The Devil's Backbone 50 Mile Race - 2011

The Devil's Backbone is a special spot in the Gallatin Mountains east of Bozeman. Some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in Montana, the Gallatin Crest can be accessed via the Grotto Falls Trailhead in Hyalite Canyon or the Upper Portal Creek Trailhead, 30 miles south of Four Corners. The race normally starts at Grotto Falls and utilizes the Windy Pass Cabin as the turnaround spot. However, this spring Bozeman saw lots of snow and cool weather, and the trail was still very much snowed in, in some spots. Race director Tom Hayes made the call to keep everyone safe and this year's race featured an out and back, out and back that began and ended at Portal Creek.

I have spent plenty of time over in the Hyalite drainage, skiing and hiking the peaks that surround Bozeman's "backyard" but have never been up Portal Creek or that side of the Gallatin Divide. It is absolutely spectacular country. What a place for a race! And the weather was extremely cooperative, with warm temperatures at the trailhead and a nice, cool breeze up on the divide.

Overall, the 25 mile race had 24 official finishers, with 8 brave souls finishing the 50 miler. It seems the course was a bit short, but I believe the overall 10,000 feet of elevation gain on the 50 mile course more than made up for any shortcuts. Congrats to everyone who finished. We'll pray for lots of snow next winter, but warm, sunny days in April and May so the race will resume its traditional course next year. Thanks Liz and Tom for all your hard work! If anyone would like photos of the race, please email me with your race bib number or the photo number from our flikr page and I'll send you copies.

-Matt Parsons

For more photos visit our flikr page.

Because of heavy snowfall this year, the Devil's Backbone started at the Upper Portal Creek Trailhead.

After the first two miles, the trail opens up into a meadow full of wildflowers.

Several racers come down off of Miracle Mountain on their way to Windy Pass Cabin, 2.5 miles from the
finish line or the turnaround, depending on their mileage goal for the day.

One of eight 50 milers who finished, Tim Marchant is looking burly coming down the first 25.

Sarah Lawrence of Bozeman descends toward the trailhead on her way to a 3rd place overall female finish.

The Gallatin Crest, or "The Devil's Backbone" July 16, 2011. You can see the faint trail to the left of the snowfields.

Get Race Photos!

All images by Matt Parsons. If you would like to see more photos, please visit our flikr page. If Matt captured you on film, he is happy to send you full resolution images. You can email him at Matt@NorthernLightsTrading.com

This race would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors: