Wearing a helmet and protective gear is very important. "For the more athletic-inspired mountain bikers you can choose one of five different loops. With a population of around 3,000, Cut Bank has long been an integral part of the regions oil and gas industry, which started in the 1920s when the first well was unearthed. Bend, Ore. 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. This is the center piece of Helenas trail system and if you are new to the area is the perfect place to see what type of riding Montanas capital has to offer. Local culture and history abound in this town as well as a plethora of Western-style adventures and of course, endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Once you are out on the trail you will see remarkable views of Helena Valley below. A silver-level IMBA Ride Center, Copper Harbor is one of the crown jewels of Midwest mountain biking, hidden away in the farthest reaches of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. According to Outside Magazine, Montana has 1,788 miles of mountain bike trails. Your safety comes first. It's a gateway to the world-famous Yellowstone National Park but is a wonderful tourist attraction in its own right and is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts in both summer and winter. Each type of e-bike has its unique benefits. 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. Trails for all levels of skills are available; thus, no one should feel left out. by Robert Earle Howells, Perri O. Blumberg and Laura Studarus. Skylar Rispens Two riders descend from Mt. King Arthur Park is generally considered a great place to raise a family. However, it is the 44th-most populated and ranked as 48th when it comes to population compactness. When it comes to biking in rain, there is a frown on all our faces thinking that it isnt a good idea. If you are looking for bike service or repairs though, then you can visit Grizzly Outfitters. Seattle, Washington. 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. Warm Springs Creek: This 5 mile trail is one of very few blue trails in this area. Open only on weekends through mid-October, the more than 1,000 vertical feet of singletrack is set up for intermediate and advanced cyclists who can go wailing off wall rides, over bridges and logs, and around dramatic, well-groomed descents, defying gravity and testing personal limits. Helena Ridge If youre interested in getting an electric bicycle, there are two types for you to choose from, foldable and non-foldable. Crested Butte is one of the best mountain towns in the Centennial State. 12 Best Things to do in Helena, Montana. 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. Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association: This trail group works to help build and maintain both new and surviving trails. Cooke City is one of the closest towns to. Looking for more How To MTB articles? 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. You can challenge your fitness by riding up a rocky trail to make it to the Mt. 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. You will encounter an old four-wheel-drive trail that includes a vast array of drop-offs, natural jumps, and bumps. Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. Big Sky is another great Montana town for mountain views and offers vistas of the Gallatin Range, the Madison Range, and the Absaroka Range, in addition to several others. Mountain bikers like Chad DeVall, owner and tour guide at Red Barn Bicycles, know how good they have it living in Hamilton, situated near hundreds of miles of trails and dirt roads. Montana is divided into 56 counties and contains 129 municipalities consisting of cities and towns. The trail is very close to town and easily accessible for a quick ride after work. It can a difficult and long ride if you choose to ride from the start. The number of people using electric bicycles have been continuously growing over the course of a relatively short period of time. 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. The trail is smooth and wide but has some good berms and mellow gradients so that you can gain speed and have fun! The trail has 1,415 feet of vertical climbing and 5, 335 feet of vertical descending. Crested Butte. No self-respecting list-maker would omit Lake Tahoe from a compilation of top mountain towns. 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. A unique feature specific to this system is that Trailforks even features a rental property located in the middle of the trail system. Montana. One of our favorite downtowns in Montana is Philipsburg. 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. It is also one of the relaxing nature rides in the most breathtaking settings. Gardiner is a small southwest Montana town situated between the Absaroka Beartooth and the Gallatin Mountain Ranges. 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. When it comes to doing your daily commute, few options are better than riding an electric bicycle. 11. Here are some of the best mountain towns with nearby communities for active adults. Situated near Lake McDonald in Montana, the MacDonald mountain biking trail is moderately trafficked and stretches up to 9.0 kilometers. Vermont. Choteau in Teton County is another wonderful mountain town just 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains. America's 20 Best Mountain Bike Towns 1 / 20 Moab, Utah It's almost impossible to overhype Moab. At the edge of Glacier National Park in the Northern Rocky Mountains is a vibrant town built around a shared appreciation of the wild. Marshall Mountain has been home to the collegiate mountain bike national championship and is currently home to a UCI Pro XCT event and a local race series. Pro Tip: Since there are so many options of trails in this area, come to the trail network with a plan ahead of time. This is a perfect spot for working out and mostly parked on weekends and during holidays. Helena Ridge). 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. The best mountain bike towns in America boast easy trail access, stunning scenery and plenty to see on and off the bike. MacDonald Pass mountain biking trail is the classic ride in Helena, Montana, equally famous for its killer views and downhill slopes. From this point, the trail slightly descends up to the singletrack road. 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. 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. Its length is approximately 5.5 miles and eleven miles when biked as a counter-clockwise trail. Riding in the birthplace of MTB. The area is popular for hunting and fishing, and the town has a small downhill ski area along with miles of backcountry roads for skiing and snowmobiling. It is the perfect place to get started on a mountain bike and learn the basics. 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. Allow the bike to flow where it wants to go. They also raise money to support high risk trails and areas. Situated in the northwest region, Montana is one of the biggest states in the union by the total area. Creede. 4. 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. Mount Snow. Bike, eat, sleep, repeat. This trail demonstrates just how bike friendly Montana tries to be! 400tmax /Getty. But, that doesnt mean that one should stop having hopes for a good cycling experience. However, e-bikes have a limited range; As the popularity of e-bikes continues to rise, so does e-bike theft. The South Hills trail system is located in Helena, Montana. The Whitefish Mountain Resort is located in Whitefish, Montana. 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? Pro Tip: Since this is such a long trail, you will need to pack food for your journey. Some of those ridges are so spectacular that they are featured separately below (see #7 Mt. Libby sits tucked up in northwest Montana, and it's a total gem. Once you have purchased your pass you can pick it up at the Mountain Village Plaza. 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. Additionally, these trails are open almost year round and are likely to be some of the only dry trails in late fall or early spring. The state is very passionate about its trail network and works hard to make mountain biking accessible for locals and tourists alike. Fort Benton is a small, charming city located in north-central Montana and is known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. The locals most preferred this trail due to its diverse terrain and a sheer gonzo rocky cliff. Situated in the northwest region, Montana is one of the biggest states in the union by the total area. So here are a few options when it comes to some of the best mountain towns in Montana. It is 15 miles long and has almost 2,000 feet of climbing and over 5,000 feet of descending. Big Sky is more than just a launch pad for Yellowstone adventures, says outdoor photographer and Montanian Bob Allen, citing the Grizzly Loop. 25 Best Colleges in the Mountains | Features | Ranking 25 Best Colleges in the Mountains Top Consensus Ranked Colleges for Hiking and Climbing Top 5 1 2 Washington and Lee University 3 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 4 Middlebury College 5 Bates College The dam covers the water needs in the region and provides some fantastic recreational activities including guided tours. 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. With so many trails it is difficult to truly feature just three in this section, but the following trails are designed to give you just a little taste of what is out there. This shop is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am 5 or 6 pm. Another great small mountain town is, Of course, Whitefish is widely considered to be one of the best local mountain towns thanks to the, , a popular tourist destination. The town has more than a touch of the historic about it which is evident from the Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum, where you can get some deeper insights into the towns past. Bozeman. Accommodation: The Ranch at Rock Creek. Asheville, North Carolina. 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/. Theres always a way out & Road Bikes are you, Read More How to Shift (change gears) On a Road Bike?Continue, If youre anything like me, youve found yourself in a bind with a flat tire on your care and no way to pump it up. Marshall Mountain is located in Missoula, Montana. 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. Sometimes, you cant Electric bicycles are an excellent solution for getting around town. 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. They also offer a pump track and have sections that can accommodate kids and striders. How to Shift (change gears) On a Road Bike? Downtown Bozeman has some of the best restaurants, bars, shops, galleries, and other amenities associated with a more developed region. Bozeman also provides fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains, as does Whitefish, which is located to the west of Glacier National Park. 2023 Intermountain Bikes - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Choteau in Teton County is another wonderful mountain town just 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains. of the road bike you intend to buy. This system is spread out across four different ridges that are separated by gulches. These are the trails that I have been privileged to ride the most in Montana. Located near the historic towns of Anaconda and Philipsburg, the new bike park is the best excuse to explore western parts of the state you might otherwise overlook. Relatively few miles of road exist in the . "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." The town also has access to Montanas longest free-flowing river by way of the Yellowstone River, and the small town with its population of less than 1,000 has everything you need to make any stay there comfortable, except for any large-chain outfits. It features alpine meadows, deep forests, waterfalls, about 25 glistening glaciers and 200 sparkling lakes. (Secret Tip), 9 Best Locks For E-Bikes (Guaranteed Safety), Can You Go Fast On A Folding Bike (How Fast? Montana is a very large state with a relatively low population. , lying to the northeast of the park on the scenic Beartooth Highway. Great divide mountain bike route. Alpine #7 Mountain Bike Trail is located in Columbia Falls, Montana and when ridden start to end is 55 miles long. Not everybody that enjoys mountain biking is a 20-something, witness the passion of baby boomer 1, outgoing George W. Bush, for the sport. TOP CHOICE FOR TRAILS THAT MADE HISTORY. Warm Springs Ridge: Warm Springs Ridge is touted as one of the best trails in the area. Helena Ridge Trail provides incredible scenic views through some of the utmost stunning hardwood forests across the state. The trail features berms, drops, jumps, rock gardens, intermixed with steep and flowy sections. West Yellowstone - one of the best small towns in Montana West Yellowstone is one of the best small towns in southern Montana. 12. But for us, the one area that we were pleasantly surprised by when researching possible road trips is Cedar City. With more than 200 miles of . I love seeing everyone smiling after they ride it." 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. Grab some breakfast at one of the downtown sector's many restaurant options. The Grizzly Mountain biking loop trail is managed by the office of USFS Gallatin National Forest. Refuel with the Larry Bird sandwich at Hummingbird Caf, then bike three minutes down the street to Muddy Creek Brewery. Here's our round-up of the best mountain biking at ski resorts. Various Spokes. From local events, jobs, where to stay and the best things to see and do. This mountain biking is true backcountry bliss. Easy Rider: This 2 mile trail with 665 feet of descending is considered the easiest trail at the resort and is the perfect starting point for any first timers checking out the downhill park. It encompasses scenic overlooks, gate logging roads, stacked loops, and beautiful singletrack. It has 33 trails that range from intermediate to black diamond difficulty level. Helena Ridge is located in Helena, Montana and is a part of the South Hill Trail Network. Dunsmuir Up in the Trinity Mountains, you'll find the charming town of Dunsmuir. 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. Helena is the state Capital, Billings the largest city, and . 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. There are 75 different trails, featuring about 50 miles to explore. Whitefish Resort is known for its laidback attitude and flowy trails. The longtime locals are incredibly resilient, and with a population of 2,678, it's just the right size. Many cyclists claim that riding an e-bike is easier than riding a normal mountain bike. It is small enough to have an authentic feel to it but large enough to have all the amenities anyone could wish for. The course proceeds further left to the USFS signage and uphill towards First Creek and Hidden Lakes. The Rattlesnake Trail System is located in Missoula, Montana. Another great small mountain town is Ennis in Madison County, which is one of the states premiere fly-fishing destinations. From bike-packing adventures to bike parks, and perfectsingletrack, here are the 15 best mountain biking trails in Montana. Santa Claus Is Skiing To Town! Since then, electric bicycles have gotten cheaper, better, and have a wider variety of types of electric bicycles. 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 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. Mark has authored e-books, articles, and blogs across a wide range of topics for commercial, educational, factual, lifestyle and leisure-based purposes. The Woods Gulch mountain biking track is a loop course that begins and concludes at the trailhead at Rattlesnake Recreation Area. Insane, speedy downhills are simply timeless. 5. "It is a fun, flowy singletrack that offers something for every ability rider, beginner to expert," says Butler. Mountain biking at the Beaver Ponds will be worth your time and energy. The Moab board of tourism boldly proclaims to be "the home of the greatest mountain biking on the planet," and with good reason. 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. The white, Rocky Mountain peaks and rolling green hills that surround the town make the word charming suitably apt, as does the local history which is closely linked to both the Old West and dinosaurs. The landscape also features rocky mountain ranges, making it more adventurous and fun for mountain bikers. Some of the singletrack trails have jumps and drops so keep your eye out before sending it off of the drop. You hence go the the store, shake off the, Read More Road Bike Frame Which One Do You ChooseContinue. 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. Mid Mountain Trail | Park City (IMBA Epic Ride) Polson, Montana. Mt. Big Timber has a small range of accommodation by way of B&Bs, hotels, and motels with some of them actually have been in business since the late 1800s. If that sounds like a pretty good cycle of events, book a getaway to Big Sky Resort, recently named one of the five best mountain biking parks in the northwest by MTBparks.com. They're waiting for you. Ride along the Bitterroot Mountains and the charming small towns Lolo, Florence, Stevensville, Corvallis, Victor of the scenic Bitterroot Valley. 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. The highway continues through the Beartooth Mountains and across the Beartooth Plateau, reaching elevation levels of more than 10,900 feet (3,322 meters). Aside from the delicious sounding summer events, winter in Whitefish is all about skiing. The hard work is greatly rewarded with incredible views and fun trails. Pro Tip: These trails can become very busy on the weekends. Residents of Asheville and the surrounding area can easily visit the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. The black diamond course is rated as expert level and stretches up to 16 miles. December 3, 2019. Bob Allen, Bike Helena A. 5. The trail is only about 2 miles with 800 vertical feet of descending. Pipestone trail area is located east of Butte and west of Whitehall. 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. Red Barn Bicycles: Located in Hamilton, Montana and open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm or 6 pm. This trail gives you a chance to unwind and to forget the busy city lifestyle. "It's an iconic route with incredible ridgeline views of the expansive wilderness that surrounds Montana's capital," says Bike Helena's Patrick Doyle. Many of the access points will require a good climb up to the trail so come prepared for a hard workout. 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. There are 42 trails, and about 80 miles of trail to ride and explore. Top 10 Mountain Bike Towns in the US with the Lowest Cost of Living 1. "And I personally never get tired of riding the berms and ridges. The Grass Mountain Biking Loop is one of the most famous, challenging, and well-ridden course systems in the Bozeman area of Montana. To help conserve the population of elk, the Woods Gulch trail is inaccessible during winter. These are backcountry trails and should only be ridden by athletes with experience in the saddle and problem solving on the go. Choteau is so scenic that David Letterman even purchased a vacation ranch there! The majority of the trails are blue and green with a few black trails to challenge the more daring riders. Choteau is so scenic that, David Letterman even purchased a vacation ranch there. 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. 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. Bicycle Engine Durability: How Long Will They Last? 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. Furthermore, Popularly referred to as Big Sky State, Montana is one of the biggest and most spectacular states in the U.S. 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. If you are in the region of Montana looking for outdoor adventure or some of the most scenic views the Big Sky state has to offer, its highly likely that youll end up somewhere in the mountain regions. But the Rattlesnake Loop offers a14.8-mile roller coaster of a ride. It is best to climb up the fireroads and descend the singletrack trails. There's a Bike Helena Shuttle Fest, in conjunction with a brewfest. If you are unsure of how much food you will need, then start by counting out 200 calories per hour and adjust from there. Line Creek Plateau is a 16 mile point to point trail located in at the southern boarder of Montana in Red Lodge. 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. Pro Tip: Even when you are riding mostly downhill you are still sweating and expending water and electrolytes. Pro Tip: There is limited cell service so come prepared and know where you are planning to ride. The Beardance Trail is located in Kalispell, Montana. The resort has 40 trails, 23 miles of downhill trails, 9 miles of cross country trails, and about 2,350 vertical feet of descent from the top of the lift. . Sign up for our FREE weekly email.Delivered to your inbox every Friday. You will need another car or someone to pick you up on East Side road when you are finished. 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. Cost of living: The cost of living index in King Arthur Park is 102, which is two percent higher than the average cost of living in the U.S. and four percent higher than in Montana. #explorewhitefish Author Name Author Name Author Name The trail picks up directly from one of the parking areas. These trails are known as some of the wildest and toughest rides in Montana and can be bumpy and technical. NOAA Long Term Winter . For those who crave an adrenaline rush, the northwest region of the US offers a plethora of trails and routes perfect for mountain biking. 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. For mountain biking enthusiasts and those wishing to improve their biking handling skills and techniques, they should consider exploring Montana due to its vast range of scenic and breathtaking mountain biking trails. Whitefish is a prime Montana mountain town with arguably the best skiing resort in the state. During the winter, ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and in the. This system is located in Butte, Montana and has 16 trails, many loop or out and back options, difficult climbs, switchbacks, granite, and sand. 10 Best Places to Visit in Montana. When you are planning on making that first engine kit purchase, many, Read More Bicycle Engine Durability: How Long Will They Last?Continue, If you are looking into getting yourself an electric bicycle for exercise, a cheaper commute to work, or even just because you like riding around. The trail is ideal for bikers with different skills level, from beginners to experts. Here you will encounter breathtaking views and endless exciting nature trails running through forested areas and around Whitefish Lake. 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. The massive trail system allows featured routes ranging from 4 to 40 miles or you can make your own route as short or as long as your legs will carry you.