Road Trip: Rodeo Weekend | Augusta, Montana
- findyourwild
- Jun 4, 2019
- 3 min read
Gearing up for our upcoming volunteer vacation with Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation in the beloved Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and couldn't help but reminisce about our last trip to Southwest Montana's Rocky Mountain Front. The Rocky Mountain Front is where the prairie and mountains dramatically converge and heritage is celebrated, in Central and Southwest Montana. Although no hiking was had last time, it was certainly a trip for the books. It was our first time to the Augusta Rodeo and our son's first ever rodeo.
Growing up in Texas we went to our fair share of rodeos and no I didn't ride a horse to school, but man that would have been dreamy. There's actually an old Montana law that states if a student rides a horse to school the principal has to feed, water and walk the horse. You guessed it...a story or two will make it in the news each year of students saddling up and handing over the reins to bewildered school personnel as they stroll into school for the day.
Augusta, Montana is one of those places that pulls at our heart strings every time...we are suckers for small towns with dramatic mountain views and quick access to public lands. It's one of a handful of communities serving as a gateway to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. With population a mere 364 residents (2018 census) you can feel the pace slow when you step out of your car. It's like stepping back in time in this cow and backcountry wrangler town where cattle outnumber. Naturally they put on a solid rodeo and in 2019 Augusta American Legion Rodeo will celebrate its 83rd year. As one of Montana's oldest rodeos, locals and visitors alike flock to this charming small old west town for two days of street dancing, delicious food, slack rodeo and PRCA Rodeo, in June. This rodeo has earned an annual visit!
BEHIND THE PHOTO
Augusta had experienced an unusually quick snowmelt runoff along with rain resulting in flooding days before the June 2018 Augusta Rodeo was set to happen. The community rallied, rescheduled rodeo for a few weeks later and welcomed all to their 82nd rodeo in July. It was nothing short of a hot summer day when we went, but well worth the trip. We've been to a lot of rodeos and have never experienced one like this. It's good, real good! Pro circuit rodeo athletes, local cowhands, youngsters mutton busting, cheesy jokes from the clown, super fan dude, children running "wild" like the good ole days and coolers...lots and lots of coolers filled with refreshing cold beverages. Needless to say we hadn't gotten the memo about BYOB, so happily grabbed a cold beer or two from Buckhorn Saloon, ice cream from Mel's Diner and finished off the long summer's day with a leap into Gibson Reservoir.
TIPS
Sip a cappucino as you browse collection of regional art and selection of local hiking guide books at Latigo & Lace. *Grab a copy of Discover the Rocky Mountain Front by Tom Kotynski
When we're not camping we stay in one of the nine rooms at the Bunkhouse Inn which was built in 1912.
Stroll into one of main street's saloons like the Buckhorn Bar and you're likely to hear backcountry wranglers swapping stories. *In town for the rodeo? This will be your spot to grab adult beverages to bring to the rodeo.
If you want to feel the heart and soul of Augusta walk yourself into the Allen's Manix Store (The Trading Post), family owned/run since 1974, one of America's last few surviving mercantiles.
Check out nearby trout streams or one of the ten lakes that range from 6 to 25 miles from town.
The real meaning of being in a major bird flyway is understood in the spring and fall. *Freezeout Lake is a must during key migration weeks.
Sun Canyon Road: At the end of Sun Canyon Road is most notably several trailheads to the famous Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex where a handful of outfitters and guides welcome you to a world of wilderness wonder. Day Trip Options- Take a cool plunge in Gibson Reservoir, a short nature walk to Sun River Pictographs, cast a line on the Sun River or a scenic drive through the 20,000 acre Sun River Wildlife Management Area.
If you happen to be traveling between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park Augusta is one of several stops along the Rocky Mountain Front Between the Parks Route.
DIRECTIONS
Missoula, Montana to Augusta, Montana (133 miles, approximately 2 hr 15 min drive)
From Missoula turn off I-90 E toward Bonner/Great Falls, continue onto MT-200, pass through Lincoln, turn onto US-287 head north to Augusta
Great Falls, Montana to Augusta, Montana (68.8 miles, approximately 1 hr 12 min drive)
From Great Falls go north on I-15, turn off on Vaughn Exit, continue on MT-200 through Fort Shaw and Simms, just after Simms turn onto MT-21 heading west, turn left on US-287 S and follow to Augusta
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