[dePaulus]

Hi Everyone..
I will be arriving in Bozeman tomorrow, and hoping to get some trail info from the local chapter, or anyone else with any info / advice
What are the best trails the Bozeman area has to offer? ( Top 5 if possible)
I will be in town for a week, maybe 2 if needed.
Also any mtb shop recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks everyone in advance

de P

 

[GregB406]

Presently we have,
Curly Lake Highline
Mile Creek and Sheep Lake
Bangtail Divide
Blackmore to Cottonwood
Storm Castle to Hyalite.
Shafthouse
Ramshorn Lake
Can't go wrong with this list.

 

[Montana Rider]

dittos to the beta greg provided -- we had a wet spring so snow is still present up high.

I did Blackmore to Cottonwood on Monday and encountered a decent amount of snow on the last two 'killer' hills before the divide. The downhill had a few new obstacles (downed trees) and an stream or two but was basically buff and ready to go.

I suspect Mile Creek and Curly Lake Highline will be snowy too -- hoping to get out to Lost Cabin and parts of Curly later this week.

I'd add Emerald (though I haven't ridden it yet this year) and Garnet as shorter 1/2 day ride options too.

While most of these rides aren't in the book per se, they can be identified from the BZN / Big Sky mtb map by Beartooth *see other thread for book*

 

[dir-T]

Bangtail Divide is in great shape and has lots of great wildflowers and scenery of snow capped peaks right now.

God, I'm out of shape.

 

[GregB406]

Since I rode that trail in 7 hours, I'm not only out of shape, compared to Dir-T, I'm dead.

 

[dePaulus]

:thumbsup:

Thanks for all the info everyone, it will def. come in handy..
Just arrived in Bozeman, and popped into "Bangtail Bicycles" for a map and to get some advice.. Rob was very helpfull in pointing out some great trails..
Going by the map and pics I've seen of the Bozeman & Big Sky's trails it seems like the trails are fantastic.. I'm feeling really stoked about my up & coming rides..
Hopefully see some of you on the trails..

 

[MildWillie]

Rode Emerald Lake last night after work and it is in great shape and so beautiful up there right now; if you get the chance, you should ride this trail while you're here. Just be aware that as of this weekend, it is closed to bikes on Sundays and Mondays.

 

[dePaulus]

Rode Emerald Lake last night after work and it is in great shape and so beautiful up there right now; if you get the chance, you should ride this trail while you're here. Just be aware that as of this weekend, it is closed to bikes on Sundays and Mondays.

I hope to get Emmerald lake in, hesitating if I should try and get a very early start 2morrow, usually I do not ride on weekends, due to crowds, but I'm getting itchy feet.
Yesterday I did the Bangtail Divide Trail, the trail is in good shape, and really beautiful with all the wild flowers... see a write up and pics / videos at http://mountainbiketrailsusa.com/trails/bangtail-divide-trail-bozeman/

Next trail on my list ( I hope) is the Hyalite to South Cottonwood... does anyone have any info about the snow condition on the trail?

 

[fiz1ct]

I hope to get Emmerald lake in, hesitating if I should try and get a very early start 2morrow, usually I do not ride on weekends, due to crowds, but I'm getting itchy feet.
Yesterday I did the Bangtail Divide Trail, the trail is in good shape, and really beautiful with all the wild flowers... see a write up and pics / videos at http://mountainbiketrailsusa.com/trails/bangtail-divide-trail-bozeman/

Next trail on my list ( I hope) is the Hyalite to South Cottonwood... does anyone have any info about the snow condition on the trail?

If you're in Bozeman and you don't get Emerald Lake in you REALLY missed out. When I lived in Bozeman it was my favorite ride by a long shot. The scenery is INCREDIBLE. It's not too difficult but typical of the trails in the area it's full of rocks and roots (but that makes it fun, right?).

 

[dePaulus]

If you're in Bozeman and you don't get Emerald Lake in you REALLY missed out. When I lived in Bozeman it was my favorite ride by a long shot. The scenery is INCREDIBLE. It's not too difficult but typical of the trails in the area it's full of rocks and roots (but that makes it fun, right?).

:thumbsup:

Emmerald Lake is on the list for very early Tuesday morning, hope to get some great shots and video footage, gonna get an early start to hopefully miss the crowd ( if there is one on a week day)

Monday I will tackle Hyalite to South Cottonwood,
Tuesday Emmerald Lake and Wednesday I will move and base myself in Ennis for a week to do Curly Lake, Lost Cabin Lake and maybe Hollow Top Lake

 

[Montana Rider]

Ennis isn't 'that' close to Curly or Lost Cabin -- and you can scratch Lost Cabin.

I was there on Thursday (rode Curly Friday) and the trail to Lost Cabin lake is still too snowy. Mostly Northfacing and forested (pics of lake in my Curly lake writeup on the Passion page)

I've ridden Hollow Top back when we lived in VC, it's mostly rocky double-track but the scenery is nice and the downhill rips...

If you're looking to add another ride (and don't mind driving) I'd suggest Tehepia Lake (in the Pioneers... park near Coolridge Ghost Town.

It's like Emerald (only better...)

OR from Ennis you could drive South and hit Sheep Creek (out and back to another beautiful high alpine lake, awesome singletrack -- it's like Emerald only better. I doubt the CDT trails over there are dry but depends on aspect...

I was thinking about Hyalite -> Cottonwood on Monday myself... last two climbs were snowy on Monday last week but I basically walk 90% the trail uphill anyways.

 

[dePaulus]

Thanks Montana Rider for all the info, shame about Lost Cabin having too much snow.. Was Curly clear over the top between the lake and McGovern?
It seems you know all the rides in this area, I did a quick bit of research on some of the trails you mentioned, but so far have found very limited info, if you know of any sites, maps or books I would appreciate any feedback.
Is Tahepia Lake still open to mountain bikers? I believe there was an on going battle to close it off.

Maybe I'll see you monday on Hyalite 2 S. Cottonwood ( we'll probably be the only two walking 90% of the climb)

Thanks again for the info.