), Best Tow Bar Bike Rack for Electric Bikes. Insane, speedy downhills are simply timeless. Early in the morning, drive 14 miles out of town and jump on the more popular route south to north, from Stone Creek to Brackett Creek. 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. Situated near Lake McDonald in Montana, the MacDonald, Situated south of Bozeman in Montana, the Grizzly, Eat, sleep, bike, and repeat; if that sounds like an impressive cycle of events, then you should consider exploring the Big Sky Resort, On the Otter Slide, you may opt to attempt the machine-built flow tracks. In between the fast big-ring descents and steep technical climbs up the ridge, the rolling terrain will give you plenty of moments to stop and take it all in, especially the views of Lone Mountain and the Taylor Hilgard peaks. From bike-packing adventures to bike parks, and perfect single-track, here are the 15 best mountain biking trails in Montana. Syringa and Bellevue Bike Parks: These parks are located in Missoula, Montana. Santa Claus Is Skiing To Town! The trail has a little bit of everything with singletrack, rock obstacles, and man-made features. If youre interested in getting an electric bicycle, there are two types for you to choose from, foldable and non-foldable. However, from May to October, the course is usually accessible daily, treating mountain bikers to a fantastic adventure and an intriguing natural sightseeing excursion. Another great small mountain town is Ennis in Madison County, which is one of the states premiere fly-fishing destinations. This downhill section is so fast that the bikers may require taking a break to rest their breaking fingers/hands before proceeding. River Traditions LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/flathead/recreation/bicycling, https://www.outsidebozeman.com/planning/reports-conditions/trail-time-share, http://www.montanamountainbikealliance.com/, https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/2274/Bike-Skills-Parks, https://www.bikehelena.com/vigilante-bike-park/. It features an enormous 5,800-foot uphill slope and a 1,600 climb featuring a number of exciting hurdles. Download the WeatherBug App. Although Bozeman is somewhat larger than many of the other mountain towns in Montana, it does still manage to retain something of a charming small-town feel. The Grizzly loop begins at the Porcupine Creek Trailhead. Columbia is a Money Magazine Best Town with bike paths and bike-friendly ambiance Boise City, Idaho Mountain biking in and near Boise is exceptional. The trails are overly accessible, with multiple parking locations right off of local streets and neighborhoods. Always obey all trail rules and closures. Choteau is so scenic that, David Letterman even purchased a vacation ranch there. Marshall Mountain lies just east of the Rattlesnake, NE of Missoula. Backcountry trails have varying conditions and getting clothes-lined by a downed tree is never worth it. If you fancy yourself a skilled mountain biker who can cover 33 miles of challenging (mostly) downhill trails, step on up to the famed Whole Enchilada, billed as one of the best bike rides in North America. Sign up for our FREE weekly email.Delivered to your inbox every Friday. The trail features berms, drops, jumps, rock gardens, intermixed with steep and flowy sections. 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. This well-marked 6.25-mile single-track trail traipses out and back over the Continental Divide and Homestake pass and offers just enough steep climbs, fast and tight descents, sandy patches, stunning big skylines, and rocky sections to excite even the most jaded mountain bikers. Ennis is known for both its fly fishing and its outdoor art that is somewhat unique to the region and represents aspects of Montana culture. Emerald Lake Trail is an out and back trail with a total distance of 10 miles. (Secret Tip), 9 Best Locks For E-Bikes (Guaranteed Safety), Can You Go Fast On A Folding Bike (How Fast? The majority of Montanas mountain ranges are located in the western part of the state. The town is a real focal point of winter sports in Montana during the colder months, and the soaring and dramatic-looking snow-capped peaks of the Whitefish Range is a powerful presence in the background. You will also interact with new people and make new friends as you bike along the trail. Whitefish Mountain Resort is the place to go for a spot of snowy action. Many of the trails are not marked. Most people will complete an out and back or various loops that extend off of the main trail. If you don't have time to ride the entire Divide (and climb 200,000 feet), you can get a wild taste of it bike-packing through Montana, where the 726-mile portion offers some of the route's most challenging and breathtaking mountain passes, stretching through Whitefish, Helena, and Butte, and the smaller towns of Eureka, Ovando, and Lakeview. Dunsmuir Up in the Trinity Mountains, you'll find the charming town of Dunsmuir. Although the trail goes through braided narrow paths and doubletrack, a wide range of horse and social trails are available. Jackson, Wyoming is located in one of the most picturesque parts of the country, surrounded by mountains and national park land. Montana Bicycle Guild: This non-profit organization is based out of Helena, Montana. Butte has more to offer than a rich mining history and America's oldest brothel. Truckee, California. It features alpine meadows, deep forests, waterfalls, about 25 glistening glaciers and 200 sparkling lakes. Soul Hole: This 1.4 mile trail with 1,200 feet of descending is a black diamond trail to really test your skills on. 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. For example, non-foldable e-bikes are more streamlined and Because of the surge in popularity of electric bicycles, its vital that riders, regardless of whether they are seasoned e-bikers, newbies, or habitual e-bikers, be aware of the local e-bike regulations that are in effect in One of the fastest-growing areas of the bicycle industry is the market for electric bicycles, which is rapidly taking over the world. 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. There are 63 trails and most of them are designed for beginner or intermediate riders. But for us, the one area that we were pleasantly surprised by when researching possible road trips is Cedar City. Whitefish mountain biking trail encompasses approximately 30 miles of singletrack, with a number of route options and a network of fresh possibilities like the Woods Lake Loop and Swift Creek Trail. 400tmax /Getty. It is categorized as an intermediate loop that sits on high altitudes. December 3, 2019. Mountain Laurel Trails encompass varying levels of difficulty for beginners as well as seasoned bikers to enjoy. The highest-elevation town in Montana is Cooke City, which sits at an elevation of over 7600 feet (2,316 meters). 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. Situated in the great city of Bozeman in Montana, the Grassy, Situated in the popular town of Missoula in Montana, the Woods Gulch, 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. It is 15 miles long and has almost 2,000 feet of climbing and over 5,000 feet of descending. 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. The Warm Springs Trail System offers 47 miles of trails that will best challenge intermediate, advanced and expert riders. The Alpine #7 MTB trail is located inside the Flathead National Forest. 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. Trail Type - Fun singletrack with ample adrenaline rush opportunities. It's highly technical with lots of rock gardens. E-bikes are easy to learn how to use, cheaper than owning a car, and can be pretty maneuverable. 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. Whitefish trail is situated near the Glacier National Park in Montanas northwest region. The exploration can be very challenging to navigate at a time. The top of the South Shore Traillooksout over the vast expanse of the northern Great Plains, just as Lewis and Clark saw them when theydiscovered the Great Falls over 200 years ago. In the northwest region of Montana, not far from Glacier National Park, sits the town of Whitefish, where Cricket Butler operates Whitefish Bike Retreat. Pipestone trail area is located east of Butte and west of Whitehall. The town is something of a cowboy town, and is surrounded by some impressively high mountain backdrops by way of the three ranges of Madison, Gravelly, and Tobacco Root. Similar to Bozeman, this place also has something of a historic feel and a storybook-like charm that comes from being located in a region of such impressive and awe-inspiring landscapes. Molly Ambrogi-Yanson says Blackfoot River Brewing is the spotwhere bikers drinkpost-ride. Bike, eat, sleep, repeat. 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. Montana OHV Registration Title Your Vehicle. No matter how many times you jet across the long, open straightaways and fly down the same line, you'll never tire of seeing your silhouette chasing you off the mountain, daring you to do it again. It is in proximity to Yellowstone National Parks northern gate, and the town exhibits the typical Montana charm that one would expect in a location like this. Focus on keeping your effort consistent and avoid sprinting or sharp explosive efforts. Looking for more How To MTB articles? It can a difficult and long ride if you choose to ride from the start. "The lake also has great camping and a fantastic swimming beach to knock the dust off at the end of the day.". 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. Distance - 9.4 miles on paved roads; 5 miles on gravel roads open to traffic; 1.5 miles on singletrack - 15.9 total miles. MacDonald Pass mountain biking trail is the classic ride in Helena, Montana, equally famous for its killer views and downhill slopes. The dam covers the water needs in the region and provides some fantastic recreational activities including guided tours. You will need another car or someone to pick you up on East Side road when you are finished. You can find over 2 million acres of public land for exploration Libby and the surrounding Kootenai National Forest has hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails. Montana. Riding in the birthplace of MTB. 970-870-2220. Big Sky is more than just a launch pad for Yellowstone adventures, says outdoor photographer and Montanian Bob Allen, citing the Grizzly Loop. The Woods Gulch Trail Loop connects to a number of other tracks in Missoula while providing high and spectacular sceneries from Mount Jumbo and a splendidly technical downhill via the heart of Woods Gulch. Ennis is a colorful little spot in Madison County, in southwest Montana. 10 Best Places to Visit in Montana. by Robert Earle Howells, Perri O. Blumberg and Laura Studarus. Montana is a big state with a small population, and trails galore. Though this 28-mile loop is part of the Continental Divide Trail system and has a designated trailhead, you'll quickly discover you've entered West Yellowstone's backcountry, where grizzlies roam. They're waiting for you. The entire state has worked well together to form an area that is a mountain bikers dream come true. Since the Golden State offers only the finest, we turned to local experts to share their recommendations for the top mountain biking spots in California. To help conserve the population of elk, the Woods Gulch trail is inaccessible during winter. A full enduro set up including pads, helmet, bike, and insurance for one day on the mountain runs for $127 during the regular season. Missoula is nestled in the Northern Rockies of Montana, surrounded by spectacular beauty that includes being at the confluence of three rivers, with seven wilderness areas nearby. 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. I love seeing everyone smiling after they ride it." The lifts are open from 9 am- 4:45 pm from June 9th to September 22 if weather permits. 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. This town is surrounded on three sides by both the Crazy Mountains and the Absaroka Beartooths and is regarded as something of a gateway to the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness which provides some amazing outdoor recreational opportunities, with fishing being one of the prime attractions for much of this area. And dont forget a trip to Big Timbers old-fashioned soda fountain. Before riding at the South Hills Trail Network, download the Trailforks App in order to see all of the parking locations. Popularly referred to as Big Sky State, Montana is one of the biggest and most spectacular states in the U.S. The trail begins at around 5,800 feet and climbs up and over 10,000 feet where the trees disappear. Depending on how you decide to experience this trail, it will between 5-11 miles of riding. The Most Epic Montana Destinations for a Family Trip in 2022. Big Sky WhitefishNew YorkLake Placid/Whiteface UtahSnowbird Solitude. The trails provide a wide range of activity options and are accessible between April and October. The Moab board of tourism boldly proclaims to be "the home of the greatest mountain biking on the planet," and with good reason. 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. When you arrive at the Rattlesnake Trailhead there are multiple parking areas to choose from and a few restrooms to help you get kitted up and ready to tackle the trails! You can challenge your fitness by riding up a rocky trail to make it to the Mt. From this point, the trail slightly descends up to the singletrack road. 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. Woods Gulch Mountain Biking Trail MakeItMissoula Situated in the northwest region, Montana is one of the biggest states in the union by the total area. (406) 363-2662. Its length is approximately 5.5 miles and eleven miles when biked as a counter-clockwise trail. 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. Photo Source: The Ranch at Rock Creek. This 24-mile stretch of smooth singletrack is the kind of classic trail that'll keep you coming back to Bozeman. Alpine #7 Mountain Bike Trail is located in Columbia Falls, Montana and when ridden start to end is 55 miles long. It is one of the most famous rides in Bozeman and is best ridden from South to North. This is a perfect spot for working out and mostly parked on weekends and during holidays. Then, get ready to hit the trails. Skylar Rispens Two riders descend from Mt. Deer munching sightings on the neighboring vegetation are prevalent. 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. There are several amazing small mountain towns in Montana. Pro Tip: Make sure you are running tubeless tires with fresh sealant because there are quite a few prickly pear cacti surrounding this area. Discovering Montana is a resource for those living and visiting the Treasure State. America's 20 best mountain bike towns. But whatever your budget, you'll find the best places to stay with our list of the best resorts in Montana. Many people like to pack a lunch and enjoy a day at the lake before descending that same route on the way back home. Divide: The Divide trail is a 32 mile backcountry trail with 8,000 feet of climbing and descending. Montana is a very large state and therefore requires a lot of hands to keep the land healthy and serving mountain bikers from all over the World. There are multiple places to access the trail along the route so you can ride the trail in segments as well. Here's our round-up of the best mountain biking at ski resorts. Jun 14, 2019. This mountain biking is true backcountry bliss. Helena Ridge Trail or you can take the free community shuttle. Located in southwest Montana, Bozeman is the fourth largest city in the state, with a population of about 54,000 individuals. The Grizzly Mountain biking loop trail is managed by the office of USFS Gallatin National Forest. King Arthur Park is generally considered a great place to raise a family. Trail Location - Located 9 miles south of Bozeman in the foothills of the Gallatin Range. The trail is a point to point mission and is best completed with a shuttle. ", 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. When it comes to doing your daily commute, few options are better than riding an electric bicycle. Pro Tip: Since this is such a long trail, you will need to pack food for your journey. The downhill mountain biking style may seem intimidating, but every feature has a ride-around option. The Whitefish Mountain Resort is located in Whitefish, Montana. 5. The town features an idyllic shopping district and several cozy restaurants. Relatively few miles of road exist in the . In addition to the technically-challenging and very rapid descent and some relatively grueling climbs, the Woods Gulch Trail also entails an array of patience-testing hindrances, ranging from rock gardens jutting roots to berms and jumps on some very tottering trail. According to World Population Review, the town is located in Park County and has a small population of 77 (as of the 2020 consensus). Thus it would be best if you didnt compromise on it. 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. Ride along the Bitterroot Mountains and the charming small towns Lolo, Florence, Stevensville, Corvallis, Victor of the scenic Bitterroot Valley. 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. One of the best is Kalispell, a gateway to Glacier National Park. Three Larches: Three Larches is more on the technical side but is still great for an intermediate rider. Montana [1] is a state in the northern/northwestern United States, in the Rocky Mountains region. Enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, boating and fishing, in temperatures around the low to mid-80s. The trails are known for singletrack challenges rewarded with beautiful views. One of the towns with the best mountain views is Darby, which is in Ravalli county close to the Idaho border. It is an incredible locale for those seeking a challenging, technical, and scenically attractive trails specially designed for the sport of mountain biking. #explorewhitefish Author Name Author Name Author Name However, purchasing an e-bike is still a financial investment as most e-bikes that are worth their weight are still around $1,000. Montana has so many mountain towns its possible that you have never heard of some of them. The trails are designed to cater to every type of rider in the area from a first timer to a professional athlete. From bike-packing adventures to bike parks, and perfectsingletrack, here are the 15 best mountain biking trails in Montana. This first climb is considered brutal. It features sweeping vistas, mountainous recreational hubs, and prime wildlife habitat. Rent a Giant Stance 27.5 mountain bike from Grizzly Outfitters ($35/half day or $45/full day). Montana is certainly not short on either mountains or mountain towns. These are backcountry trails and should only be ridden by athletes with experience in the saddle and problem solving on the go. They offer rentals and repairs with reasonable prices. Helena is the state Capital, Billings the largest city, and . https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/2274/Bike-Skills-Parks, Vigilante Bike Park: This park is located in Helena, Montana and has a variety of skills features for riders of all skills levels. 12. Lake Tahoe fits the bill. I love the little downtown area with a coffee shop on every corner, lots of craft and art fairs, and delicious restaurants to pick from. And then there's the Mount Helena Ridge Trail. To combat this, e-bike manufacturers have developed some neat tricks, like requiring a password, or a key to turn your e-bike on or to Electric bicycles are becoming increasingly popular and more affordable every year. Line Creek Plateau Mountain Biking Trail, trails specially designed for the sport of mountain biking, Best Bike Racks For Electric Bikes With Ramp (Reviewed), Can You Lock The Battery On An E-Bike? Moab, Utah. This system is spread out across four different ridges that are separated by gulches. Ridgeway Mountain Laurel Trails, located in beautiful Horsepasture, Virginia, provides patrons a true mountain biking trail system. Your legs may be burning at the top, but the nine-mile descent is one more reason you'll never forget this teeth-gritting ride. The granddaddy is up Warm Springs to the top of Saddle Mountain and descending down through Overwhich Falls. The South Hills trail system has 179 different trails with about 80 miles of trails. Many cyclists claim that riding an e-bike is easier than riding a normal mountain bike. Not everybody that enjoys mountain biking is a 20-something, witness the passion of baby boomer 1, outgoing George W. Bush, for the sport. Alongside a bountiful harvest of cherries in the summer, Polson and the surrounding region also have many cultural and outdoor things to do. Crested Butte, COJV Designs / Shutterstock. 12 Best Things to do in Montana. The Garage: Located less than 10 minutes away from the above featured trailhead. There is certainly an abundance of things to do in Big Timber, making it one of the top choice mountain towns in Montana for those who like a quiet life but with the chance for a big adventure. 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. With 2015 expansions, including additional trails off three lifts, there are now over 30 miles of cross-country trails, 40 miles of MBT trails from the Mountain Village, and 14 various downhill routes. There are many communities surrounded by dense trail networks, such as Missoula, Bozeman, Butte, and Helena, and there are small mountain towns with great access to big mountain epics, such as Red Lodge, Whitefish, or Philipsburg. This trail gives you a chance to unwind and to forget the busy city lifestyle.