A Quick Trip to Bozeman: Baldy Mountain, Alex, and Norris Hot Springs

Looking north along the Bridger crest from the first Baldy 'summit'. The true summit is the third bump further along the ridge.

Last weekend I took a solo trip to Bozeman, stopping in Butte Friday night to see my Mom and to make an appearance for my uncle's 70th birthday. Then it was on to Bozeman on Saturday, where I met with a research colleague in the morning and then climbed Baldy Mountain while waiting for Alex's schedule to open up in the afternoon. Baldy is the furthest southern summit on the Bridger Ridge and the first peak north along the ridge from the M parking lot. Baldy has three false summits, coming from the south, before you reach the true summit (see the above photo). I had always thought that the first of these was Baldy - there's even a summit register there - but the high point is nearly a mile further on. The hike took me about 5 hours round trip, which was perfect. Once down, Alex and his girl friend Lindsay were ready to get together. We had dinner, and then after coffee and breakfast in the morning, followed by a quick trip out to Bob Ward's to see Alex's place of employment, I hit the road, taking a detour to Norris Hot Springs along the way.  

Looking east at the Crazies.

Looking southeast at the Absoroka.

Bozeman from the ridge.

Another shot of the Absoroka.

Taking the long way home so as to hit Norris Hot Springs.