High Traverse Trails · Bozeman, Montana

Our Process

A thoughtful route, a careful build, and the joy of discovering what your land has to offer.

Our Process

A thoughtful trail begins long before the first shovel of dirt.

We build for that special moment when you step onto a trail and feel more connected to your land, yourself, and the people you share it with. Our work combines hands-on craftsmanship with the foresight to connect the property's natural character to your vision.

Some trails create an efficient way from one place to another. Others invite you to slow down and take the scenic route. Even game trails can reveal an animal's remarkably intuitive path through the landscape. Our job is to discover what the land offers and make the most of it.

01

Meet & explore

We begin with a client meeting to understand how you want to use the trail and what you hope to experience along the way. We study GIS data, satellite imagery, and property features before setting foot on the ground.

02

Walk & route

Routing is boots-on-the-ground work. We hike, bushwhack, flag, and re-flag the corridor, looking for viewpoints, distinctive terrain, natural features, and wildlife habitat while respecting the landscape. We weigh grade, side slope, overburden, intended use, safety, and the enjoyment of moving through the land. Every corridor receives at least three walking passes before we're satisfied with its alignment.

03

Build with care

We bring in compact equipment sized to the trail—typically mini-excavators, mini-skid steers, and plate compactors—and shape the tread as we move forward. We use hand tools to refine the surface, transitions, and details that make a trail feel natural and finished.

04

Finish & maintain

Finishing depends on the trail's purpose. We can stabilize and compact the tread, encourage surrounding revegetation, or manage vegetation where an open surface is preferred. Ongoing maintenance plans address encroaching growth, drainage, wear, and even the deep tracks left by moose and elk that often enjoy a freshly built trail as much as the owner does.