trail, learning how to set up an LNT backpacking camp and completing some Wilderness stewardship work along the way.
