Bagging a pass?
Sundance Pass is one of the many special places in the Beartooth Range of southcentral Montana. The scenic pass (elevation 10,991 ft.) can be accessed from the West Fork Trailhead or the Lake Fork Trailhead, both within 15 miles of Red Lodge. It can be done as an out-and-back from either trailhead but many prefer to do it as a one or two night backpacking trip, starting at one trailhead and ending at the other – a 21 mile walk with 4,300 feet of elevation gain that crosses Sundance Pass near the mid-point of the journey.

Rain, rain, go away.
Our family gathered for a 5-day stay at a cabin near Red Lodge to celebrate my step-son Mark’s 50th birthday. The plan was for Mark, my daughter (Amy), and I to start at the Lake Fork Trailhead on Wednesday (7/16/25), walk 8 miles to September Morn Lake, spend the night, hike up and over the pass, finishing at the West Fork Trailhead Thursday afternoon. Unfortunately the weatherman didn’t get the memo. It rained all day Tuesday, and the forecast for Wednesday didn’t look much better. Thursday looked perfect though, so Amy and I decided to start early and do the entire trip that day. Mark opted to hike part way with us, then drive over to pick us up at the finish line later that afternoon.

Epic.
We started at the West Fork Trailhead around 7 am and finished at the Lake Fork Trailhead shortly before 5 pm. It was amazing! We especially enjoyed the West Fork side where the variety was incredible. The trail transitioned back and forth between forrested areas and big grassy meadows dotted by wildflowers. The West Fork was our constant companion showing us raging whitewater, cascades, and occasional wide, gentle stretches as well. The trail led us up toward the mountainous headwaters where we could see the numerous patches of snow that provide runoff for the West Fork. The scenery got better and better the closer we got to the pass. One of the most impressive features of the hike were the dozens of well-designed switchbacks that ascend the west side of the pass – three miles worth of switchbacks to gain 1,500 feet of elevation!

All downhill from here.
We spent 40 minutes at the pass, enjoying the views and snacking before starting down the Lake Fork Trail. That side was nice too, although not quite as spectacular as the West Fork side. We passed right by September Morn Lake and could see other lakes off in the distance as we made our way down. Mark and his wife, along with some of their kids walked three miles up the trail to meet us. We walked out together, then drove into town where we gathered the whole family for burgers and beers at the Red Lodge Brewery – A perfect ending to a perfect day! Check out the Photo Tour.

FYI
I learned of this hike in a book called 100 Classic Hikes: Montana by Douglas Lorain. Besides my blog (HaHa!), it’s one of the best resources around for finding hikes and backpacking trips all over Montana.

Below: This map marks hikes that have been featured on bigskywalker.com so far, including several in Glacier Park – Select full screen to expand, zoom in for more detail, or click on a marker for a link to the post.

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