Sweeney Peak (Bitterroots) June 28, 2025

Sweeney Peak, Bitterroot Mountains
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Participants: Zack and Susanna

This was a short-notice trip posted for The Rocky Mountaineers, and I had one participant join me for a hike up Sweeney Peak, a classic summit in the Bitterroot Mountains. I make it a point to hike this peak at least once a year for its sweeping views and the enjoyable, safe ridge that leads to the summit.

Zack and I met in Missoula at 6:30 AM and carpooled to the Sweeney Peak Trailhead. I was surprised to find the parking area nearly full so early, so we parked just off the road and began our hike on the main trail toward Peterson Lake.
At the natural spring, around 7,600 feet, we stopped to refill our water bottles before continuing off-trail along the ridge to the summit. The wilderness gifted us solitude; we had the entire mountain to ourselves. At the summit, we took a well-earned break, enjoyed some food, and soaked in the views before heading back down.

We returned to the car around 1:20 PM.

What a fantastic day in the high country, off-trail travel, fresh mountain air, and endless views made for a memorable outing.

Susanna Girolamo Phillips