Devil's Backbone
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Devil's Backbone : Bozeman, MT
The Devil's Backbone is a mountain running event on the Gallatin Crest near Bozeman, MT, offering two distance options and routes through the Hyalite, Porcupine and Buffalo Horn Wilderness. The event follows remote, alpine ridgelines with technical terrain and significant elevation gain. The course is exposed and subject to rapidly changing mountain weather, and support on course is limited.
Participants should be prepared for self-supported backcountry running and carry essential supplies such as food, hydration, navigation tools, and emergency gear. Runners will summit Hyalite Peak on sections of both routes and traverse alpine terrain that requires mountain experience and sound judgment.
Distances:
- 25 Mile point-to-point route via Portal Creek Trailhead to Grotto Falls Trailhead, summiting Hyalite Peak.
- 50 Mile out-and-back route from Grotto Falls Trailhead with a turnaround at Portal Creek and Hyalite Peak climbed in both directions.
Registration opens on 2026-01-05 and closes on 2026-06-30. The event is organized as a community-run effort; recommended donations help support local trail and public lands nonprofits. A deposit equal to 50% of the recommended donation is required to confirm a spot. Volunteer support is part of the event structure and organizers recruit volunteers to help run the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
