From bike-packing adventures to bike parks, and perfect single-track, here are the 15 best mountain biking trails in Montana. While the trail is extremely challenging, none of the features are mandatory and can be avoided if you find yourself hesitant. If you have never been to Missoula before then make sure to save some time for before or after to check out the town. 5. It gives you frequent lightening updates and the distance to the closest lightning strike. Bike, eat, sleep, repeat. Located between Truckee and Sacramento, Auburn is a small mountain town loved by bikers, hikers, and horseback riders. Mount Snow. The downhill mountain biking style may seem intimidating, but every feature has a ride-around option. When it comes to riding your mountain bike on your favorite trails, you do leave a small footprint, which does damage the trail in a minimal way. Getty Images. There are 75 different trails, featuring about 50 miles to explore. "For the more athletic-inspired mountain bikers you can choose one of five different loops. The descent was rated the 5th best mountain bike trail in Montana, so you dont want to miss this one if you are looking for the best that Montana has to offer. Following a series of twisty and tight switchbacks, the descent concludes at the sparkling waters of Brackett Creek. "You follow the spine of the divide for approximately one hour through old growth Douglas Fir and challenge yourself through imbedded granite rock garden sections," says local rider Emmett Purcell. Located along the Deschutes River in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Bend is what would happen if you had access to a magic mountain bike wand. The highway continues through the Beartooth Mountains and across the Beartooth Plateau, reaching elevation levels of more than 10,900 feet (3,322 meters). The Bangtail Divide is an IMBA Epic Trail located in Bozeman, Montana. The Grassy Mountain trail loop commences with a rather long ascent on a fire road that ultimately leads to an immense grass meadow beaming with local flora colors, especially during summer and spring. Eat, sleep, bike, and repeat; if that sounds like an impressive cycle of events, then you should consider exploring the Big Sky Resort mountain biking trail. It is generally well maintained and cared for but can become overgrown during the quieter seasons. From spectacular mountain lakes to friendly towns surrounded by beautiful nature offering a wealth of activities, Montana is a dream destination for those who love the outdoors. December 3, 2019. The trail starts out on challenging terrain and will undulate between a 5-20% grade throughout much of the climb. There are a lot of fireroads connecting the trails so that you can easily complete your intervals on a sustained fireroad surface and then jump into trails for warm up, cool down, or recovery in between. The number of people using electric bicycles have been continuously growing over the course of a relatively short period of time. The Mt. It features sweeping vistas, mountainous recreational hubs, and prime wildlife habitat. So learn more about one of the best mountain towns in Montana, and then add it to your list! Situated in Buttes great town in Montana, the Beaver Ponds mountain biking trail stretches up to six miles. The eight-mile trail wraps around the water, where "Como Peaks smack you right in the face and are gorgeous." The mountain bike community in Montana is thriving with plenty of local race series, local pros, a high school league, and people willing to show you the ropes around every corner. This mountain town is one of Colorado's most beloved spots. "Then the fun begins at a 2,000-foot descent with high-speed flowy sections to rock sections to keep you on your toes, providing 20 minutes of huge grins on everyone's faces." Pro Tip: Even if you have ridden these trails before, always make sure that you can stop within your sight range. MTB Missoula has built 6 miles of trail there since 2016, including two bike-only, downhill-only tracks: Bjorn Again and the Hello Kitty flow trail. The lifts are open from 9 am- 4:45 pm from June 9th to September 22 if weather permits. This will allow you to have a better feeling of the trail and to learn how to execute skills with the proper form instead of cheating by using clipless pedals. If youre after a mountain view, Montana is one of the best states to be in. 12 Best Things to do in Montana. Discovering Montana is a resource for those living and visiting the Treasure State. Read till the end to get the much-needed insights on some of the tracks that will be worth your time and energy in Montana. In the northwest region of Montana, not far from Glacier National Park, sits the town of Whitefish, where Cricket Butler operates Whitefish Bike Retreat. The Grass Mountain Biking Loop is one of the most famous, challenging, and well-ridden course systems in the Bozeman area of Montana. Electric bicycles prices range depending on what you want in your bicycle. Sometimes, you cant Electric bicycles are an excellent solution for getting around town. Lake Tahoe fits the bill. Some of the singletrack trails have jumps and drops so keep your eye out before sending it off of the drop. A vast part of Montana is covered by Prairie, which makes it one of the most adventurous regions. Since the Rattlesnake Trail System is so close to downtown there are more than a dozen bike shops to choose from. Bob Allen, Bike Helena A. The Garage: Located less than 10 minutes away from the above featured trailhead. Grizzly Outfitters: Just a quick 11 minute drive from the resort, Grizzly Outfitters is open from 8 am-6 pm Monday-Saturday during the summer. It would be a great choice for someone who is hesitant about testing their grit. This trail gives you a chance to unwind and to forget the busy city lifestyle. Park City supposedly has 100,000 miles of singletrack that you could create a mountain bike tour out of! This trail can be accessed from the Warm Springs Trail System but also travels down into the State Line- Divide trail network. Popularly referred to as Big Sky State, Montana is one of the biggest and most spectacular states in the U.S. To help prove that point, there are no local bike shops in the area. Butte has more to offer than a rich mining history and America's oldest brothel. There are multiple places to access the trail along the route so you can ride the trail in segments as well. While it may be one of the larger towns in the state, it retains a small-town feel: national forests and trails are easily accessible, making it a great place for outdoor recreation. These trails are designed for the rider who wants to get away from the world and be one with nature. Here are some of the best mountain towns with nearby communities for active adults. To get to the trail, you will have to park close to Hills Resort and proceed towards the fire road that leads to the trail entrance. The trail begins with some climbing and gradual descending and about halfway across the plateau you will descend about 3500 vertical feet in 4 miles! Utah, is one of the best mountain locations. Pass prices are to be determined when the season comes so you will need to keep an eye on the website for when they release prices. One of the towns with the best mountain views is, Bozeman also provides fantastic views of the, One of the best is Kalispell, a gateway to Glacier National Park. Featuring stunning glacier-carved mountain peaks which tower over river-bisected valleys, Glacier National Park covers over 1,500 square miles of wilderness in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, near Montana's border with Canada. 2023 Intermountain Bikes - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. The small mountain town of Big Timber is rife with impressive mountain views and a sense of the Old West that goes back to the days of the Northern Pacific Railway in Montana. You will follow the spine of the divide for roughly one hour via old-growth Douglas fir and test your skills through sections of embedded granite rock. Montana is a state located in the Western United States. There are 3 distinct parking areas that allow for easy access to different sides of the trail system. Most people will complete an out and back or various loops that extend off of the main trail. Depending on how you decide to experience this trail, it will between 5-11 miles of riding. 4. Situated near Lake McDonald in Montana, the MacDonald mountain biking trail is moderately trafficked and stretches up to 9.0 kilometers. Partially created by locals like Travis Feller from Knicker Biker, the trail is forserious riders, able to take the rattling obstacles andskirt the cliffs along the Missouri River. Bozeman. Most of the trail is gradual, but a few steep sections greater than 20% gradient are sure to challenge even the fittest riders. DeVall waves out-of-towners onto Warm Springs Ridge, "a fantastic ride that offers a little bit of everything a mountain biker craves: smooth carves, chunk fest rock gardens, steep drops, roots, rocks," says Devall. Visit Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, get to know the state capital, Helena, check out the Montana Brewers Trail, go skiing in Big Sky, explore the World Museum of Mining in Butte, see the Hungry Horse Dam and . View maps, Line Creek Plateau Red Lodge, Montana #2 Advanced | 16.0 mi Line Creek Plateau is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Red Lodge, Montana. Fort Benton is a small, charming city located in north-central Montana and is known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. This 10-mile route is an open secret, butit'll still likely just be you, fields of wildflowers, and the Big Sky if you take it. But it is a little more difficult to decide which is the best one. Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. The app for this area in particular is extremely up to date and outlines parking areas, no parking areas, drop off areas, trail signs, bathrooms, technical features, lookout points, and even gates. Deer munching sightings on the neighboring vegetation are prevalent. It may be out of the way but in that lies its charm, because Creede is one of the most obscure mountain towns in Colorado and you won't see a lot of other tourists there. The downhill trails offer 2 easier trails for beginners, 16 difficult trails for intermediate riders, and 4 trails for expert riders. Meanwhile, Sheraton Steamboat Resort (from $179) provides easy access to Steamboat Bike Park. Climb the singletrack occasionally rutted until crossing the first creek; proceed down, and right to the next junction beyond the second creek. In this region where the Line Creek Plateau is situated, inclement weather tends to change rapidly, including lightning storms and thunder during the months of summer. Seattle has gone to great lengths to build some of the best and most well-protected bike lanes in the U.S. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a66401d09114628b025d7fb57d4ca8c2" );document.getElementById("a590a7590e").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Youve all that needs to be there in the mind like color, brand, price range, etc. It was a cloudy summer day with some scattered showers when we visited, so we skipped the ski resorts. For challenging singletrack, you may try the hundreds of splendid miles of National Forest Service Roads and tracks surrounding the Big Sky Resort. Kalispell is within easy reach of both Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, which makes it an ideal place to base any Montana vacation from. Always obey all trail rules and closures. 25 Best Places to Visit in the USA. A single track trail, this one looks right out of a fantasy novel. Then, get ready to hit the trails. The Beardance Trail is located in Kalispell, Montana. Enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, boating and fishing, in temperatures around the low to mid-80s. 1. The Grizzly loop begins at the Porcupine Creek Trailhead. ", If you get the most stoked for the downhill part of every ride, you won't want to leave Montana without experiencing Palisades, the best descent in the Bitterroot Valley, according to Chad DeVall. Let's stay updated! Montana . Montanas trails have always made me pause to appreciate how incredible our landscapes are and how big and endless the opportunities are that are lingering around each corner. Sign up for our FREE weekly email.Delivered to your inbox every Friday. 970-870-2220. Jun 14, 2019. Santa Claus Is Skiing To Town! What is The Best Cycling Gear For The Rain, Road Bike Frame Which One Do You Choose, 2. This July, test your fitness skills at the Dirty Girl Mud Run obstacle course race, or your culinary knowledge at the Killington Wine Festival. 11. These are the trails that I have been privileged to ride the most in Montana. Big Sky Resort is located in Big Sky, Montana. In the same regard, mountain bikers are advised to be keen on the weather as they explore the trail and look for shelter if they notice lightning and thunder. Population: 1,933. mountain bike, truck, dirt bike, ATV or SxS if you desire. Choteau is so scenic that David Letterman even purchased a vacation ranch there! I love seeing everyone smiling after they ride it." This has made it one of the most bike-friendly destinations in the country, with locals and visitors taking advantage of the continually-expanding infrastructure. We talked to local bike shop owners, trail builders, and photographers to uncover the greatest routes, with the most beautiful lakes, open meadows and dazzling descents. The shuttle picks up at Womens Mural and runs Wednesday-Sunday from May-September. Snowbowl Overlook: This trail is labeled as a black diamond because it can be a very difficult climbing trail. In actual fact, the name Montana comes from the Spanish word, The majority of Montanas mountain ranges are located in the western part of the state. It encompasses scenic overlooks, gate logging roads, stacked loops, and beautiful singletrack. NOAA Long Term Winter . Trails for all levels of skills are available; thus, no one should feel left out. Take the shuttle or pedal five miles from town to reach the 7.9-mile singletrack route, where you may spot Prickly Pear Land Trust's Emmett Purcell heading up the first 600-foot climb. However, the weight, Read More Can a Bike Pump Inflate a Car Tire?Continue, What is the best cycling gear for the rain? Singletracks.com estimates that intermediate riders should be able to conquer this trail in 4.5 hours or less, but beginners may have to walk and take over 6 hours to finish it. The Madison Range is located in Big Sky, Montana. The trails provide a wide range of activity options and are accessible between April and October. The South Hills trail system is located in Helena, Montana. Many families, young professionals, and retirees live in Lewistown. There's a Bike Helena Shuttle Fest, in conjunction with a brewfest. The modestly technical single-track path has 50 switchbacks, steep climbs, beautiful forests, and gratifying views the whole way up, but particularly when you reach the 10,000-foot saddle. Situated south of Bozeman in Montana, the Grizzly Mountain biking loop trail is quick-rolling singletrack with big-ring descents, and technical granny gear climbs. Furthermore, you can find the picturesque wildlife hotspot Freezeout Lake nearby, along with other popular attractions of this region of Montana; Flathead National Forest, Lewis and Clark National Forest, and Glacier National Park. The Rattlesnake trail system is Missoulas most popular trail system. From bike-packing adventures to bike parks, and perfectsingletrack, here are the 15 best mountain biking trails in Montana. Trail Location - Located 9 miles south of Bozeman in the foothills of the Gallatin Range. With a 20 percent broader double trail and 80 percent singletrack, the course is ideal for all levels of bikers, including those seeking to perfect their. Situated in the town of Red Lodge in Montana, this mountain biking trail is a few of the most famous tracks in the state and also one of the most interesting going by the technical hurdles it presents. . Allow the bike to flow where it wants to go. Alongside a bountiful harvest of cherries in the summer, Polson and the surrounding region also have many cultural and outdoor things to do. The Blue Ridge Mountains rise directly from downtown, offering immediate access to rigorous road-bike climbs that top out at the Blue Ridge Parkway and 400 miles of flowy singletrack, while the. But whatever your budget, you'll find the best places to stay with our list of the best resorts in Montana. It can be ridden as an out and back trail or can be shuttled if you have more than one person and vehicle. Many of the access points will require a good climb up to the trail so come prepared for a hard workout. Red Barn Bicycles: Located in Hamilton, Montana and open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm or 6 pm. Mark Philip is a writer and lifestyle enthusiast from the Midlands in the U.K. With a background in martial arts and fitness, Mark headed out to Bangkok, Thailand where he now lives and works. Vermont. Many of the trails are not marked. Whether you go skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort in the winter or hiking at Glacier National Park in the summer, the charming town of Whitefish is a year-round adventurer's paradise. It can a difficult and long ride if you choose to ride from the start. 8. hiking, mountain biking, and . However, the $35 ticket for Bike Haul Lift is excluded. Often called Big Sky Country for its famed big blue skies, Montana is a state of contrasts, from the flat regions to the East and the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the West. Different Spokes Bike Shop rents Specialized bikes ($50/3hrs, $80/day), including a helmet and single ride lift pass, but not the Bike Haul Lift Ticket ($35). Always contact park staff whenever planning a journey like Alpine #7. It features alpine meadows, deep forests, waterfalls, about 25 glistening glaciers and 200 sparkling lakes. At the edge of Glacier National Park in the Northern Rocky Mountains is a vibrant town built around a shared appreciation of the wild. Here are just a few of the groups that we owe a big thank you to: Sometimes the best way to learn skills on the bike are in areas separate from the trails. Established as a National Park in 1910 it is a land of mountain ranges carved by prehistoric ice rivers. , lying to the northeast of the park on the scenic Beartooth Highway. The Most Epic Montana Destinations for a Family Trip in 2022. However, when the bikers reach the apex, the course switches into an exciting singletrack trail that is technical as its challenging. The Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile riverfront . Whitefish trail is situated near the Glacier National Park in Montanas northwest region. The downtown Old Trail Museum is evidence of this, as is the fact that the town is featured on the Montana Dinosaur Trail. The best mountain bike towns in America boast easy trail access, stunning scenery and plenty to see on and off the bike. The descent was rated the 5th best mountain bike trail in Montana, so you don't want to miss this one if you are looking for the best that Montana has to offer. Situated in the great city of Bozeman in Montana, the Grassy Mountain biking trail loop stretches up to 16-mile. If you are new in Montana and wonder about some of the amusing and breathtaking mountain biking trails to navigate, this piece will be of much help. It also has a sense of the historic about it and was indeed a hot spot for all manner of mountain types such as miners, hunters, and trappers that are truly representative of the Old West that Montanas past is so connected to. Montana, home to over 100 ranges, has some of the best mountain biking trails in America. The Auburn State Recreation Area features plenty of hiking trails along lakes and through trees that all outdoor adventurers adore. (Secret Tip), 9 Best Locks For E-Bikes (Guaranteed Safety), Can You Go Fast On A Folding Bike (How Fast? The Grizzly Mountain biking loop trail is managed by the office of USFS Gallatin National Forest. They're waiting for you. Pro Tip: Lightening is very common in this area so be prepared and plan your timing correctly. Crested Butte in the town's free bus. Pro Tip: There is limited cell service so come prepared and know where you are planning to ride. There are 42 trails, and about 80 miles of trail to ride and explore. What are the Best Places to Live in Montana with Mountain Views? Best Mountain Lake Towns in the USA: Serene Spots to Visit Right Now - Thrillist Travel These Mountain Lake Towns Are Next-Level Serene The new high water mark for small towns. Bend, Ore. There's so much to do here and you'll be absolutely smitten with this great little place. Leverich Loop B: Hyalite Canyon Road. Generally, the Beaver Ponds Trail system is breathtaking and nothing short of incredible and showcases the vast array of natural amusements the southwestern part of Montana has to offer. The Whitefish Mountain Resort is located in Whitefish, Montana. But her favorite rideis on theWhitefish Trail. Another great small mountain town is Ennis in Madison County, which is one of the states premiere fly-fishing destinations. Mt. Killington, Vermont. Here's our round-up of the best mountain biking at ski resorts. Livingston is located just 30 miles east of Bozeman, but it's location on the northern end of the Paradise Valley plus some wild weather patterns keep it away from the tourist hordes. . Some small towns are lucky enough to be tucked into the mountains where people can explore on foot, bike and skis all with hardly another person in sight. Anniston, Alabama COL Index: 81.8 Median Home Price: $96,600, according to Best Places Population: 22,000 Miles of Singletrack: 120 Coldwater Mountain. Pro Tip: When you are riding through sand be very loose on the bike. Warm Springs Creek: This 5 mile trail is one of very few blue trails in this area. Once youve entered into the world of a motorized bike, there is a good chance that youll never want to go back. Relatively few miles of road exist in the . The Chief Joseph Pass Area Trails are located in Wisdom, Montana. Emerald Lake isonly nine miles out-and-back, but it's worth the trip. Various Spokes Bike Shop hires specialized mountain bikes for $80 per day or $50 for 3 hours; this includes a single lift pass and a helmet. 12 Best . The Beaver Ponds trail is located roughly over 6,000 feet in elevation, beginning with a paved highway climb proceeding to the main trailhead. Warm Springs Ridge: Warm Springs Ridge is touted as one of the best trails in the area. From the mountains rich with forests, lakes and rivers to the welcoming downtown, this is a place worth exploring and protecting for all those who love it. Situated in the northwest region, Montana is one of the biggest states in the union by the total area. "It's a wild, four sectioned, 3,500-foot, face melting descent," she says. This out-of-the-way locale is filled with desert canyons, rock spires, giant mountains, and vast ridges that spread themselves out along the confluence of the Colorado and Green rivers. This town is located just 35 minutes north of Salt Lake City, and it sits at an elevation of 4,280 feet. Situated in the northwest region, Montana is one of the biggest states in the union by the total area. These are backcountry trails and should only be ridden by athletes with experience in the saddle and problem solving on the go. Take a family vacation to Montana and introduce your kids to the beauty of the outdoors with epic mountain scenery and unforgettable activities. This shop is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am 5 or 6 pm. The trail goes through miles of public and private lands and is ideal for all levels of biking skills. If you're going to do this challenging Mile Creek Trail, outdoor photographer and local Bob Allen says, "bring the bear spray and bells." Along the Grassy Mountain Loop, bikers will require to deal with a vast assortment of obstacles, including some rooty, rocky, and steep laden drops close to the top of the course, followed by banked and bermed turns. So here are a few options when it comes to some of the best mountain towns in Montana. The name comes from the dam, and the town was initially nothing more than a spot where those involved in its construction set up camp. . Just upgraded by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) to one of 11 Silver Level Ride Centers in the world, Helenaknows how to sweep a mountain biker off his feet. Wendy Altschuler. But what are some of the cheaper electric, Read More Electric Bikes Less Than $1000Continue, Biking or cycling has always been a favourite for people in search of some hunger for thrill & adventure. It is the perfect place to get started on a mountain bike and learn the basics. You will need to know about the three classifications and the laws surrounding their legal Electric bicycles have become more popular every year since their first surge in popularity in 2010. If you are interested in really quaint little mountain towns in Montana then consider checking out Hungry Horse, an unincorporated community of less than 1,000, although the catchment area includes the residents in the little town of Coram, located three minutes up the road northwards. Lewistown is a town in Montana with a population just slightly over and above the 5,000 mark. No self-respecting list-maker would omit Lake Tahoe from a compilation of top mountain towns. Advanced and expert riders can take the Swift Current lift toward the most challenging trails, intermediate riders can board the Thunder Wolf, and beginners can start out on the Explorer lift. (In other words,don't go alone.) Refuel with the Larry Bird sandwich at Hummingbird Caf, then bike three minutes down the street to Muddy Creek Brewery. This trail system is on a time share plan and riders will need to check schedules online for when mountain bikes are allowed. "The trail has fast rolling sections along with some fun technical limestone rock sections," says Purcell. The granddaddy is up Warm Springs to the top of Saddle Mountain and descending down through Overwhich Falls. The trails range from forest road to beautiful singletrack and the Continental Divide even traces the edge of these trails. It is also one of the relaxing nature rides in the most breathtaking settings. Residents of Asheville and the surrounding area can easily visit the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. Creede. Located in the city of Helena, which is the capital city of Montana. "And I personally never get tired of riding the berms and ridges. In the town, youll find local stores including such delights as a junk shop and a mountain arts store, and lodgings can be found along with an abundance of huckleberry delicacies. Pro Tip: Grizzly bears are fairly common in this area so consider bringing a small can of bear spray or riding with a bear bell. These are the best small mountain towns with populations of about 10,000 or . Glamis is one of the best places in the world to experience the desert on two wheels. It has one of the larger populations of the mountain regions at around 50,000, and it is another place with easy access to Yellowstone National park. You opt to explore the mellow session if you are a novice rider and not yet skilled enough to jump a table-top. Click -> HERE, This site is owned and operated by River Traditions LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Michigan, USA.