Date:
July 16th, 2022
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Location:
Gallatin Mountain Range near Bozeman , Montana (trailhead is 40-50 minutes south of Bozeman). This race is unique in that it takes place in the Hyalite Porcupine Buffalo Horn Wilderness Study Area. The forest service recognizes qualities of such as "untrammeled", "natural", "undeveloped", and "solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation." The Gallatin Crest trail is a local gem through wild, beautiful land. This race seeks to appreciate its nature while respecting its history and potential as a future wilderness designation.
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Directions:
Take exit 305 off of interstate 90. Head south about 9 miles on 19th Avenue. About 3/4 of a mile after the road takes a hard curve to the right take a left at the Forest Service sign for Hyalite Canyon. Stay on the paved road to reservoir (about 10 miles), then continue on a gravel road for about 4 miles to the end of the road at the Hyalite Creek trailhead. Note: after the dam, stay straight and do not take the left turn towards Palisade Falls a mile later.
Entry fee and pre-race meeting:
While there is no official entry fee due to the race taking place in a wilderness study area, a donation to the Big Sky Wind Drinkers (the organization covering the costs of shirts, aid station food, finisher prizes, and insurance) is strongly encouraged and appreciated. The recommended donation is $45.00 for the solo race and $60.00 total for the two-person relay. The amount of money collected is soley for covering race-associated costs. We will have a donation container at the pre race meeting or on race day. We still need a signed waiver for insurance purposes, and this will be provided at the mandatory pre-race meeting. The race is limited to 30 solo runners and 20 relay teams. A wait-list will be maintained. Most years wait-listed runners do get in but may not know until early July.
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Runners will pick up packets and sign wavers the evening before the race at the mandatory pre-run briefing, location TBD (this will be emailed to racers). Relay racers are encouraged to key swap if comfortable and all runners are encouraged to carpool.
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Aid station and drop bags:
There is only one aid station (at the turn-around). There will be water, sports drink, gels, gummies, tortillas, peanut butter, potato chips, and caffeinated soda. Drop bags must be carried up 1100 feet of elevation over two miles so please minimize your needs! NO dropbags for relay runners, unless they carry them up themselves. No shoes or liquids unless really important!! The finish line will have plenty of food, water, and beer (and possibly a bonfire).
Directions to Windy Pass Cabin (the turn-around):
The drive takes about 75 minutes from Bozeman. Take US 191 (Main Street) west out of town. Take a left on US 191 at Four Corners (towards Big Sky and Yellowstone Park). The turn-off to Portal Creek is about 29 miles from Four Corners, just past mile-marker 54. Go up this very rocky gravel road for 6.7 miles to the Windy Pass trailhead (higher clearance vehicles such as a Subaru are strongly recommended). Do not take the right turn around 3.7 miles. The trail to Windy Pass Cabin is about a two mile hike with 1100 feet of elevation gain. Plan on 45 minutes of power hiking.
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Camping:
There are nice camping areas in Hyalite canyon but these are generally full on weekends (though they can be reserved through the USFS). The Forest Service does not allow camping at the trailhead. There is some dispersed camping in the Hyalite area; users are expected to follow Leave No Trace guidelines. You can camp at the Windy Pass trailhead, but leave room for horse trailers. There are numerous USFS campgrounds in the Gallatin Canyon (on the way to Portal Creek) as well. There are two commercial campgrounds on the outskirts of Bozeman (see lodging website below).
Mandatory Gear List:
1. Bear Spray – Devil’s Backbone is in bear country. Both black bears and grizzly bears call this area home. While most encounters with wildlife on our course are benign there is always a chance of surprising a bear-on course. Bear Spray is a great tool to deter a bear from an attack.
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2. Space blanket – The last line of defense should weather move in unexpectedly while exposed and on the alpine ridge or summit. Also can be helpful if you come across someone in need of help and more protection.
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3. Hooded jacket with breathable waterproof membrane – Essential in protecting you from the elements.
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4. 32oz water carrying capacity
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5. Headlamp – Devil’s Backbone begins before sunrise. All participants must have a headlamp.
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Additional Recommended Equipment:
1. Water filter / iodine - if you plan to refill your water bottles at the spring.
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2. Whistle – a great tool to bring attention to yourself in an emergency
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3. Food reserves – Runners should always have at least 300 kcal more food than they plan to need. This will save you from an unexpected bonk or give you the fuel you need to reach the aid station/finish if it is taking more time than expected.
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4. Technical long sleeve for additional warmth – Additional layer of protection when the temps are low / precipitation is in the forecast.
5. Warm hat or neck gaiter – Warmth and protection
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6. Light gloves – If your hands become too cold for use then you drink and eat less. Gloves will keep your hands functioning when you need this or during the scrambling sections of the course.
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7. Rain pants – Staying dry is staying warm.
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8. Sunscreen for hot and exposed weather – At elevation the sun is strong and sunscreen can be your first line of defense.
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9. Phone with SARS number uploaded – Although it can be spotty, there is cell service on the ridge. Runners should have SARS number saved in case of emergency. Please ask for Bozeman as it will automatically connect you to Livingston.
Records:
Female open
•Emily Linton (2015): 10:45
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Male open
• David Ayala (2016): 7:48
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Female Master
•Liz McGoff (2006): 11:14
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Male Master
•Jay Aldous (2012): 8:52
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Maps:​