About Backyard Montana

Our Mission

Backyard Montana helps people build a deeper relationship with Montana through stories, photography, practical guidance, and careful observation.

Our Story

Backyard Montana began as a way to share the places, stories, and lessons we’ve collected while exploring Montana’s mountains. Over time, it grew beyond documenting our adventures as our relationship with the outdoors evolved. Today, Backyard Montana shares stories, photography, practical guidance, and thoughtful observations that help people build a deeper relationship with Montana.

Two hikers sitting on rocky alpine terrain above a mountain lake in Montana, wearing long-sleeve sun shirts, hiking pants, and a sun hat with rugged peaks in the background.

Meet the People

We’re Valerie and Mitch. We spend much of our free time backpacking, hiking, skiing, and exploring Montana and beyond.

Backyard Montana began as a place to document our adventures, but over time it became something more. While you’ll still find trip reports, our goal isn’t to tell you exactly where to go. It’s to share the stories, lessons, and gear that have shaped our life outdoors in Montana. Hopefully it inspires you to build a deeper connection with the places you explore, wherever they may be.

What You’ll Find Here

Stories

Experiences from the trail and life outdoors.

Backpacking trail through beargrass meadow below the Chinese Wall in Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Guides

Practical itineraries and planning resources.

Standing on a rocky overlook with mountain views above an alpine lake in Montana.

Gear

Equipment we’ve tested or used after years of use.

A backpacker cooking breakfast at a backcountry campsite with a lightweight backpacking tent in the background.