Bozemanmountain town

It’s a peculiar tradition in Montana college towns: embedding giant letters halfway up mountainsides so they’re visible from town. In the case of Bozeman, the “M” (for Montana State University) is a 250-foot landmark made from white rocks on the side of Baldy Mountain in 1915. It’s a mile-and-a-half hike to the foot of the giant letter, up a series of switchbacks to an overlook with great picnicking possibilities and views of town. The trail forks just after the trailhead—go right for a steeper, more challenging hike and left for a more leisurely one. It’s a 1,000-foot climb one way or the other, so bring some water and your lung capacity. “Hiking the M” is a century-old social routine for legions of Bozemanites, and you’re likely run into dozens of students, families, joggers and strolling seniors on your way up.