The newest distance for The Rut, added in 2023.

Statistics

3 - 4

hrs

1,267

m

1,266

m

10

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

The Rut 20K is a new addition to the Rut Mountain Runs, a three-day celebration of mountain running in Big Sky, Montana. This challenging course will take you through some of the most scenic and rugged terrain in the Rocky Mountains, as you climb and descend over 4,000 feet of elevation.

You will experience a variety of trails, from singletrack to dirt roads.

In fact, this new 20k course is designed to follow the best-quality singletrack that Big Sky has to offer. You will also get a taste of the famous Lone Peak, as you ascend to within spitting distance of the summit and then descend down a large scree slope.

Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and forests. The 20k route is a distinct step up in difficulty from the 11k route, but it's not quite as difficult as the 28k, since "it does not traverse the exposed and rugged ridgelines of lone peak like the Rut 28K and 50K," according to [RunTheRut.com](https://runtherut.com/20k-race-details/).

Sources: Conversation with Bing Chat. https://runtherut.com/20k-race-details/ https://outdoor-society.com/pushing-the-limits-running-the-rut-race-in-big-sky-montana/