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Ascend 2,000 feet to the top of Lone Mountain for awesome views and a challenging experience.


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Map Key

2.3

Miles

3.7

KM

38%

Runnable

11,094' 3,381 m

High

9,190' 2,801 m

Low

1,903' 580 m

Up

1,903' 580 m

Down

31%

Avg Grade (17°)

80%

Max Grade (39°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Need to Know

You must purchase a lift ticket to take you from the Mountain Village to the trailhead (about $25). Alternatively, climb North Service Road or Moose Tracks to the top of the Swift Current Lift.

Description

When we got up to the trailhead, it was an immediate, steep climb through a wooded section until we reached the start of the scree field approximately 0.1 miles into the trail. Because the snow at the end of September was, on average, 1-2" deep, we thought about turning around but kept moving as conditions were very good that morning. Most of our group was not used to this elevation and felt exhausted until we found our pace.

As we topped the first peak, we stood looking at another peak to climb. We zig-zagged up the scree until we reached the top of the following peak. The second peak had us looking at a pretty flat run with a fun scramble that gave us some great views of the drop-offs on either side of the ridgeline. This section was pretty sketchy, as a fall would result in a tumble down the mountainside, so be careful or pick another trail. We maintained a slow approach and made it through without any issues.

The final approach to the summit was another 900-1,000 feet of climb up the scree field. We definitely would not have done this without the cables and ropes that were there for skiing as we periodically used them to pull us up. This area was where we encountered our steepest grades. This was the sketchiest section of the climb with loose rocks and steep embankments on either side of the ridge. 



Once we finally made it within view of the summit, we were met with the gasps of the people who rode the tram to the summit (the "expedition tour group") taking in the views. If you so choose, for about $50-$90, depending on the time of year, you can take the tram all the way up to the top, but then you would miss out on the spectacular views and experience that actually climbing the mountain gives you.

It is much easier to climb this section than to descend, and without a ticket you are not allowed to ride the tram down, but this doesn't mean it isn't worth asking.

Flora & Fauna

Mainly scree, some sheep poop, and a lone dandelion.

Contacts

Land Manager: Big Sky Resort

Shared By:

Zack Miller

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 4 votes

#1067

Overall
  5.0 from 4 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#26

in Montana

#1,067

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3,417 Since Sep 29, 2018
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Photos

Almost to the top
Sep 29, 2018 near Big Sky, MT
Trailhead
Sep 29, 2018 near Big Sky, MT
Trail follows the ridge-line from left to right
Sep 29, 2018 near Big Sky, MT
The first peak of the trail
Sep 29, 2018 near Big Sky, MT

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