Blue Lake Trail Ride 2026

[Saul Abel]

MONTHLY CLUB RUN — INDEPENDENCE PASS → BLUE LAKE!

Intel says the road is OPEN!

SATURDAY 10/3/26

Meet: Natural Bridge (45°33'00.4"N 110°12'28.0"W)
Arrive: Before 10 AM
Roll out: 10 AM
GMRS/FRS Ch. 15

From Natural Bridge it’s about 30 miles of washboard to the top. The trail is generally mild with a few technical spots, but last year’s washout may have added a challenge or two. Expect some Montana pinstriping. We may also hit snow and have to turn around

This is a LONG day if you do it in one shot. Previous years we’ve reached the lake around 3:30–4 PM.

Natural Bridge is an 1hr 40min from Bozeman. For more scenic, take Swingley Road from Livingston to cutoff to McLeod. There should be cell reception at Natural Bridge, but don't count on it.

CAMPING

Come Friday and camp along the way, make it a Saturday-only adventure, or stay Saturday night at Blue Lake and explore.

~9,500 ft elevation
Fishing possible
Old mine to explore
Plenty of scenery

I’ll be camping Friday somewhere around Natural Bridges. If you’re staying at Blue Lake Saturday night, post up so others can join you!

BIG BEAR COUNTRY: Camp accordingly. I have personally viewed 3 grizzlies at Blue Lake.
Fuel up in Big Timber or Livingston
Cell service gets sketchy—don’t count on it.

And remember…

It’s Montana. Pack for everything. Lows expected to be in 20's overnight up at the lake.

We will go until we make the lake or are limited out by snow.

Who’s in?!
@Saul Abel
@geo5
@CCRider
@mccracken
@James Hartly

 

[CCRider]

Last time we tried to get to Blue Lake this had just happened. I'm excited to give it another shot.
So......I'm in!

 

[WreckDiver1321]

Might be in for the day, I'll see what we can make happen

 

[geo5]

I’m in, thanks for organizing this. Likely bringing the fam to camp fri/sat.

 

[mccracken]

Tentatively down as well! I blew it this summer and need to hang with you guys.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Oh man, I wanna go!

 

[geo5]

I think these pix are from the last club run to blue lake, 2023

 

[ThatOldSixtie]

Wish I could make this one. Forgot I have a trip to Michigan on the same weekend...

 

[Saul Abel]

UPDATE: It looks like the weather may be improving with slightly warmer days/nights, but still cold.

 

[James Hartly]

I'm in just for the day .

 

[CCRider]

I'll be heading out later this afternoon and plan to camp somewhere along the Main Boulder Road. I should have my radio on CH 15 if you want to try to reach out. Otherwise I'll be at the picnic area in the morning.
Don't forget your spray!

 

[WreckDiver1321]

Unfortunately not able to make this one guys. Have fun!

 

[Saul Abel]

We are heading out today (Friday) and will camp further down past the Natural Bridge. We will be collected as the wolfpack passes us around 1015/1030.

BTW, who has a winch? geo5? ccrider? Hartly?

Reminder Channel 15

 

[CCRider]

Winch
Shovel

 

[mccracken]

I’m pushing out of Livingston early and will meet yall at natural bridge.

 

[forunna4L]

MONTHLY CLUB RUN — INDEPENDENCE PASS → BLUE LAKE!

Intel says the road is OPEN!

SATURDAY 10/3/26

Meet: Natural Bridge (45°33'00.4"N 110°12'28.0"W)
Arrive: Before 10 AM
Roll out: 10 AM
GMRS/FRS Ch. 15

From Natural Bridge it’s about 30 miles of washboard to the top. The trail is generally mild with a few technical spots, but last year’s washout may have added a challenge or two. Expect some Montana pinstriping. We may also hit snow and have to turn around

This is a LONG day if you do it in one shot. Previous years we’ve reached the lake around 3:30–4 PM.

Natural Bridge is an 1hr 40min from Bozeman. For more scenic, take Swingley Road from Livingston to cutoff to McLeod. There should be cell reception at Natural Bridge, but don't count on it.

CAMPING

Come Friday and camp along the way, make it a Saturday-only adventure, or stay Saturday night at Blue Lake and explore.

~9,500 ft elevation
Fishing possible
Old mine to explore
Plenty of scenery

I’ll be camping Friday somewhere around Natural Bridges. If you’re staying at Blue Lake Saturday night, post up so others can join you!

BIG BEAR COUNTRY: Camp accordingly. I have personally viewed 3 grizzlies at Blue Lake.
Fuel up in Big Timber or Livingston
Cell service gets sketchy—don’t count on it.

And remember…

It’s Montana. Pack for everything. Lows expected to be in 20's overnight up at the lake.

We will go until we make the lake or are limited out by snow.

Who’s in?!
@Saul Abel
@geo5
@CCRider
@mccracken
@James Hartly






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I’m in for the day!

 

[apollotundra]

I’ll be there Saturday AM for the day

 

[apollotundra]

Add photos here Blue lake

 

[ttFJC]

Looks like a fun time! Glad to see yall made it to the end!