Every early summer, the Annual Fort Peck Dam Run in Fort Peck, Montana, attracts a diverse crowd—from weekend hikers to seasoned trail runners—ready to engage with one of the region’s most distinctive landscapes. This 20+ mile course traces a demanding circuit around the colossal structure of Fort Peck Dam, the fifth largest earthfill dam in the world. The route is a blend of rigged terrain and expansive views, a setting where the plateau’s dry heat dares your endurance while the Missouri River below pulls your attention with its ceaseless current.

The run covers roughly 21 miles with a moderate elevation gain of about 900 feet. The path weaves through dry grasslands and sparse ponderosa pines, occasionally offering shaded relief along rocky sections and service roads. You’ll feel the persistent wind—a character of its own pushing against you as if testing your resolve. The trail demands respect: rocky underfoot, uneven stretches, and sudden inclines mean sturdy, treaded footwear is non-negotiable.

Starting near the dam’s visitor center, the route swings westward, climbing small ridges that reward you with broad views of Fort Peck Lake—a jade slice in a sea of brown and gold. The Missouri River’s voice hovers in the distance, a constant companion daring you to keep pace. The course loops back along flatter ground, ideal for catching your breath and appreciating the jagged hills sculpted by time and river currents.

Timing your run in early June means balancing comfortably warm days against risks of sudden wind gusts. Hydration is paramount here; Montana’s dry air can drag moisture from your body with little warning. Access to water stations is limited, so carrying your own supply is critical.

This annual event embraces all skill levels but rewards those who come prepared. Technical savvy isn’t heavily demanded, but a realistic self-assessment of stamina and footing confidence will elevate the experience from struggle to accomplishment.

Prepare with lightweight layers—the morning chill warms swiftly—and use moisture-wicking gear to counteract sweating in the dryer heat. Trail shoes with good grip and shock absorption will protect your feet through the uneven, sometimes sharp rocky patches. Participants often use trekking poles to steady themselves on descents vulnerable to loose stones.

Above all, this run celebrates nature fiercely itself: the river cutting its path, the wind shaping the hills, and the sun casting stark shadows of the land’s contours. It’s a physical test, yes, but also a moment to connect with Montana’s untamed energy and raw terrain. For hikers, runners, and explorers alike, the Annual Fort Peck Dam Run is more than a race—it’s an invitation to meet the land on its own terms.