Bridger Ridge Run

Bridger Ridge Run

The Bridger Ridge Run is a non profit trail foot race of about 19.9 miles along the crest of the Bridger Mountains near Bozeman, Montana. The course is remote and not accessible by road. The event is supported almost entirely by volunteers and is limited to 250 participants under the event permit.

The route begins at the Fairy Lake Trailhead and finishes at the Fish Hatchery near the Drinking Horse Trailhead. It climbs from forested trail through a granite basin to Sacagawea peak (elevation 9,650 ft), continues to Naya Nuki, descends to the Foothills Trail and Ross Pass (elevation 7,650 ft), then follows the exposed Bridger ridge past the Bridger ski lift (elevation 8,500 ft), Saddle peak (9,150 ft), Baldy Mountain (8,900 ft) and Baldy peak (8,680 ft), before a steep descent to the M parking area and through the Drinking Horse tunnel to the finish (elevation 4,900 ft).

Trail conditions include unstable footing, steep ascents and descents, loose scree, exposed ridge sections, braided and occasionally hard to follow tread, and some short scrambling on limestone blocks. Aid stations are staffed by volunteers; some are minimal water only while others include medical teams and supplies. The race is cupless so each participant must carry a personal water vessel. Aid stations haul all supplies by human effort.

Entry is by application lottery with a registration fee of $120. The event prioritizes volunteer involvement and offers options for registered participants if the race is canceled. A drop bag service moves bags from start to finish. Start waves are used and finish times are recorded relative to each participant's wave. The Finish Area provides medical support, snacks, and awards given by gender and by 10 year age divisions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.