A Few of our Favorite Trails in Montana's Yellowstone Country

We’re headed into our favorite time of year for hitting the trails in Montana's Yellowstone Country. It’s still warm and generally not rainy, but the temperatures drop a bit, and you can start to feel a hint of fall in the early morning and late evening. It’s perfect weather for hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and ATV/UTV/SxS riders. (Montanans share the trail.)

We’ve compiled a few of our favorite trails — they are spread across the region and by no means all-inclusive. Depending on your skill and knowledge of the area, you can explore deep into Montana’s Yellowstone Country and really feel the remoteness. You’ll want to explore your routes carefully before you go and be sure to bring a hard copy of a map and compass. Often, the further into the backcountry you get, the spottier the cell service.

West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is a favorite for the off-road crowd, notably Two-Top Loop, a 30-mile loop that starts and ends in town. It connects with the trail network in the Targhee National Forest, and at 2,000 feet elevation, you can see the Teton Mountain Range, Yellowstone National Park and Lionhead.

Big Sky and Bozeman

In Big Sky, Beehive Basin is an excellent hike for all abilities. It’s six miles out and back, with abundant wildflowers and a fantastic view of Lone Mountain. Chestnut Mountain to Frog Rock Trail is a great horseback ride down the road in Bozeman. It’s not as busy as some areas, offers some shade, and is steep enough that riding horseback is an excellent option.

Paradise Valley

The Cutler Lake-Sphinx Creek Loop in Paradise Valley is a 10.3-mile mountain bike ride with a nice mix of quiet dirt roads and some technical trail. It’s also suitable for trail runners and hikers. (Bonus: You can grab a soak at Yellowstone Hot Springs or Chico Hot Springs after your ride!)

Big Timber Area

Off-road ATV riders love the road to the old mining district of Independence. The road gets too rough for a standard vehicle just past the end of the maintained portion of the Main Boulder, but those with jeeps and other off-road vehicles love it.

Fishtail and Nye

Near Nye and Fishtail, Mystic Lake is an excellent hike for most abilities. It’s an approximately six-mile round trip, and there’s a bit of a climb at the end, so trekking poles are a good idea, but the lake and the views are well worth it.

Red Lodge

Another favorite for cross-country mountain biking is Red Lodge Mountain, where you can bike along their multi-use trails. Start from town and head up the road to the ski hill for an extra-long ride!

Cooke City and Silver Gate

Finally, in Cooke City and Silver Gate, take your off-road vehicle up Daisy Pass to Lulu Pass. You’ll need high clearance, but you’ll find a few historical ruins from the New World Mining District when you get up there. It’s a moderately challenging loop, just short of 11 miles.

Don’t forget, the sun is more intense at these elevations, so skin protection and water are also a must! Also, you are in bear country, so bring your bear spray and keep it easily accessible.

Happy trails!