Spotted Bear Pass Route (Bob Marshall) landscape

Photo: Photo by Steven Cordes on Unsplash

Spotted Bear Pass Route (Bob Marshall)

~4 days · 26.6 mi · hard · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance26.6 mi
Days out4
Elevation gain5,499 ft
Gain / mile207 ft
High point7,792 ft

What the Spotted Bear Pass Route (Bob Marshall) is known for

This route follows the Spotted Bear River Trail from the trailhead near Hungry Horse Reservoir south into the Bob Marshall Wilderness toward Spotted Bear Pass — about 24 miles point-to-point, used by CDT hikers as a scenic alternate reaching the Chinese Wall corridor. Dispersed camping throughout, with reliable water from the river and no permits required.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Spotted Bear Pass Route (Bob Marshall) on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 15,994 ft to 25,436 ft over 26.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 17.7 mi · 67%
  • Downhill 7.3 mi · 28%
  • Flat 1.5 mi · 6%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Spotted Bear Pass Route (Bob Marshall) take?

Most backpackers hike the Spotted Bear Pass Route (Bob Marshall) in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 26.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Spotted Bear Pass Route (Bob Marshall)?

The Spotted Bear Pass Route (Bob Marshall) climbs roughly 5,499 ft total — about 207 ft per mile, topping out near 7,792 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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