Bridger Ridge Traverse 2.0 (M to Corbly)

Craving something different from the traverse from the M to Fairy Lake? Want to do the traverse without the 2-hour car shuttle? This north-bound Bridger Traverse covers 25 miles with over 8000 feet of vertical gain, which is a perfect training run or just the perfect big day in the mountains. Plus enjoy 360-degree views of the mountain ranges of the surrounding area for the majority of the day! Car and water logistics: It's best to arrange a key swap with a friend or friends heading the opposite direction or to shuttle a car to the finish at Corbly Gulch Trailhead. The distance between the start and finish is only 30 minutes one way or a one-hour shuttle. As for water, which is VERY important on this exposed route, it would be best to arrange a water drop at the top of Bridger Peak or Ross Pass. Towards the end of the route, about two miles down from Sacagawea Peak into Corbly Gulch there is a spring that will supply water for the final five miles of the day. The trail itself is pretty easy to follow. Start off at the M trailhead and head up the steep route on the right. Follow the trail above the M to the top of Baldy. A small amount of route finding might be needed around Baldy proper, and know that the trail is never too exposed. If it feels sketchy, backtrack and find the actual trail. You'll follow the ridge and enjoy the views along the way to Bridger Peak, the double peaks of Saddle, and onto Ross Pass. When you get to Ross Pass be sure to test out the acoustics with a loud ECHO! Take the trail to the left of Ross onto the Foothills Trail to the west side of the range. Enjoy the slightest downhill for a bit, and watch out for the trail up to Naya Nuki Peak and Sacagawea Peak which will be on your right side. You may be sharing these peaks with cheeky mountain goats. From Sacagawea, you'll go down to the intersection at the pass and take the Corbly Gulch Trail into the comparatively lush valley. (If you're feeling too tired for these two peaks, it's possible to skip them and take the lower path that takes you straight to the intersection.) Two miles down you'll pass a spring that will be near the trail for most of the remaining miles. The final miles of trails are a relatively easy decline for tired legs, but watch out for mountain bikers!