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A high traverse along the ridge with alpine peaks and endless views.


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Map Key

22.7

Miles

36.5

KM

Singletrack

7,678' 2,340 m

High

5,733' 1,747 m

Low

3,400' 1,036 m

Up

4,173' 1,272 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

52%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Description

The Alpine Trail is broken into two parts, a north section and south section. The middle section is separated by the Jewel Basin hiking area and is closed to bicycles.

The southern section of Alpine Trail (described here) is a solid 20+ mile ride with more descending than climbing. Despite the loss in elevation, there are sections of hike-a-bike and some exposure, so it is for those who have the fitness and confidence to tackle such a trail.

The southern half begins at Napa Lookout #31 and climbs to Inspiration Pass. From there, it follows the ridge above timberline north across high alpine meadows, passing Warrior Peak, Gildart Peak, and Thunderbolt Mountain. The views across the rugged and rocky ridgelines are endless as you travel across the sky before eventually descending to the town of Swan Lake.

Depending on what you want to bite off in a ride, you can make connections with (in order from south to north): Wire Trail, Bond Creek #21, Hall Lake #61 or Sixmile Lookout.

Contacts

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier with improvements by Jason M and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#1

in Swan Lake

#2032

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
5 Star
100%
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Trail Rankings

#1

in Swan Lake

#15

in Montana

#2,032

Overall
5 Views Last Month
4,348 Since Sep 8, 2016
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Photos

Looking down on Trinkus and Bond Lakes.
Jul 11, 2024 near Bigfork, MT
This is a challenging switchback to ride.
Jul 17, 2024 near Bigfork, MT
When you bomb onto this switchback, it always looks like you might going flying right off the cliff into Hall Lake.
Jul 17, 2024 near Bigfork, MT
Decision time at the junction of Alpine Trail #7: climb to the peak or start your descent.
Jul 17, 2024 near Bigfork, MT
The Alpine 7 Hall Lake #61 junction.
Jul 17, 2024 near Bigfork, MT
Looking back at Spring Slide Mountain and down on Bond Lake.
Jul 11, 2024 near Bigfork, MT
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