Operation Bigfoot
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BIGFOOT 2027
BIGFOOT is a mountain route challenge at Crystal Mountain, Washington, offered in two distances that both climb to roughly 6,800 ft on steep forest trails and exposed ridgelines beneath Mount Rainier. Both routes start and finish at Crystal Mountain and require solo, self-sufficient navigation.
- 6 miles : approximately 2,411 ft elevation gain.
- 12 miles : approximately 4,127 ft elevation gain.
Participants choose one of three load categories: RUNNER (no required weight), LIGHT (10 lbs dry) or HEAVY (25 lbs dry). Required weight must be carried in a ruck; weighted vests or sandbags are not permitted. Weight must remain dry and may not be items intended to be consumed or discarded.
There are no checkpoints; candidates must remain on their selected AllTrails route and download that route for offline use before starting. Candidates are responsible for carrying sufficient water and food for their distance plus an emergency reserve. Minimum emergency requirements include three bars and 0.5 L of water. Bottled water is available at the finish only.
Completion standards apply by distance and category; finishing within the applicable pass time is required to record an official completion, and faster cutoffs earn a Dog Tag. Standard GBF kit is required; microspikes and a satellite communication device such as a Garmin InReach are strongly recommended given rapidly changing mountain conditions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
