Bozeman Bike Trails has some amazing bicycling opportunities, including family-friendly meanders through urban parks, singletrack trails across the wilderness, and grin-inducing downhill rides. Additionally, a vibrant cycling community is available to aid newcomers. You can travel much farther on a mountain bike than on foot, and you’ll have access to limitless miles of breathtaking mountain and forest landscapes in Bozeman. There is a riding route here for everyone, from quick, flowy downhills to unobstructed road rides. And because there are so many paved roads and urban tracks, cycling is possible year-round in Bozeman. Many ski resorts provide fat tire biking in the winter and fully charged downhill rides in the summer. Some hill tracks are available all year. Here is a list of the best trails near Bozeman.
Bozeman Bike Trails Biking Advice
Although Bozeman’s gear shops typically have a wide selection of bikes for hire, there were shortages in 2021 (as there were nationwide), so make sure to check with places like Bangtail Bikes and Owenhouse Cycling in preparation. Mountain bikers are especially at risk from grizzly bears since they travel quickly and don’t make a lot of noise to frighten the bears. Bear spray should be readily available (preferably mounted to your bike frame) if you plan to bike in the more isolated areas of the Gallatin Range. You might also want to think about adding bear bells to your bike. Before you start riding the trails in Bozeman, get to know the local bike scene. Weekly rides are posted by the Gallatin Valley Bicycle, Alter Cycles hosts Friday cocktails and rides every week, and Monday night rides are organized by Bangtail Bikes. Watch out for other traffic, especially on steep descents, as many bicycling paths are also used by hikers, horseback riders, and even motorcycles. E-bikes are treated as motorbikes when it comes to trail-sharing rules, and some trails only allow mountain bikers to ride on specific days.
Mount Bike riding
Bozeman Bike Local Trails From the renowned Bangtail Divide to the switchbacks of Leverich Canyon and everything in between, Bozeman has its fair share of mountain biking trails. For those of you ready to get out, there is no shortage of uphill hammering followed by rewarding downhill riding.
Serving trails was Big Sky Trails Lift.
Do you really want to fit in as much downhill as you can? Then ascend to Big Sky Resort to discover more than 40 miles of mountain biking trails, including more than 20 miles of the only lift-served trails in the region. Starting on June 26, the Explorer and Ramcharger 8 chairlifts operate every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Throughout the summer, Swift Current will run on Saturday and Sunday for riding and sightseeing trips.
Metal City
Seasonally prolonged in the sagebrush The Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association and the Butte Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management collaborated on the Copper City Trails project. They built 17+ miles of bike-friendly pathways that are also accessible to hikers and trail runners. The system includes a variety of trails, including two downhill-only bike-only courses and the beginner-friendly, challenging ridge and flow. Additionally, there is a youth-oriented skills park with pump track and skill features that is open for riders of each age and skill level. View from outside Bozeman
Most Recommended Mountain Bike Routes Near Bozeman
Bozeman Bike Trails is encircled by mountains, so it seems to sense that residents spend a lot of their leisure time hiking and exploring them. Mountain bikes are a familiar sight in Bozeman thanks to a thriving cycling culture, and riders of all experience levels and tastes may find paths to explore. The Bozeman region won’t let you down whether you’re seeking a heart-pounding ascent and following adrenaline-jolting descent or a more leisurely, undulating ride through mountain creeks. Here are our top seven local hiking paths.
1.) Mystic Lake
Seven miles separate you from downtown.
The gentle 700-foot elevation gain and intermediate rating of the 18-mile loop at Mystic Lake make it appealing. The journey begins easily on Sourdough Mountain Road until diverging to the left toward Mystic Lake at a bridge after 4.8 miles and once more after that. The trail meanders through the forest before meandering along the picturesque lake and a Forest Service cottage that may be rented by those looking for a weekend getaway. The Wall of Death, so-called because it is a sheer wall that can be scaled with some careful planning, is reached by motorcyclists at about 10.5 miles. In general, this is a beautiful journey with opportunities to pause, relax, and have fun by the lake.
2.) Leverich Trail, 8.3 miles from the city center
Bikers can cruise and flow down the steep descent on the 6-mile Leverich Route’s uphill (an eastern portion of the trail) and downhill (western portion of the trail) sections. The elevation rise on this singletrack loop is 1,500 feet, there are a few minor jumps, and there are several banked bends for exciting downhills. The trail is frequently utilized by hikers, but they are asked to use the eastern side, leaving the western side open for bike-riding, adrenaline-seeking thrill-seekers.
3.) South Cottonwood Trail
13.3 miles separate you from the center.
South Cottonwood, a well-liked hiking track, is also friendly to mountain bikers. The 6-mile, intermediate-rated path contains a few tiny log bridges across creeks and accumulates 800 feet of elevation change over its entire length. All skill levels can ride the first 2.5 miles because they are softly undulating (the mild slope from the parking lot is the biggest hill). The final 3.5 miles become harder and harder. Riders should be ready for significant hills and major commitment if they plan to use the path, which is frequently finished as an out-and-back and connects to other trails for loop possibilities. The opportunities for people of all skill levels are what make South Cottonwood truly beautiful.
4.) Truman Gulch
15 7 miles from the center of the city
Truman Gulch is a go-to route for Bozeman athletes after a long day of work because of its short (approximately 3.5 miles) mileage and varied terrain. The singletrack features a 1,200-foot elevation change and is classed as tough due to a tricky top half that requires navigating boulders, roots, and steep climbs. The climb’s first section winds under shady woods and along a creek with a few creek crossings, offering a welcome break from the heat of summer days. Care must be used on the descent because it’s simple to pick up speed before running into unforeseen corners. Riders that are self-assured and thrill-seeking enjoy this trail.
5.) Bangtail Divide
19.5 miles, right past the Bridger Bowl Ski Area, from downtown
The ideal direction to ride Bangtail Divide, one of the most legendary routes in the Bozeman area, is from south to north. The 24-mile ride begins with numerous switchbacks that quickly warm cyclists up before settling into beautiful scenery and rolling hills. The loop’s elevation changes by 5,100 feet, and after another challenging climb at the end, riders are treated to several kilometers of downward riding. In the early summer, the trail is well-known for its stunning views and profusion of wildflowers. Avoid scorching summer days by starting early and packing a lunch.
6.) Emerald Lake
The location from the center: is 20.3 miles.
The best ride in Montana, in the opinion of many riders, is Emerald Lake. The 10-mile out-and-back trail is classed as intermediate and features an elevation change of 7,406 feet. The 2,000-foot climb to the gorgeous Emerald Lake will test riders’ lungs, but once there, they may enjoy the exhilarating descent. Many mountain bikers choose to explore Emerald Lake during the week because the trail is well-liked by hikers and equestrian riders.
Getting Around Bozeman Bike Trails By Bike
Bozeman, Montana, is a burgeoning bike-friendly community with trails and paths all over the place and easy access to world-class mountain biking that will get your heart pumping. Here is your guide to getting involved in some two-wheeled excursions while you’re here.
Numerous Bike Lanes in the Town
For gently pedaling down bike lanes and along the side of quiet neighborhood streets, those beach cruisers were made. Save your sore feet from miles of walking by allowing yourself to explore a little. This is a novel way to explore—cycling gently and frequently stopping to enjoy a good snack to keep you going or drinking a foamy cappuccino to refuel. Leave your bike on the pavement and browse the local shops before returning to RSVP for some relaxing by the pool in your new clothes. Grab some bubbly, and raise a glass to a successful biking adventure.
Road Main to the Mountains
The Primary Street to the Mountains trail system in Bozeman raises the stakes while maintaining a laid-back atmosphere. This is the best practice area for learning the basics of mountain biking while touring Bozeman. This trail system, which connects the city’s center to the nearby public lands, has more than 80 miles of trails for hikers to explore. You may purchase the $3 trail map at a variety of local businesses or download it on your phone to get started. Better still, follow the trail signs and pedal where they lead you.
Hardly Hitting the Trails
In this region of the country, the draw of the wild is strong, and there is plenty of space to play and bike on nearby Forest Service and BLM territory. The air is the limit when it comes to mountain biking, but this list of the Top 7 Trails in Bozeman might help you get started. And with so many peaks around, the only thing stopping you from climbing very high is your muscles.
From the Saddle, mingle and converse
The bike-friendly atmosphere in Bozeman provides many opportunities to interact with residents and see another side of this mountain town. Monday night road rides at Bangtail Bikes are the perfect combination of a great workout and a great time. Meet at the Bangtail shop at 6 a.m., then leave to put 15 to 30 miles on your tires. All skill levels are welcome, so you can’t go wrong. Wednesday evenings are reserved for women. The Bozeman Pedal Project can assist you in hitting the trails and discovering the area the way locals do. Additionally, because these rides are no-drop, which ensures that no one is ever left behind, you may ride with your new BFFs and are certain to get where you’re going.
Beginner Mountain Bike Trails in Bozeman
Bozeman Bike Trails It can be scary to start mountain biking. For this reason, it’s crucial to begin on a trail that won’t seem intimidating. Fortunately, there are a number of excellent places in Bozeman where beginner riders can learn the fundamentals and develop a feel for their bike without having to worry about technical sections, challenging climbs, or fast descents.
Mountain Sports Center at Crosscut
The Bridger Range contains the beginner-friendly trail network known as Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. The Crosscut trails are rated a 5 out of 10 for difficulty, according to our scale. The trails at Crosscut offer a riding experience unlike anything else in Bozeman. There are fewer steep climbs and descents at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center than on some of the other trails in Bozeman because there are more cross-country-style routes there. Learning to move through the woods and avoid little hazards like rocks and roots is a valuable skill to have in Crosscut.
Tree Trail Three
We give Triple Tree a 5 out of 10 because of its smooth, enjoyable descent and gradual ascent. You can either drive from town to the Triple Tree Trail or park in the lot off Sourdough Road. If you begin at the lower trailhead, the loop will require you to travel just over five kilometers. You will hike through the meadow, into the trees, and up the switchbacks from the parking area off Sourdough Road. You will enjoy a beautiful view of the Bridger Range and the valley below after you reach the summit. Before starting your enjoyable descent, take a moment to sit on the bench and enjoy the scenery. The trail is directional in this area, so make careful to complete the circle rather than simply turning around. At the bottom of the run, there are several banked bends and a few little jumps that you can roll if you only use your brakes, so go down as quickly as you feel comfortable. As you descend, make some noise to let hikers know you are coming. You can then return to the main route and make your way home from there.
Toasted Canyon
Sourdough Canyon is another hike that is suitable for beginners. A picturesque double track will take you up the canyon in a winding manner. The trail is rocky, and the ascent to Mystic Lake is steady the entire way up. Since there have been incidences in the past, it is a good idea to bring bear spray when in this region. Additionally, keep an eye out for deer and moose. We give this trail a trail hardness grade of 3 out of 10. If you make it to the lake on this out-and-back trail, it will have been a 20-mile ride. Remember that the descent will be much quicker than the ascent.
Painted Hills, Sunset Hills, and Hyland Glenn
The town’s heart is home to Bozeman’s most accessible and beginner-friendly trail network. It consists of a network of pathways that begin at Sunset Hills beside the Bozeman hospital and continue across Hylan Boulevard to Hyland Glenn before crossing over to
To Painted Hills, take Kagy Boulevard
On our scale of difficulty, the sum of these trials would be a 3. For this region of Montana, the system is easy to use, free of technological difficulties, and comparatively level. You can just manage to cover more than 15 miles if you ride the entire system as an out and back. At Triple Tree’s trailhead, which is number four on our list, Painted Hills comes to an end.
Alps to Main Street
It might be a good plan to start out on the GVLT Mountains to Main Street Trail System if you’re new to Bozeman or have never gone singletrack mountain biking in Montana previously. A GVLT Map is available in our shop for $5. There is a network of level gravel roads that wind through the valley called Mountains to Main Street. The low incline and delicate nature of the gravel roads give this trial a difficulty rating of 1 out of 10. Starting at Owenhouse Cycling, you should cycle up to the M or explore the Story Mill neighborhood before stopping for a beverage at MAP Brewing. Otherwise, cycle along Bozeman Creek or travel through residential areas south of the town.
Friendly Fronts in Bozeman, Montana
The Town – Bozeman Bike Trails is a town that is now going through an adolescent growth spurt. Its outside edges are gangly and chaotic, with haphazard constructions springing up in unexpected new locations, and every day new graffiti adorns the passageways like an inexpensive lower back tattoo. The majority of Bozeman’s previous allure is still evaporating, with its genuine character concealed halfway between fashionable new urbanism and its rural, pastoral beginnings. Bozeman’s downtown is humming with activity during the day. Both locals and visitors can be seen at the eateries, art galleries, antique shops, and a wide range of other local businesses lining Main Street. Only those with the most Motley Crew-worthy goals can make it through the full network of neighborhood bars at night, each serving a clientele as diverse as the residents themselves. And since you have a shaky bike ride home to look forward to at the end of the night, there’s no need to call a cab. While Bozeman expands, municipal planners work hard to make sure that all aspects of life—including bicycles—are meaningfully shaped in the city’s future. Greenways and bicycle/pedestrian routes must be incorporated into the creation of many new communities, and a commuter route between Bozeman and the nearby city of Belgrade is also under discussion. Ironically, cycling through Bozeman makes the signs of fast growth most obvious. The bicycle routes completely vanish in a few places around the city before reappearing a few blocks later.
Montana
Livingston, Bozeman, Three Forks, Butte, and Missoula, are just a few of the places along the Great American Rail-intended Trail’s path through Montana that will be connected. Along the path, history abounds as well: The Headwaters Trails System in Three Forks, the state’s Great American Gateway Trail, has a history dating back to Sacajawea and the 1804–1806 Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery expedition. The Highway 89 South Pedestrian Trail in Livingston passes through the original gateway town for the nation’s first national park, Yellowstone.
In Montana, close cooperation with trail managers and government representatives will make it easier to build the 325 miles necessary to finish the Great American Way over the coming decades.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bozeman’s Mountain Biking Trails
What is the Bozeman area’s longest mountain bike trail?
The longest mountain bike path in Bozeman, according to AllTrails.com, is Sourdough, Bear Canyon Lollipop through Bozeman Creek Trail. The estimated length of this trail is 54.7 kilometers, and the average hiking time is 14 hours and 37 minutes.
Which Bozeman mountain bike trail gains the highest elevation?
Bozeman: Of all the mountain bike trails in the region, Sourdough, Bear Canyon Lollipop through Bozeman Creek Trail has the highest elevation increase (1,432 m). Bangtail Divide Loop has the second-highest ascent for mountain biking trails, gaining 1,324 m in elevation.
What is Bozeman’s most well-liked and challenging mountain bike trail?
With a 4.6-star rating from 370 evaluations, the Hyalite Creek Course to Hyalite Lake is Bozeman’s most well-liked and challenging mountain biking trail.
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