Bridger Mountains
Montana holds many natural treasures within its state boundaries, and the
Bridger Mountain Range is definitely one of them.
Named after one of the first white men to explore Yellowstone National Park,
mountain man Jim Bridger, the Bridger Mountains rose about 40 million years ago.
With the help of a large thrust fault, the rocks buckled and the continental
crust pushed the range up. Different strata of the Bridger Mountain Range dip at
varying angles due to faulting and folding, so that beds and rocks of various
ages are exposed. It is a geologically captivating mountain range.
A captivating mountain range. more info
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CLIMBING, HIKING, CAMPING … IT'S ALL THERE IN THE BRIDGERS
A tremendous range of world-class recreational opportunities is offered by the
Bridger Mountains. There's whitewater rafting and kayaking, blue ribbon fly
fishing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, mountain and road biking, wildlife
viewing, and much more. The mountains also allow easy access to nearby
Yellowstone National Park.
Bridger Bowl of Bozeman is the town ski hill, presenting 1,500 acres of skiing -
something for all skill levels. And excellent backcountry adventures are there
for the taking at any time of the year.
Bridger Mountains has a range of world-class recreational opportunities.
BRIDGER CANYON
Then there's Bridger Canyon, located just minutes north of Bozeman. It opens up
to spectacular views and if you're into bird watching, then this especially is
the place for you.
The mix of cottonwood, willow, dogwood, and Douglas fir at the mouth of Bridger
Canyon is a magnet for many different types of birds. Some of them include the
Calliope Hummingbird, Yellow Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, and American
Goldfinch.
One of the most memorable times is the fall when the Golden Eagles fly through.
Each year, usually in the first two weeks of October, you can experience the
largest concentration of migrating Golden Eagles in the lower 48 states. Over
200 Golden Eagles may be observed in a single day.
With the best times between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., there are two good viewing sites
in the Bridger Mountains. One is located at Bridger Bowl, 16 miles north of
Bozeman. Viewing can be reached by hiking 2,100 feet up the Bridger Lift area.
The Forest Service maintains a raptor monitoring station here and is there to
answer any questions. The second area is Sacagawea Peak, at 9,665 feet the
highest peak in the Bridger Mountain Range, and can be accessed from Fairy Lake.
Over 200 Golden Eagles may be observed in a single day!
HIKES AND TRAILHEADS ON THE BRIDGER MOUNTAINS
Excellent hikes are easily accessed from the Bridger Canyon Drive. The glorious
spring and summer in the Bridger Mountain Range produces alpine wildflowers,
abundant wildlife, and stunning rock outcrops to behold.
Several trailheads are on the west side of the Bridger Mountains, following the
creek-fed canyon. Ferry Lake Trail is a 1.2 mile loop with a gain of 100 feet.
The hike leads through lush, shady forest and up the south canyon wall. Spyes
Canyon Trail is a 4 mile round trip with a gain of 1,000 feet. The hike meets up
with the Ferry Lake Trail and ends at an overlook with outstanding views of the
Gallatin Valley, Bozeman, and the Madison and Tobacco Root Mountain Ranges.
The more strenuous of the hikes from the canyon area is Sacagawea Peak.
But no matter what your hiking level, the trails will provide fantastic views of
mountain ranges in every direction.
The Bridger Mountains present fantastic views in every direction.
Bozeman, MT Weather
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Other pages you might find helpful:
Montana Roadless Working Group
The Montana Roadless Working Group consists of locals that enjoy all kinds of backcountry activities. As a group they are determined to encourage others and future generations to enjoy the backcountry as well. They also strive to protect waters and wilderness areas so that more can enjoy them in the future.
Southwest Montana Climbers Coalition
Learn how to climb responsible in order to preserve the sport.
