Bridger Ridge Traverse

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A long day-run from a Northern trailhead on the East side of the Bridger Mountains that runs up to and follows nearly the entire length of the range before dropping down thousands of knee-pounding feet to the very southern terminus.

This route is the home of the infamous Bridger Ridge Run.

The Bridger Ridge Traverse starts at the end of the long and bumpy Fairy Lake Road where runners get right to work climbing from Fairy Lake up to the top of Sacagawea Peak. From here, wave hello to the seemingly ever-present mountain goats before beginning the long, rocky trek south toward Bozeman.

Runners follow the spine of the Range for the first few miles touching the top of Naya Nuki Peak before dropping slightly down to the west around Ross Peak to Ross Pass on the Bridger Mountain National Recreation Trail. At Ross Pass, leave the lower trail at a large, obvious junction and climb the gruelingly steep path back up the ridge. From here you'll stay high for the views for dozens of miles topping out along many high points including Saddle Peak, Bridger Peak, and Baldy Peak among other unnamed points. You'll pass Bridger Bowl Ski Area and be delighted with expansive views of all the other ranges adjacent to the Bozeman Area.

From Baldy Peak begin the knee-pounding, steep downhill until reaching the extremely popular College M Trail. From here join the hordes of day-runners keeping your smug thoughts about how hardcore a runner you are compared to these folks out for a mere stroll up the bottom of a mountain.