Sacagawea Peak via Fairy Lake Access Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a difficult out and back trail to Sacagawea Peak in Gallatin National Forest.

This trail goes by Fairy Lake Campground.

(A longer route to Sacajawea Peak can be found on the other side of the Bridger’s via Corbly Gulch Trail. This longer route is approximately 14 miles round trip from the trailhead to the peak and back. This route includes about 4000 feet of ascent.)

This is a beautiful, rewarding alpine hike that takes you right to the top of Sacagawea, the highest peak in the Bridgers. The hike begins at Fairly Lake, winding up through the forest. Once you emerge, you see the bowl before you, and the views are spectacular. (Snow sits in the saddle nearly all year round.) A long series off switchbacks takes you up to the ridge. At the top, go left for Sacagawea, and right for Hardscrabble Peak.

The last stretch up Sacagawea is full of loose rocks, so take your time and wear the right shoes. It also gets hot in the summer, so bring water.

Getting Started

Getting to the trailhead sometimes requires an SUV or truck with good clearance as the road is heavily rutted. But in the summer the road is nearly always passable by most vehicles.

Taking Children

If your kids are used to more arduous hikes, this can be a great choice. It's pretty steep all the way up, but if you take your time, it provides stunning rewards at the end.