QWick Guides

Those interested in discovering the wealth of outdoor recreation in and around Butte can stop looking. QWick Guides Butte is the first book in a new series of quick reference, locally produced and focused trail guides, as well as, the only guidebook specifically designed for the Butte area. 

Jon Wick, the author and editor of QWick Guides (QWG), came to western Montana in 2004 to teach elementary school in Philipsburg. During this time, he spent the summers as the owner and adventure director of Outdoor Endeavors Adventure Trips based in Wisconsin, and began the Granite High School Outdoor Club to share his appreciation for outdoor recreation. He began living part time in Butte in 2006. Most recently, on a year sabbatical teaching English in South Korea, he discovered a talent for writing, becoming a published author in several notable online magazines, and becoming the managing editor for the travel website, www.theexpeditioner.com. 

The idea to create QWG blossomed from a conversation with a friend of his, asking about local hikes while Jon was overseas. In an attempt to describe where to go, it dawned on him that there is no guidebook for trails around Butte, like the several for Missoula or Bozeman. Both individuals had maps, pamphlets, papers, and experience, but there was not one specific source that could answer their questions. Out of this need, Jon decided to combine his outdoor passions and newfound writing skills; QWG was born. Still being in Asia, he began working and writing, with help from his friend, Brandon Byars, to patch any information voids that Jon couldn’t get while away. Upon his return, this past October, he put the book to press, releasing it the beginning of January. The goal of QWick Guides Butte, is to jump start a line of easy to use guidebooks focusing on local knowledge, local assets, and local trails across western Montana. 

QWick Guides Butte contains seventeen trailheads within 30 miles of town. For each, there are GPS coordinates, elevations, difficulty rankings, detailed driving directions, trail descriptions, and trail information. The black and white cover photo better captures the essence of Butte, while all the other pictures and maps are full color. There is a separate notes page and a page dedicated to the contact information of local information agencies.