Fairy Lake rope swing (Bridger Range)
UnverifiedIntermediate (31-60 ft)45.90444, -110.95806
Confirmed by 0 jumpers
An emerald alpine lake at 7,550 ft in a cirque under Sacagawea Peak, half an hour up a rough road from Bridger Canyon. A rope swing hangs on the south side just off the shoreline trail, over the deepest water in the lake. The most scenic swim near Bozeman and the coldest — this is snowmelt at treeline, so nobody stays in long.
Jumps at this location
Rope swing (south shore)
Height not listed
Intermediate (31-60 ft)
Shoreline rocks
Height not listed
Intermediate (31-60 ft)
Warnings
Nobody has measured the heights or the depth here — check your landing yourself before using the swing, and look at the rope and its branch before you trust them. Water near 50 degrees at 7,500 ft will take your breath on entry; swim with someone on shore. The road is not plowed and is often impassable before July.
Access
Fairy Lake Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest. From Bozeman take Bridger Canyon Rd (MT-86) about 22 miles, then Fairy Lake Rd (FR 74) 6 miles west — it is rough dirt, high-clearance is smart and it is usually snowed in until late June or early July. Park at the campground and walk 5 minutes to the lake; the rope swing is on the south side, easy to spot from the trail.
Best conditions
Mid-July through September, once the road melts out. Afternoons are warmest and the lake never really warms up.