The 7 Best Biking Trails in and Around Bozeman, Montana

1. Bangtail Divide

Best for fit mountain bikers seeking fabulous views

Distance: 25 miles

Time: 5–6 hours

Difficulty: Intermediate

Elevation Gain: 3100ft

The best day ride out of Bozeman is the Bangtail Divide, which starts in Bridger Canyon, 20 miles northeast of Bozeman. This lung-busting uphill switchback takes you through a flowing single track in the meadows, with views of six mountain ranges before finishing with a six-mile descent on Grassy Mountain.

2. Main St to the Mountains

Best for: Families seeking a downtown park ride

Distance: 2.5 miles round trip

Time: One hour

Difficulty: Easy

This easy off-road trail runs from Bozeman Library through Lindley Park to Sculpture Park; there's a soft climb offering ridge-top views over the city and Bozeman Creek. Families can walk as much or little as they like and therefore turn around at any time.

3. Mystic Lake

Best for mountain bikers seeking an easy ride

Distance: 20 miles round trip

Time: Three hours

Difficulty: Intermediate

Elevation Gain: 450m

The Sourdough Canyon Trail to Mystic Lake is a no-sweat, easy mountain bike route on wide, well-graded Forest Service dirt roads. Consistent downhill riding back down for a picnic-worthy Mystic Lake leaves an alternative "Wall of Death" route for more confident riders.

4. Big Sky Biking

Best for lift-served mountain bike trails and adrenaline-fueled descents

Distance and Time: Vary

Difficulty: Easy to Advanced

From early June to mid-September, Big Sky Resort offers downhill mountain biking—three lifts access 40 miles of trails. Lift passes start at $51 per day. Beginners can get their feet wet on the Easy Rider trail, and more advanced riders can take big jumps and mellow banked rides.

5. Spring Cycling in Hyalite Canyon or Yellowstone National Park

Best for traffic-free road cycling

Distance: 15.5 miles round trip

Time: Three hours

Difficulty: Easy

In the spring, the scenic Hyalite Canyon Road is open only to cyclists, condition dependent. Further south, Yellowstone National Park offers motor vehicle-free access to its western and north-western roads, ideal for cycling in solitude, with occasional spotting of wildlife.

6. Crosscut Mountain

Best for beginning mountain bikers and teens

Distance and Time: Varies

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Of the 14 miles of trails in Crosscut Mountain, 10 miles are single track, perfect for beginners and kids. The nonprofit runs mountain bike clinics and camps for tweens and teenagers, and fat biking in winter.

7. Leverich Canyon

Best for: Anyone looking to have a downhill workout without having to drive out of town from Bozeman.

Stats

Distance 5 miles round-trip

Time: 1-2 hours

Difficulty: Intermediate

Elevation gain: 1250 ft

Just past Bozeman's southern suburbs, the Leverich Canyon loop trail serves up a steady, three-mile climb followed by a ripping, bermed single-track descent. Be on the lookout for hikers as you fly down—the trail is mixed-use.

These trails offer something for all levels of biking enthusiasts—family-friendly rides or hard-charging mountain adventures. Feel the rugged beauty and community spirit of Bozeman while exploring these top biking trails.