Get ready to ride! Explore amazing trails in Yellowstone National Park or ride the mountain bike lifts in Big Sky!
Mountain Biking Around Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky, Montana
Introduction
Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding areas, including Big Sky, Montana, offer some of the most thrilling and picturesque mountain biking experiences in the United States. From rugged trails in the Gallatin National Forest to the lift-served downhill tracks at Big Sky Resort, this region provides a diverse array of options for mountain biking enthusiasts. This article explores the best trails, techniques, types of mountain bikes, and amenities available, highlighting why Madison Arm Resort on Hebgen Lake is the perfect base for your mountain biking adventures.
Mountain Biking in Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky Resort
Big Sky Resort is a premier destination for mountain biking, offering a unique experience with its ski lifts that transport mountain bikes up the mountains. This allows riders to enjoy exhilarating downhill runs without the strenuous uphill climb.
- Lift-Served Biking: Big Sky Resort features over 40 miles of mountain biking trails accessible via the Swift Current and Ramcharger 8 ski lifts. These trails range from beginner-friendly tracks to challenging expert routes. For more information, visit the Big Sky Resort Mountain Biking page.
- Amenities: The resort offers a range of amenities to enhance your biking experience, including bike rentals, repair shops, guided tours, and lessons for beginners. After a day on the trails, you can relax at one of the resort’s many restaurants, spas, or lodging options.
Popular Trails at Big Sky Resort
- Mountain to Meadow: This 6-mile trail offers a mix of flowy single-track and technical sections, descending from the top of the Swift Current lift to the Meadow Village. It’s a favorite among intermediate riders looking for a scenic and fun ride.
- Easy Rider: A beginner-friendly trail that winds its way down the mountain with gentle grades and smooth turns, perfect for those new to mountain biking.
- The Vault: This expert-level trail features steep descents, rock gardens, and tight switchbacks, providing a challenging ride for advanced bikers.
Big Sky Resort Lift Ticket Rates
For more details and to purchase tickets, you can visit the Big Sky Resort website.
Additional Information
- Lift tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Purchasing tickets more than 7 days in advance can provide significant savings.
- All skiers and riders need a Sky Card to load lifts.
- Special rates are available for children (6 and under) at $1 per day.
Mountain Biking in Yellowstone National Park
While Yellowstone National Park is primarily known for its geothermal features and wildlife, it also offers several trails suitable for mountain biking. However, it’s important to note that mountain biking is restricted to specific trails and roadways to protect the park’s natural environment.
Popular Mountain Biking Trails in Yellowstone
- Old Gardiner Road: This trail connects Mammoth Hot Springs to Gardiner, Montana, following an old stagecoach route. It’s a 5-mile ride that offers stunning views of the Yellowstone River and surrounding mountains.
- Blacktail Plateau Drive: A 7-mile gravel road that is closed to vehicles for much of the year, providing a peaceful ride with opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy panoramic views.
- South Rim Drive: This 1.5-mile trail offers a mix of paved and gravel sections, leading to breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its waterfalls.
For more detailed information on biking trails in Yellowstone National Park, visit the Yellowstone National Park Biking page.
Mountain Biking in Gallatin National Forest
Gallatin National Forest, surrounding Yellowstone National Park, boasts an extensive network of trails suitable for mountain biking. These trails offer diverse terrains and challenges, catering to riders of all skill levels.
Popular Trails in Gallatin National Forest
- Bangtail Divide Trail: This 31-mile trail is a favorite among mountain bikers for its scenic views and varied terrain. It features a mix of singletrack, forested sections, and open meadows. The trailhead is located near Bozeman, Montana, making it easily accessible.
- Emerald Lake Trail: A challenging 5.5-mile trail that climbs through dense forests and open meadows to reach the stunning Emerald Lake. The trailhead is located near Hyalite Canyon, south of Bozeman.
- Big Sky Trail System: This network of trails offers something for everyone, from beginner-friendly loops to advanced singletrack. Highlights include the Andesite Mountain trails and the Beehive Basin Trail.
For more information on mountain biking trails in Gallatin National Forest, visit the Gallatin National Forest Recreation page.
Mountain Biking Techniques and Types of Bikes
Mountain Biking Techniques
- Body Position: Maintain a balanced body position with your weight centered over the bike. Keep your elbows and knees slightly bent to absorb shocks and maintain control.
- Braking: Use both brakes evenly to control your speed. Avoid locking the wheels, as this can cause skidding and loss of control.
- Cornering: Lean your bike into the turn while keeping your body upright. Look ahead through the turn to maintain a smooth line.
- Descending: Shift your weight back and lower your center of gravity to maintain stability on steep descents. Keep a firm grip on the handlebars and use controlled braking.
Types of Mountain Bikes
- Cross-Country (XC) Bikes: Designed for speed and efficiency on varied terrain, XC bikes are lightweight and have a steep geometry. They are ideal for long-distance rides and climbing.
- Trail Bikes: Versatile and capable on a variety of terrains, trail bikes have moderate suspension travel (120-150mm) and balanced geometry, making them suitable for most mountain biking activities.
- Enduro Bikes: Built for aggressive riding and technical descents, enduro bikes have longer suspension travel (150-170mm) and slack geometry. They excel on challenging trails but are heavier than XC and trail bikes.
- Downhill Bikes: Designed for steep, technical descents, downhill bikes have the longest suspension travel (170-200mm) and very slack geometry. They are built for stability at high speeds but are not suited for climbing.
For more information on choosing the right mountain bike, visit REI’s Guide to Mountain Bikes.
Why Stay at Madison Arm Resort
Madison Arm Resort, located on the shores of Hebgen Lake in the heart of Gallatin National Forest, is an ideal base for mountain biking enthusiasts. Here are some reasons why Madison Arm Resort offers the best mountain biking experiences:
Prime Location
Madison Arm Resort is situated in the Gallatin National Forest, providing direct access to some of the best mountain biking trails in the region. The resort’s location also offers proximity to Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky, ensuring a variety of biking opportunities.
Comfortable Accommodations
The resort offers a range of accommodations, including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. Each option provides comfortable and convenient lodging, allowing bikers to focus on their adventures without worrying about accommodation logistics.
On-Site Amenities
Madison Arm Resort offers a variety of amenities to enhance your stay, including:
- Mountain Bike Rentals: The resort rents mountain bikes, ensuring you have the right equipment for exploring the trails.
- Fishing and Boating: After a day of biking, relax with some fishing or boating on Hebgen Lake. The resort offers boat rentals and a well-stocked fishing shop.
- Guided Tours: The resort can arrange guided mountain biking tours with local experts, providing valuable insights and increasing your chances of a memorable ride.
For more information and to book your stay, visit the Madison Arm Resort website.
Conclusion
Mountain biking around Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky, Montana, offers an unparalleled experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of trails ranging from beginner-friendly paths to challenging descents, this region provides something for every skill level. By staying at Madison Arm Resort, you can enjoy prime access to the Gallatin National Forest and its extensive trail network, along with the comfort and amenities needed for an unforgettable biking adventure. For more information on mountain biking in the region, visit the Big Sky Resort Mountain Biking, Yellowstone National Park Biking, and Gallatin National Forest Recreation pages.