Bedrock & Paradox

I dream of a hard and brutal mysticism in which the naked self merges with a non-human world and yet somehow survives still intact, individual, separate. Paradox and bedrock.

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Open

R0020228

An unsupported traverse of a big wild place in the tradition of Bob Marshall and the Alaska Mountain and Wilderness Classic.

The 2023 Open will start at 0800 MDT, Saturday May 27th, at the Owl Creek TH on Holland Lake, and finish at the obelisk at Marias Pass. Course area is all public land in Montana. The usual guidelines apply.

-This is not a race.

-You must be entirely self-supported and self-contained. Take everything you need, and leave nothing behind but footprints. Any pre-planned assistance of any kind is forbidden.

-Any form of human-powered locomotion is allowed within the identified course area. No linear travel on the surface of paved roads.

-You are responsible for you. Come prepared for challenging conditions which can easily, with improper luck or preparation, turn life-threatening. Any and all contingency and emergency plans must be arranged in advance by each individual.

Results:

–2012: Teton River Bridge to Hungry Bear

–2013: Benchmark to Bear Creek

–2014: Marias Pass to Monture Creek

–2015: Holland Lake to Swift Reservoir

–2016: Bean Lake to Cedar Creek CG

-2017: West Fork Teton to Lake Inez

-2018: North Fork Blackfoot to Marias Pass

-2019: Swift Reservoir to Swan Lake

-2020: Point Pleasant to Gibson

-2021: Home Gulch to Sunset Hill Bridge

-2022: Blackleaf to Rattlesnake

121 responses to “The Bob Marshall Wilderness Open”

The reality « Bedrock & Paradox

November 5, 2011 at 12:07 pm

[…] Bedrock & Paradox HomeAnnoBiblioBob Marshall Wilderness OpenFAQKaibab MonstercrossMission Statement […]

Reply
Eric Payne

November 5, 2011 at 7:42 pm

Dave:

Immediate thought: Badass that you are putting this together!

I may be interested, but it all depends on how much I can train this winter in the Front Range of the Rockies with a newborn. This is certainly something that I will daydream about all winter, and I look forward to seeing how many others express interest as well…

Reply
Ryan Jordan

November 6, 2011 at 1:14 pm

Such a pretty walk.

Reply
craigwisner

November 7, 2011 at 6:12 pm

If flying in from Los Angeles, CA is Missoula the closest major airport? (Don’t know MT at all, sorry…)

Cheers, hope this goes off well, maybe I can get out.

Reply
DaveC

November 7, 2011 at 6:41 pm

We have an airport here in Kalispell. Missoula is also fairly close, as is Great Falls. Not sure which might be cheapest. It might be complicated, but my hope is to help coordinate transport as best as possible, especially for folks from far away. I know flying here is damn expensive. More specific stuff will be arranged closer to the start to get folks to the beginning and from the end.

To answer (publicly) some other questions which have come up:

-You can do this without a packraft. It will limit your route choices, and you’ll want to exercise some serious discretion with a few creek/river crossings.
-You will most likely want skis or snowshoes.
-Temps could be anywhere between 20 and 80 F. Maybe colder, probably not warmer.
-It is totally irrelevant how long you take. This is not a race. Times will be recorded for posterity as a measure of experience, which is the greatest end. I expect times between 48 hours and 7 days.

Reply
Damien Tougas

November 8, 2011 at 4:30 am

I would LOVE to do something like this.

One of these days….

Reply
samh

November 8, 2011 at 10:45 pm

Spent a couple hours when you first posted this poring over digital maps and the straight line distance (measured on the ground) is around 57 miles. The distance from point A to point B using only roads and trails (with the exception of one possible 1/4 mile offtrail near the end) is around 100 miles. Nearly double! How beautiful is that? A landscape so rugged and diverse that a trail system must swerve over and around such a mosaic as to nearly double it’s length to get from one point to another.

Anyway, I have posed the option of this event to my roommate and we will be discussion entry over the coming months. I for one would be very excited to participate as would he but it will ultimately come down to drab work and / or school related factors for each of us respectively.

Reply
kurt refsnider

November 9, 2011 at 11:46 am

If this winter is anything like last winter (another strong La Nina predicted…), it’s going to be SNOWY! I couldn’t believe how low the snow line was in mid-June when I rode to the west and then south of the Bob! I doubt I’ll be in this year, but perhaps next year if it happens again…

Reply
jamie Robertson

November 9, 2011 at 1:23 pm

Cool idea! ..and an amazing stretch of country. If spring 2012 is anything like 2011, better pack the galoshes!

If you’re looking for a map of the Bob, and happen to be interested in accurate trail mileages, consider the new ones from cairn cartographics: http://cairncarto.com/home/maps
The south half is available now and the north half is due out before the race.

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  November 9, 2011 at 2:18 pm
  
  Looks like a good map!
  
  Reply
Raxa Collective

November 11, 2011 at 9:45 am

This sounds amazing! We’ve done work with the Patagonian Expedition Race (http://www.patagonianexpeditionrace.com/index.php) and
http://raxacollective.wordpress.com/2011/07/14/patagonian-expeditions/ But your trek sounds really intense! Your photos are fabulous, what a privilege to live in such an amazing place. Congrats!

Reply
les

November 11, 2011 at 9:02 pm

Count me in ! I’ve done some trips in the Bob in the fall and May is the new element snow or no snow?? Ultra light or expect winter oooya bring it on.

thanks,
Les

Reply
Mitch R.

November 15, 2011 at 12:01 pm

Seriously thinking of doing this.

Reply
1. Mitch R.
  
  November 15, 2011 at 12:49 pm
  
  I keep asking myself “If not now, when?”
  
  Reply
  1. DaveC
    
    November 15, 2011 at 6:39 pm
    
    Always a good question.
    
    Reply
    1. Mitch R.
      
      November 18, 2011 at 10:22 am
      
      Will be there!
Cyrus Dietz

November 17, 2011 at 11:23 am

Please sign me up. I will be driving from Minnesota for this one and could help with shuttling people from one side to the other.
I am curious as to what parts of the route would be best traveled by packraft.
Looking forward to it…

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  November 17, 2011 at 3:57 pm
  
  Welcome aboard Cyrus. There’s no “sign up,” just come. We’ll facilitate an online forum of some kind closer to the start date for folks to discuss the route and logistics (without a reply-all email orgy).
  
  Reply
Eric Payne

November 17, 2011 at 1:54 pm

Route decisions and map daydreaming begins in 3 hrs…

Reply
Mitch R.

November 18, 2011 at 11:36 am

This will be quite the “on-sight” challenge because I have never been there before. Too long of drive from Minneapolis. I am expecting more of a ski mountaineering gig at that time of the year.

Reply
Mitch R.

November 18, 2011 at 12:08 pm

If I knew how to paraglide, an approach like that used in The Red Bull Alps race (http://www.redbullxalps.com/) might come in handy if the winds were favorable.

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  November 18, 2011 at 3:22 pm
  
  I don’t know anything about paragliding, but it’d be interesting.
  
  I intend to provide enough info on conditions to make things good for folks who are going onsight, but not so much that all fun is spoiled. There’s some good beta on this blog, as well as packrafting.org, which will prove useful.
  
  Reply
  1. Mitch R.
    
    November 19, 2011 at 6:51 pm
    
    Thank you.
    
    Google Earth is coming in very handy!
    
    Reply
Gerard

November 18, 2011 at 4:40 pm

A strong possibility that I would attend pending work related responsibilities.

Reply
Morgan R

November 28, 2011 at 11:22 pm

I’m in.

Reply
chris m.

December 1, 2011 at 8:15 pm

I want to do this.

Reply
My 2012 race/trip schedule « Bedrock & Paradox

December 4, 2011 at 2:16 pm

[…] & Paradox HomeAnnoBiblioFAQMission StatementThe Bob Marshall Wilderness OpenThe […]

Reply
Matt Lutz

December 4, 2011 at 2:26 pm

I’ll be there in spirit – sounds great, and I love the guideline re: be prepared (my wife did too!).

Reply
Travis

December 5, 2011 at 12:26 pm

I’d love to do this sometime. Would give me a good excuse to ride my KLR down Canada. I attempted the AMWC race in 2010, and made 57 miles in 24 hours, but pulled out from hypothermia. And with the timing of this would make a great strength/endurance test for the AMWC race

Reply
John St. Laurent

December 12, 2011 at 4:51 pm

I’m planning to be there. Already bought my map!

Reply
DaveC

December 12, 2011 at 7:17 pm

Psyched by the interest everyone. Will have more news in the new year.

Reply
The next five years « Bedrock & Paradox

December 12, 2011 at 10:26 pm

[…] & Paradox HomeAnnoBiblioFAQMission StatementThe Bob Marshall Wilderness OpenThe […]

Reply
Dan Durston

December 29, 2011 at 11:06 am

That’s awesome that you’re planning this event Dave. The hiking community needs more stuff like this. I really hope this can continue on as a multi-year event.

I wanted to experience the AMWC this year until I found out it falls in the middle of my set-in-stone 3 weeks on, 3 week off work schedule. Seeing this event briefly pumped me up until I checked and it’s also smack dab in the middle of another one of my 3 weeks on work rotations (May 17 – June 8). Disappointing…anyone one know of any other similar events? I love the small community vibe this one is going to have.

Reply
1. Mike
  
  December 29, 2011 at 4:23 pm
  
  Dan, I’m not sure of another event like this (aside from the AMWC). Where do you live? Organize another one!
  
  Reply
kevin

January 9, 2012 at 2:27 pm

Interested

Reply
Dan Durston

January 19, 2012 at 1:02 pm

I might be able to make it after all….I won’t know for a couple months but I’m hoping.

Reply
Cyrus Dietz

January 26, 2012 at 5:09 am

Dave,
I am ready to jump into packrafting and make the purchase. I think I have settled on the alpaca model with a spray deck. Do you have any opinions on what works or does not work for packrafting in the Bob? I have no clue what to buy for a paddle…
Any direction would be appreciated.

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  January 26, 2012 at 7:26 am
  
  Can’t go wrong with Alpacka, whichever model fits. A deck is essential. As far as packrafting paddles go, my thoughts are as follows:
  
  -For basic and bomber get an Aquabound (nylon blades, carbon shaft nice)
  -For just light get the Sawyer (the adjustment feature is nice)
  -For best performance and lots of $$ get a Werner (touring blade for non-gorrillas, WW blade for the burly and abusive)
  
  210 is a very versatile length, and a mid sized blade is best.
  
  Reply
  1. Cyrus Dietz
    
    January 27, 2012 at 5:19 am
    
    that info definetely helps me Dave. Looking at the Alpacka web site I am now having a hard time deciding which spray skirt design to buy the 2012 or the 2011. Some decisions are so hard to make…
    Do you have any plans to post your Bob Marshall crossing route from last year?
    
    Reply
    1. DaveC
      
      January 27, 2012 at 2:38 pm
      
      https://bedrockandparadox.com/2011/05/23/sw-bob-memorial-traverse-a-trip-planning-case-study/
Kevin Goulding

February 1, 2012 at 3:28 pm

Interested.

Reply
Rich Schreckengost

February 2, 2012 at 6:42 pm

Dave, is there an email list or a registration form? Anything like that? I’ll be there!!!!

Reply
Peter

February 18, 2012 at 11:42 pm

This trek looks like it’ll kick my tail. Perfect.

First question: Would a few of you mind sharing your training plans with me? Currently I’m hiking/running a 2000 vertical foot ascent in the Rockies every day during my lunch hour but I’d like a bead on where most participants are at, physically speaking.

Second question: Any new info on transport to and from the start and end points. I realize it’s still pretty early, but I was wondering if anybody knows if they’ll be available as a shuttle to a nearby airport. I’d be willing to chip in for gas, of course.

Reply
1. Mitch R.
  
  February 24, 2012 at 6:01 pm
  
  I expect that this event will draw some really hard-core endurance junkies. The types that go 72 hours on 2 hours of sleep and call it great fun.
  
  Reply
DaveC

February 19, 2012 at 8:16 am

I’m hoping to setup a forum to discuss logistics and such soon. When I do, the details will be posted here.

Reply
DaveC

February 25, 2012 at 12:44 am

Please note the creation of an event-specific discussion forum at bobmarshallopen.proboards.com. Further discussion of logistics, route planning, and so forth is encouraged there. Participation is not required.

Reply
Rich Schreckengost

March 7, 2012 at 10:21 pm

Awaiting approval from a staff member. Staff member….APPROVE me! rps876.

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  March 8, 2012 at 8:02 am
  
  You’re set Rich. I do sleep occasionally.
  
  Reply
  1. Rich Schreckengost
    
    April 4, 2012 at 10:36 pm
    
    Hahaha. I was anxious. Cannot wait for this! Route and gear list is set.
    
    Reply
Greg Gedney

March 8, 2012 at 11:59 am

Thank you Dave for creating the posting board and for your efforts in getting this thing off the ground. Looking forward to my first time in that area of the county. I’m planning for similar weather to what we had in Alaska last summer but who knows, it could be all sunshine and clear skies! :) From the looks of this web site the snow has arrived as it has here in Colorado.

Reply
1. Rich Schreckengost
  
  April 4, 2012 at 10:37 pm
  
  Greg. Where in Colorado are you located?
  
  Reply
  1. Greg
    
    April 5, 2012 at 2:05 pm
    
    Denver, near DU
    
    Reply
Sean Staplin

March 20, 2012 at 9:36 pm

I am seriously considering this. Not very far from me.

Reply
Bob Marshall Wilderness Open: 2012 official unofficial report « Bedrock & Paradox

June 8, 2012 at 8:55 am

[…] & Paradox HomeAnnoBiblioFAQMission StatementThe Bob Marshall Wilderness OpenThe […]

Reply
The Bob | kringlelight

August 24, 2012 at 8:59 pm

[…] of course, when Dave Chenault announced he wanted to create a similar race last year in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, I was pretty […]

Reply
Greg

October 27, 2012 at 10:08 am

Dave, are you planning on starting a new string for the 2013 event?

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  October 28, 2012 at 7:22 pm
  
  No. Proboads was a bit of a nuisance. I’d like to see discussion evolve organically at another venue.
  
  Reply
samh

January 2, 2013 at 3:52 pm

Has a venue for discussion been considered/determined?

Reply
DaveC

January 28, 2013 at 10:23 am

As requested: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=67376

Reply
The Genesis of the Bob Marshall Wilderness OpenGossamer Gear

June 18, 2013 at 12:17 am

[…] My hope is that the Bob Open will continue to grow slowly, and that those who come experience it will take their memories home and use them to look at familiar terrain with new eyes. The so-called off season isn’t as far off as most people think, and holds all kinds of rewards. I’m batting around ideas, and the 2014 start and finish will be set soon. If you’re interested in the Open, or in reading the excellent trip reports by participants, visit the website: https://bedrockandparadox.com/bob-marshall-wilderness-open/ […]

Reply
Hiking the Haute Route Pyrenees « Gossamer GearGossamer Gear

June 25, 2013 at 12:16 am

[…] This post was written by Trail Ambassador David Lintern. You can read more about his adventures on his blog Self Powered. […]

Reply
Lightweight Backpacking for Boy Scouts « Gossamer GearGossamer Gear

June 26, 2013 at 12:15 am

[…] This post was written by Trail Ambassador Ryan Linn (aka Guthook). You can read more about his adventures on his blog Guthook Hikes. […]

Reply
DaveC

August 28, 2013 at 5:41 pm

Suggested discussion for 2014: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=81296

Reply
2014 is Open | Bedrock & Paradox

August 30, 2013 at 8:26 am

[…] The Bob Marshall Wilderness Open […]

Reply
Derek Larson

September 23, 2013 at 1:58 pm

Dave,
Please keep me informed of any updates. I found your blog while using “packraft” and “Glacier National Park” keywords, as I have been researching a trip to do with a friend in that area next Summer.
Derek

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  September 23, 2013 at 6:07 pm
  
  Derek, you can follow updates at the BPL discussion thread. General conditions discussion, as well as ride sharing from finish to start, will take place there.
  
  Reply
Liebster’d | Bedrock & Paradox

June 12, 2014 at 12:49 pm

[…] The Bob Marshall Wilderness Open […]

Reply
dandurston

November 4, 2014 at 11:26 pm

2015?

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  November 5, 2014 at 6:13 am
  
  Mulling options. The question comes down to moving to new places to keep it entertaining for me and you, or keeping it roughly the same w/r/t time, place, and distance to keep growing it and serving the more aspirational crowd. At this point I’m leaning towards option 2.
  
  Reply
Derek Larson

November 5, 2014 at 3:36 pm

…looking forward to the announcement.

Reply
dandurston

November 9, 2014 at 12:14 am

Whatever you decide, it’ll be awesome. I’m hoping for a snow year that facilitates a ski route.

Reply
Lightweight Backpacking News: Digest No. 5 | Gear Exchange

December 28, 2014 at 3:45 am

[…] Read about the details on Dave’s site: bedrockandparadox.com […]

Reply
Snotel for backcountry planning | Bedrock & Paradox

March 14, 2015 at 4:29 pm

[…] The Bob Marshall Wilderness Open […]

Reply
Interval training for hiking and backpacking | Bedrock & Paradox

May 2, 2015 at 2:06 pm

[…] The Bob Marshall Wilderness Open […]

Reply
Packing for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open | Into Cascadia

May 18, 2015 at 10:27 pm

[…] weekend is the 2015 Bob Marshall Wilderness Open, an unofficial A to B traverse challenge across the rockies. I showed up in 2012 and 2013, but last […]

Reply
My 2015 Bob Open | Bedrock & Paradox

May 29, 2015 at 7:44 pm

[…] The Bob Marshall Wilderness Open […]

Reply
BMWO 2015 – Thalwegs and Insomnia | Into Cascadia

June 1, 2015 at 2:35 pm

[…] I like a good challenge, so when I read last summer that no one finished the 2014 Bob Marshall Wilderness Open I knew I had to come back for another. Last week I did, which was my third BMWO, having missed 2014 […]

Reply
Michael Fiebig

July 2, 2015 at 2:46 pm

Looking forward to participating in the 2016 open, Dave! Please include me in any outreach that you put together. Thanks!

Reply
The 2016 Bob Open | Bedrock & Paradox

July 28, 2015 at 4:28 pm

[…] The Bob Marshall Wilderness Open […]

Reply
Dave

July 28, 2015 at 4:58 pm

Excellent. Just need to plan the logistics. Thanks for the advance notice.

Reply
Mike Moore (@bigskyrun)

July 28, 2015 at 5:06 pm

Oh boy- here we go! :)

Reply
Derek Larson

July 31, 2015 at 7:24 am

Dave, is there any data out there on Straight Creek south of Benchmark? I’m going to invest in a packraft for 2016. Derek

Reply
samh

December 15, 2015 at 4:31 pm

Historical Map of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open: http://caltopo.com/m/ND5U

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  December 15, 2015 at 4:33 pm
  
  Much appreciated Sam.
  
  Reply
  1. Sam H (@sharalds)
    
    January 12, 2019 at 5:09 pm
    
    Map updated with 2019 info.
    
    Reply
Scott Grimm

September 11, 2016 at 9:47 am

Any word on what the new start and finish locations will be for 2017? Wasn’t sure when that normally gets released.

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  September 11, 2016 at 9:59 am
  
  Historically its been around now. Due to a variety of things it will be another month or so until I get the finish sorted definitively.
  
  Reply
Mike Moore (@bigskyrun)

October 26, 2016 at 8:19 pm

as before, very much looking forward to this :) it has become one of the biggest highlights of the year for me; thanks again for organizing this- was a little worried that with your move that the Open might have moved off your plate

Reply
Mike Moore (@bigskyrun)

November 1, 2016 at 6:39 am

Dave started a discussion thread here:

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/bob-open-2017/

Reply
Training for the 2017 Bob Open – Bedrock & Paradox

December 3, 2016 at 8:04 pm

[…] Bob Marshall Wilderness Open […]

Reply
Great Divide Trail Yo-Yo – Section 2: Reprieve from Winter – Into Cascadia

June 27, 2017 at 7:16 pm

[…] also appreciated the easy trails because my IT band in my left knee is still bugging me from the Bob Open. It’s not the type of injury where walking it off is the ideal treatment, but I’m […]

Reply
Stein Valley Speed Record Traverse (19hrs 51min) – Into Cascadia

September 17, 2017 at 9:45 pm

[…] in 2012 after trying my hand at the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open, I was keen to push the limits of fast and light wilderness travel. That fall I challenged the […]

Reply
Scott Grimm

November 12, 2017 at 10:52 am

Any word on the 2018 start/finish?

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  November 13, 2017 at 7:03 am
  
  Expect word the first week of December.
  
  Reply
Mike Moore (@bigskyrun)

December 3, 2017 at 8:01 am

that’s a long traverse, not that the others haven’t been :) I’m ready to go right now with a tough elk season under my belt, hopefully ready to go come May!

Reply
Thad Adkins

December 20, 2017 at 7:37 am

John started a 2018 thread on the backpacking light forum:

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/bob-open-2018/

Reply
BMWO 2017 – NOT A GIMME – Into Cascadia

February 14, 2018 at 3:42 pm

[…] Bob Marshall Wilderness Open is point A to B, plan your own route, slightly competitive “non-race” event during the […]

Reply
Holy snow – Bedrock & Paradox

May 5, 2018 at 6:09 pm

[…] The Bob Marshall Wilderness Open […]

Reply
BMWO 2018 – DOUBLE SWIMMER – Into Cascadia

June 3, 2018 at 11:07 am

[…] weekend was the 7th running of Bob Marshall Wilderness Open and my 5th time in the event. I get lured back nearly every year for this weekend of adventure, […]

Reply
Spelt

November 24, 2018 at 7:59 am

Last night I dreamt I checked this page and you’d cancelled the 2019 Open with an announcement you were moving to New Jersey. Waking reality is much better.

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  November 27, 2018 at 4:03 pm
  
  Lol.
  
  Reply
Darren Hull

March 28, 2019 at 3:55 pm

how is the snow pack this year? Did you flip the course? I swore that last time I looked at the page it was Swan to Swift. I’m hoping to make it up from Wyoming.

Reply
Art Loeb Trail Slo-Yo – Where Man Does Not Remain

April 20, 2019 at 11:50 am

[…] Bob Marshall Wilderness Open is 8 weeks away, so it’s time to start the specific period of my training regimen. This includes […]

Reply
6 Challenging Adventure Races to Add to Your Bucket List – 37.5® Technology

May 14, 2019 at 12:13 pm

[…] in the continental United States. Every May, adventure races from across the country gather for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open. This entirely self-supported event starts and ends in different places each year, requiring […]

Reply
BMWO 2019 – Into Cascadia

June 10, 2019 at 7:40 pm

[…] I regularly get lured into participating in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open: a point A to B; plan your own route; wilderness event in the Montana Rockies during challenging […]

Reply
BMWO Gear Choices – Where Man Does Not Remain

July 1, 2019 at 6:36 pm

[…] just finished my first Bob Marshall Wilderness Open, this year a 77 mile test of endurance across the Rockies in late May. You can read my account […]

Reply
Ultramarathon Daily News | Friday, August 2 | Ultrarunnerpodcast.com

August 6, 2019 at 6:01 am

[…] events to put on your calendar. Hilloween (get as much vert as you can over a set time period), Bob Marshall Open (traverse a big open space, route is up to you), and Sine Nomine (almost nothing is known before […]

Reply
Continental Divide Trail – SOBO 2019 Summary – treyfrench9

October 14, 2019 at 10:15 pm

[…] The Bob Marshall Wilderness proceeds Glacier, and is a stark contrast in every way. No it’s rangers checking your permit, no established sites, no people out for a casual stroll, partly burned, and the best of all—I walked through it feeling as if no one really cared that I was out there. There was an un-staffed ranger station around the middle with the sign “Keep the Bob wild,” and they’re doing a stand up job. If you’d like an alternative experience in “The Bob,” then check out the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open. […]

Reply
commandorox

April 1, 2020 at 12:48 am

Howdy Y’all! Question: what does “linear travel” on paved roads mean exactly? Does this exclude walking alongside highway 83 (to reach a different trail east over the swans)?

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  April 1, 2020 at 10:14 am
  
  No walking parallel to the main axis of the road on the road itself. Ditch cruising is ok.
  
  Reply
  1. commandorox
    
    April 1, 2020 at 12:06 pm
    
    Ah, interesting, thank you! It’s a shame (but understandable) that the mass start had to be canceled this year. I’ve very much looking forward to this years open!
    
    Reply
Zach Jones

April 22, 2020 at 9:34 pm

Can you use a mountain bike for the first part of the route if you leave it and go retrieve it after the event is over?

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  April 23, 2020 at 7:49 am
  
  Nope
  
  Reply
TD Keck

May 13, 2020 at 2:12 pm

There is rumor of having to start this years Open not at 8am (MST) at Point Pleasant? Is this to avoid a gathering crowd due to COVID? What is suggested for start time? Do we just stagger starts?

..Gonna be a snowy walk.
Thank you for any info you may have..

Reply
1. DaveC
  
  May 14, 2020 at 10:59 am
  
  https://bedrockandparadox.com/2020/03/24/the-open-2020/
  
  My sense is that perhaps a few folks less than usual will be making a trip, and that basically no one is actually starting on Saturday morning.
  
  Reply
Bob Marshall Wilderness Open (BMWO) 2020 – May 25-26, 2020 – 10peaksbeforelunch // nate bender

December 26, 2020 at 2:10 pm

[…] the words of its creator Dave Chenault (website: Bedrock and Paradox), the BMWO is “an unsupported traverse of a big wild place in the tradition of Bob Marshall […]

Reply
Zach Jones

February 13, 2021 at 4:24 pm

May 28th 2021 is a Friday, do you mean the start is Saturday May 29th, or Friday Mary 28th?

Reply
Cross-Body Bag – Quite Another

March 2, 2021 at 11:54 pm

[…] preparation for my attempt at completing the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open this May, I am working on getting my gear list dialed in. I am aiming to put in big-mile days on my […]

Reply
Ultramarathon Daily News | Friday, August 2 – Yeovil Marathon

June 17, 2021 at 9:08 am

[…] events to put on your calendar. Hilloween (get as much vert as you can over a set time period), Bob Marshall Open (traverse a big open space, route is up to you), and Sine Nomine (almost nothing is known before […]

Reply
BMWO 2018 – DOUBLE SWIMMER – IntoCascadia

June 19, 2021 at 3:01 am

[…] weekend was the 7th running of Bob Marshall Wilderness Open and my 5th time in the event. I get lured back nearly every year for this weekend of adventure, […]

Reply
This Cult-Favorite Tent Was Impossible To Get—Until Now – A Hidden Deal Site

September 22, 2022 at 8:20 am

[…] is a five-time winner of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open and also formerly held the fastest known time (60 miles in 20 hours) for the Stone Valley Traverse […]

Reply