Miles of trails for adventures on wheels — Mountain Biking in Montana's Yellowstone Country
Photo by Charlie McLaughlin
Mountain biking is wildly popular activity here in Montana’s Yellowstone Country. Whether you are a seasoned rider or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities for riders of all abilities!
In Bozeman, the Bangtail Divide Trail located up Bridger Canyon is a stunning ride. It’s best done as a shuttle (it’s 24 miles one way) and offers steep switchbacks if you ride south to north, as well as a great downhill. The trail winds through forests and meadows, offering great views of the Bridger Mountain Range. (The trail is also popular with hikers, trail runners, and horseback riders, so please remember, bikers yield to hikers, hikers and bikers yield to horseback riders.) The Owenhouse Cycling Community is an excellent resource for other area rides.
West Yellowstone is a fantastic option for those just starting out. You can rent bikes from Freeheel and Wheel (who also serve up a great cup of coffee). Rendezvous Ski Trails are open to biking in the summer. The newly completed Yellowstone Shortline Trail is also a lovely route to explore. The first nine miles of the 17.6-mile out-and-back trail follow the historic railroad line, then begin to follow the south fork of the Madison River, winding through Custer National Forest.
Photo by Jonathan Finch
Copper City Trails, located outside of Three Forks, is another local favorite, particularly in the spring, as the trails dry out earlier than some of the other areas. The 17+ miles of trails include a variety of technical, beginner, downhill flow trails, and two that are downhill only. There’s also a youth-focused skills track and a pump track for all ages and abilities!
Red Lodge Mountain offers mountain biking on its multi-use trails, thanks to the help of Beartooth Trails in maintaining them. And, if you need a repair, the Red Lodge Bike Center offers a community space with reused parts, guided assistance, and on-site mechanics for hire! The Spoke Wrench is also a great resource for trail information.
Photo by Andy Austin