It is best to climb up the fireroads and descend the singletrack trails. It can be ridden as an out and back trail or can be shuttled if you have more than one person and vehicle. But the Rattlesnake Loop offers a14.8-mile roller coaster of a ride. It is also one of the relaxing nature rides in the most breathtaking settings. "It's a dirt route stretching 2,800 miles from Banff to Antelope Wells, giving a rider the remote wilderness experience, battling terrain, weather, and physical and mental strength." But, that doesnt mean that one should stop having hopes for a good cycling experience. The trail is ideal for bikers with different skills level, from beginners to experts. This trail can be accessed from the Warm Springs Trail System but also travels down into the State Line- Divide trail network. This little locale certainly isn't the only 19th-century mining town that you can find in Montana, but it's definitely one of the best. But for us, the one area that we were pleasantly surprised by when researching possible road trips is Cedar City. Situated near Lake McDonald in Montana, the MacDonald mountain biking trail is moderately trafficked and stretches up to 9.0 kilometers. It's highly technical with lots of rock gardens. (406) 363-2662. "It's an iconic route with incredible ridgeline views of the expansive wilderness that surrounds Montana's capital," says Bike Helena's Patrick Doyle. Montana is a very large state with a relatively low population. The Rattlesnake trail system is Missoulas most popular trail system. Many cyclists claim that riding an e-bike is easier than riding a normal mountain bike. During the winter months, some of these Montana mountain towns offer world-class skiing and snowboarding. Polson, Montana. The trail was recently ranked among the best five mountain biking trails in northwest Montana. It is an incredible locale for those seeking a challenging, technical, and scenically attractive trails specially designed for the sport of mountain biking. America's 20 best mountain bike towns. Trail Location - Located 9 miles south of Bozeman in the foothills of the Gallatin Range. Depending on how you decide to experience this trail, it will between 5-11 miles of riding. . Killington, Vermont. America's 20 Best Mountain Bike Towns 1 / 20 Moab, Utah It's almost impossible to overhype Moab. Choteau is so scenic that, David Letterman even purchased a vacation ranch there. Montana is certainly not short on either mountains or mountain towns. With more than 200 miles of . Adventure Cycling Association. 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 . There are plenty of options for you to choose from. You will park at Line Creek Plateau Trailhead off of Beartooth Highway. #explorewhitefish Author Name Author Name Author Name Various Spokes. The city is situated along the Missouri River and was once a major hub for steamboat transportation in the region. Syringa and Bellevue Bike Parks: These parks are located in Missoula, Montana. One of our favorite downtowns in Montana is Philipsburg. Pro Tip: There is limited cell service so come prepared and know where you are planning to ride. A single track trail, this one looks right out of a fantasy novel. 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. Take a family vacation to Montana and introduce your kids to the beauty of the outdoors with epic mountain scenery and unforgettable activities. No self-respecting list-maker would omit Lake Tahoe from a compilation of top mountain towns. Located 60 miles east of Bozeman in an area where the Rocky Mountains meet with the plains. It has 33 trails that range from intermediate to black diamond difficulty level. If you have never been to Missoula before then make sure to save some time for before or after to check out the town. This 24-mile stretch of smooth singletrack is the kind of classic trail that'll keep you coming back to Bozeman. The trail is rocky, rooty, and has multiple switchbacks that allow riders to climb at more manageable gradient while navigating challenging tight turns on the descent. Sometimes, you cant Electric bicycles are an excellent solution for getting around town. King Arthur Park is generally considered a great place to raise a family. The views are outstanding, but dont look for too long because the trails are gnarly and unforgiving with the primary feature being large and demanding rock gardens. These are the trails that I have been privileged to ride the most in Montana. 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 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. Helena is the state Capital, Billings the largest city, and . Their website is currently down so you might try to give them a call if you are planning to stop by. Theviews of just about everymountain in the state from the Crazies to the Absarokas to the Gallatins isone of the reasons locals like Molly Ambrogi-Yanson, from the Montana Office of Tourism, call the Bangtail Dividetheir favorite. 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. Pro Tip: This trail is at extreme altitudes. The Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile riverfront . 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. TOP CHOICE FOR TRAILS THAT MADE HISTORY. 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. Big Sky WhitefishNew YorkLake Placid/Whiteface UtahSnowbird Solitude. For technical singletrack, slip into Key Hole or consider getting lost on some of the hundreds of magnificent miles of National Forest Service roads and trails that surround Big Sky Resort. Montana is divided into 56 counties and contains 129 municipalities consisting of cities and towns. The Thompson Park trail system is a great system for beginner and intermediate riders that still want to see all of what the mountains have the offer. https://bigskybikes.com/. During the winter, ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and in the. Popularly referred to as Big Sky State, Montana is one of the biggest and most spectacular states in the U.S. "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. Idaho Falls, Idaho Idaho Falls might not be a mountain town in the literal sense, but as the closest metropolitan area to any of Yellowstone National Park's entrances, it serves as a gateway to some of the country's most stunning mountain terrain. Gardiner is a small southwest Montana town situated between the Absaroka Beartooth and the Gallatin Mountain Ranges. When it comes to biking in rain, there is a frown on all our faces thinking that it isnt a good idea. When it comes to taking your e-bikes out on adventures, sometimes you want to travel to distant places and use your e-bike to explore. 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. Certainly, all of these places have much to offer by way of adventure, scenery, and even a spot of history. The Woodrat Mountain Biking Trail. The trail has 1,415 feet of vertical climbing and 5, 335 feet of vertical descending. It encompasses scenic overlooks, gate logging roads, stacked loops, and beautiful singletrack. Libby, MT 59923, USA 2. This out and back trail features a waterfall and magnificent scenic views and ideal for all biking skills. This mountain town is one of Colorado's most beloved spots. 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. 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. Youll find this small mountain town amidst a Rocky Mountains backdrop in Glacier Country, less than an hour from the national park. Pro Tip: Even if you have ridden these trails before, always make sure that you can stop within your sight range. Not everybody that enjoys mountain biking is a 20-something, witness the passion of baby boomer 1, outgoing George W. Bush, for the sport. The Auburn State Recreation Area features plenty of hiking trails along lakes and through trees that all outdoor adventurers adore. Mid Mountain Trail | Park City (IMBA Epic Ride) 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. Rider: Aaron Chamberlain You canchoose to grunt up the hill (purchase a $5 trail-use-only ticket) or take the Silver Chief Chairlift (get an all-mountain day pass/$28). Luckily, Montana has a few designated locations to help build confidence on the bike. Buttercup Loop Trail - Near Hamilton Category: Mountain Biking Level: Intermediate/Advanced Round-Trip Distance: 21.1 Miles Getting Here: The location is. In order to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, remember that the rule of thumb is that the uphill rider has the right of way on singletrack trails. Montana OHV Registration Title Your Vehicle. Although the trail goes through braided narrow paths and doubletrack, a wide range of horse and social trails are available. The trails range from forest road to beautiful singletrack and the Continental Divide even traces the edge of these trails. Pro Tip: Since this is such a long trail, you will need to pack food for your journey. It is categorized as an intermediate loop that sits on high altitudes. For challenging singletrack, you may try the hundreds of splendid miles of National Forest Service Roads and tracks surrounding the Big Sky Resort. Bend, Ore. 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. These trails are known as some of the wildest and toughest rides in Montana and can be bumpy and technical. Jun 14, 2019. The best mountain bike towns in America boast easy trail access, stunning scenery and plenty to see on and off the bike. For one thing, the capital has a free summertime bike shuttle called The Trail Rider, which stops at various trailheads around the South Hills Trail System comprising over 75 miles, all within a seven-mile radius of downtown. Whitefish Whitefish is a prime Montana mountain town with arguably the best skiing resort in the state. The shores of City beach around the lake are a popular spot in the warmer months, making the town something of a year-round destination. From bike-packing adventures to bike parks, and perfectsingletrack, here are the 15 best mountain biking trails in Montana. It is about 20 miles of riding with over 4000 feet of climbing. 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. There are multiple places to access the trail along the route so you can ride the trail in segments as well. I love seeing everyone smiling after they ride it." 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. One of the best is Kalispell, a gateway to Glacier National Park. The Rattlesnake Trail System is located in Missoula, Montana. 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. Ennis is a colorful little spot in Madison County, in southwest Montana. 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. This is an authentic and vibrant mountain-dwelling that is often described as a town, and it is developed enough to offer a broad range of charming accommodation, locally-owned shops, breweries, and restaurants with a farm-to-table approach. Whether you're planning a Montana family road trip or you're planning to stick around one area, we've compiled some of the best . Its length is approximately 5.5 miles and eleven miles when biked as a counter-clockwise trail. 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. Warm Springs Ridge: Warm Springs Ridge is touted as one of the best trails in the area. Distance - 9.4 miles on paved roads; 5 miles on gravel roads open to traffic; 1.5 miles on singletrack - 15.9 total miles. How to Shift (change gears) On a Road Bike? The Garage: Located less than 10 minutes away from the above featured trailhead. DeVall suggests doing the route clockwise. Hydration is key. has a small population of 77 (as of the 2020 consensus). Downtown Bozeman has some of the best restaurants, bars, shops, galleries, and other amenities associated with a more developed region. Accommodation: The Ranch at Rock Creek. Seattle, Washington. Your safety comes first. 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. Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. 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. The name comes from its location, which looks pretty much like a bank cut out of a river, east of Cut Bank Creek. ATV or dirt bike. 5. 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. Here you will encounter breathtaking views and endless exciting nature trails running through forested areas and around Whitefish Lake. So learn more about one of the best mountain towns in Montana, and then add it to your list! 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. Always contact park staff whenever planning a journey like Alpine #7. All those wishing to explore this adventurous trail are urged to be careful and cautious as horses also use the trail. "This is for the expert mountain biker that just craves difficulty and excitement. So here are a few options when it comes to some of the best mountain towns in Montana. Its red-rock landscape is truly like nowhere else on Earth, and the best way to appreciate it is. Pro Tip: If you decide to take the shuttle consider donating $10 to the Trail Rider Program or just bring a few bucks to tip your driver because we want mountain bikers to be the coolest and nicest people out there. Visit Big Sky explains that, there are 64 mountain ranges in total in Montana, , as per the Montana State Library. Mountain bikers may also come across some of the local wildlife in the region. 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. 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. 15 Bob Allen by Montana, home to over 100 ranges, has some of the best mountain biking trails in America. There's a sense of calm, as the only sounds come from naturea babbling creek or a chirping robin. If you are looking for bike service or repairs though, then you can visit Grizzly Outfitters. From this point, the trail slightly descends up to the singletrack road. The fun and the most exciting part starts at the 2000 foot descent with flowy high-speed sections to rocky sections that will undoubtedly keep you on your toes, offering 20 minutes of enormous grins on the faces of the mountain bikers. Many families, young professionals, and retirees live in Lewistown. With a population of just over 7,500 and a strong community vibe, Livingston still makes it onto this list, but it's definitely one of the larger towns in Montana! Once you have reached the top of the Line Creek Plateau mountain biking trail, high on the ridgeline, the bikers are amused by some of the most astonishing sceneries the State of Montana has to offer. 46.5891 N, 112.0391 W. 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. It offers low-cost, energy-efficient, and emission-free transportation which also has physical and health benefits. A full enduro set up including pads, helmet, bike, and insurance for one day on the mountain runs for $127 during the regular season. Fifteen minutes away is its partner mountain city of 25,000, Kalispell . "Warm Springs can be ridden as a 20-mile shuttle ride that is 90 percent down hill with 4,500 feet of descending," says DeVall. 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. It's widely regarded as one of the best places to live in . Lewistown is in the outdoor recreation haven of Fergus County and yet is the often-missed tourist spot due to its distance away from any of the other major tourist or landmark locations. 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. At the edge of Glacier National Park in the Northern Rocky Mountains is a vibrant town built around a shared appreciation of the wild. The Montana Code 7-1-4124 gives municipal governments in Montana powers to enact ordinances, borrow money, and enact eminent domain . It is also one of the relaxing nature rides in the most breathtaking settings. When it comes to doing your daily commute, few options are better than riding an electric bicycle. Trails are small pathways through wooded areas or up With the advancements in technology, electric bicycles are becoming more powerful, and their batteries can hold a charge much longer, which allows for further travel. But her favorite rideis on theWhitefish Trail. by Robert Earle Howells, Perri O. Blumberg and Laura Studarus. Mt. 12 Best . 12. 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. 25 Best Places to Visit in the USA. Pipestone trail area is located east of Butte and west of Whitehall. 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. Missoula, Montana. 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. Montana has so many mountain towns its possible that you have never heard of some of them. Many of the trails are not marked. 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. Most of the trails are fast, flowy and smooth but can still cater to every skill level looking to spend a fun day on the trails. 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. 11. Asheville, North Carolina is located in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a part of the larger Appalachian range. 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. Pro Tip: Even when you are riding mostly downhill you are still sweating and expending water and electrolytes. Butte has more to offer than a rich mining history and America's oldest brothel. The 60,000-acre Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, just outside of Missoula,contains a network of over 50 miles of seemingly endless possibilities for all skill levels. Another great small mountain town is Ennis in Madison County, which is one of the states premiere fly-fishing destinations. 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. Situated in the northwest region, Montana is one of the biggest states in the union by the total area. However, it is the 44th-most populated and ranked as 48th when it comes to population compactness. 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.