Mountaineering · YDS Class 2

Northwest Ridge from Gold Prize Creek

Distance RT
12.0 mi
Gain
4,688 ft
High Point
10,925 ft
Trailhead
Gold Prize Creek Trailhead (Sixmile Creek Road, near Emigrant)
Route Description

Arguably the most popular climb in the Paradise Valley area, though only popular by Montana standards -- a prominent, glacier-free peak that dominates the view from US Route 89 near the town of Emigrant.

Approach

From Livingston, drive south on Highway 89 to Emigrant, cross the bridge, then head south on East River Road before turning onto Sixmile Creek Road. After about four miles, turn toward the Gold Prize Creek trailhead and park. The trail climbs relentlessly from the start through timber and meadows, paralleling a long livestock fence before fading out above treeline. From there, follow the northwest ridge, scrambling over rock and scree and past several false summits, to the true summit -- roughly 6 miles and 4,687 feet of gain one-way (implying a trailhead elevation around 6,200 feet). Carry bear spray; this is grizzly country.

Weather Forecast
7-Day Forecast
Today
☁️
Overcast
46° / 25°
4%
💨12
Tomorrow
🌧️
Drizzle
45° / 30°
36%
💧0.04"
💨12
Tue, Sep 29
☁️
Overcast
53° / 24°
💨7
Wed, Sep 30
☁️
Overcast
51° / 23°
1%
💨14
Thu, Oct 1
☁️
Overcast
48° / 19°
2%
💨10
Fri, Oct 2
☁️
Overcast
55° / 25°
4%
💨8
Sat, Oct 3
☁️
Overcast
51° / 28°
7%
💨15
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