Welcome! My name is Rod Benson: born 1959, grew up in Harlem (MT), married (Mardi), have 4 grown children, taught high school science 37 yrs (Helena High Earth Science 1994-2019). I enjoy hiking, peak-bagging, trail-running, snowshoeing, kayaking, lake swimming, meteorology, geology, Nordic skating, and photography. I retired from teaching in June of 2019 but then took over as science teacher at Hays-Lodge Pole High School in northcentral Montana in mid-December 2019. So, I’m busy during the school year but I’ll try to post new adventures as often as possible – mostly in the summer.
To truly appreciate the featured hikes, you’ll need to check out the photo tours. I will post a new hiking adventure as often as I can, so check back frequently or sign up to “follow” the blog in the margin to the right. Followers get an email notification when a new post is ready. Let me know if you have questions about the hikes, or if you are interested in advertising on bigskywalker.com. Happy trails! -Rod Benson
Below: This map marks hikes that have been featured so far – Select full screen to expand, zoom in for more detail, or click on a marker for a link to the post.
Big Sky Walker 
Hi Rod, This sounds like it’s going to be a great blog. I really enjoyed your first 4 posts and look forward to reading more. Montana is high on my list of places to visit and hope to finally get there next summer. I do lots of hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking around the Vancouver area (not quite as extreme as some of your adventures) and enjoy sharing them on my blog.
Happy New Year! Caroline
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Hi Rod! I live in Great Falls and have done many of similar hikes here already and always searching for people to get out with.
Jaye
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Sir, good meeting you on the Mount Helena trails this morning!
The scouting that my daughter and I are involved in, and which you saw me in uniform for, is called BPSA-US (Baden-Powell Service Association). Also if you’re ever curious I run a blog (not nearly as professional) about wildlife on the airport where I work. (http://thewildairport.blogspot.com)
Thanks again for sharing your blog, I’ll have take a closer look when I get some more time.
– Clint
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Hi Rod, nice meeting you on Mt. Helena the other day (I had on the bright orange hat, we spoke at the summit). We’ve just moved to the area and I will definitely check out your blog for some hiking suggestions. Hope to see you out there again.
Dave
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It was nice to meet you as well. Welcome to Montana! If you like hiking, you’re going to like living in Helena. Happy trails!
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I really liked your hiking tour and editing on your trip to Ear Mountain. Not to mention the photos. Would like to continue following you on your adventures. Thank you.
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Hi Rod, I have been reading your stuff for a few years. You give great and detailed information. Just wanted to say I really enjoy all of it. Much appreciated! We’d certainly love it if you joined our Great Falls Hiking Group on facebook to share some of your knowledge/expertise.
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