Bitterroot Backpacking is hosting a guided 9 mi hike up Sweeney Peak on June 13th at 9:00 am!

We will spend roughly 7 hours hiking up and down Sweeney Peak in the Bitterroot National Forest! The entire hike is approximately 9 miles with 3400 ft of elevation gain. Our goal is to reach the summit, but we won't be racing there. Our pace should be average of about 1.5 mph with breaks.

At about 2.5 mi up the trail, we head off the main trail onto a social trail that leads towards the summit. The undesignated path can be hard to follow and disappears about a mile further up. You'll be glad you hiked with a guide in a group! Be ready for more difficult, uneven terrain after that too! We will also do a tiny bit of scrambling on this hike, but nothing dangerous! This route takes us through a burn area where there are potholes and downed trees all over the place. (And your guide will know the most efficient route through it!)

This hike will most likely also traverse a bit of snow! Your guide will bring the proper equipment needed depending on the conditions.

At or near the summit, we will stop and take a solid 45ish min break for lunch, pictures, a nap, whatever! Along the way, we will also plan to take plenty of small breaks including a 10-minute water break at a natural spring 2.5 mi up the trail.

The hike is meant for anyone, but it is difficult! It is recommended that you are in decent physical condition in order to properly enjoy this adventure. If you have never hiked anything like this before and are unsure, it doesn't hurt to ask us for an opinion! Send us an email at bitterrootbackpacking@gmail.com!

Group size will be 5-12 people.

It is recommended that you wear comfortable, layered hiking clothing appropriate for the temperature that day. It is expected to be chilly in the morning and hot in the afternoon.

We will cancel the hike if it is storming/thunder storming/very windy, but if its drizzling or lightly snowing, we will still hike.

Please plan to carry your own water and snacks. There is one natural spring 2.5 mi up the trail. Your guide, Luke will carry a water filter for you to use! The ice-cold spring water is delicious!

There are no restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail.

Dogs are welcome!

Look for the group standing around the Sweeney Ridge trailhead sign at the start time!

If the parking lot fills up, we will park cars at the switchback 0.2 mi down the road and caravan up to the trailhead.

***Disclaimer: By RSVP'ing to this event, you are acknowledging that you are attending at your own risk. You acknowledge that this group is run by volunteers, should anything happen to you, you are responsible for your own medical care costs. To that end, you acknowledge that you will remain with the group to lower the chances of injury due to accident and/or negligence. If you leave the group for any reason, you acknowledge that any incurred risks are made under your own volition.

Pet Disclaimer: While we are a pet friendly group (dogs and goats are welcome), some of the trails we hike on have leash laws and/or do not allow pets. If you bring any pets with you, you must abide by the rules of the trail. See less

Meet at the Sweeney Ridge Trailhead Sign at 9:30 AM! Look for the group of people there!