The best MTB trails in the Madison Range
114
riders
12
rides
Mountain biking in the Madison Range offers access to rugged and diverse landscapes within the Rocky Mountains. This region, part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, features elevations reaching over 11,000 feet, providing challenging terrain for advanced riders. The area is characterized by extensive pine forests, high mountain lakes, and alpine basins, with the Madison and Gallatin Rivers flanking its edges. The varied topography ensures a range of mountain bike routes through wild and scenic backcountry.
Best mountain bike trails in…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
6
riders
18.7km
02:20
770m
770m
Embark on the Sheep Lake Trail for a rewarding mountain biking experience through Montana's high country. This moderate route spans 11.6 miles (18.7 km) and includes a significant elevation gain…
2
riders
32.5km
03:37
1,000m
1,000m
Embark on the Targhee Creek and Continental Divide Trail Loop, a difficult mountain biking adventure spanning 20.2 miles (32.5 km). You'll tackle diverse and demanding terrain, from dirt roads to…
Sign up for free
1
riders
46.9km
04:14
600m
600m
Experience diverse mountain biking on the Yellowstone Shortline and Two Top Loop, combining paved rail-trail with challenging alpine singlet
23.4km
02:42
860m
860m
This moderate 14.5-mile mountain biking trail in Gallatin National Forest offers a rewarding ride with 2810 feet of elevation gain.
9.04km
01:06
350m
350m
Mountain bike the moderate Beehive Basin Trail #40 for 5.6 miles (9.0 km) through diverse terrain and scenic views near Big Sky.
14.4km
01:40
470m
470m
Tackle the moderate 9.0-mile Oil Well Road Trail #68 in Custer Gallatin National Forest, gaining 1552 feet of elevation on your mountain bik
12.6km
01:35
550m
550m
Tackle the difficult Rat Lake Trail mountain biking route, a 7.8-mile ride with 1819 feet of elevation gain in Custer Gallatin National Fore
35.7km
03:37
790m
790m
Mountain bike the moderate 22.2-mile Skyline Trail in Custer Gallatin National Forest, featuring 2579 feet of elevation gain and scenic view
32
riders
23.0km
02:11
550m
550m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
8
riders
35.5km
03:09
850m
850m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Beehive Basin is one of the best places to spot wild flowers in the summer and great opportunities for wildlife viewing in the fall.
0
0
Big Sky Resort opened for it's first winter season in 1973. Encompassing over 5800 acres, Big Sky Resort has the status as one of Montana's best ski resorts.
0
0
Ousel Falls Trail in Big Sky offers a short, scenic hike along the South and West Forks of the Gallatin River, crossing three bridges before reaching the stunning waterfall. At the trail split, hikers can choose from four paths: the South Fork Overlook, the top of the falls via a natural footpath, the base of the falls with a picnic area, or the rocky Ousel Falls Overlook. This popular trail is best hiked between May and October, and dogs are welcome. Do note that roads to the trailhead may be seasonally closed.
0
0
This trail is packed with postcard views, wild flowers, and animal activity ranging from small critters to tertiary carnivores. The this intersection you are in a clearing located within the Cabin Creek Wildlife Management Area. You can either turn around and enjoy the descent back to the car or continue on Skyline where you drop down into a valley under some mountains.
0
0
The Reas Pass lies essentially on the Idaho-Montana border, but modern maps show that the summit lies entirely in Idaho, because the Divide and the state line do not quite coincide here. The pass is also somewhat unusual in that, despite being the lowest crossing of the Divide in the vicinity, it has evidently never been traversed by a highway of any significance.
0
0
Lionhead is a 2,904-metre (9,528 ft) summit on the Continental Divide Trail. The trail that leads up and down from it is popular with mountain bikers so respect all users when hiking. It can be accessed from the Targhee Pass Highway. The peak is named because, from certain angles, it looks like the head of a lion.
0
0
The final stretch to the summit can be a slog and may end up being more of a hike than a bike, however, the views more than make up for the effort. Also, the fire lookout at the summit is available for overnights so check recreation.gov if you plan to do some bikepacking.
0
0
Rat Lake sits at just over 6,500 feet and can be linked with several hiking, running, or mtb routes in this area. Be sure to check on local fishing regulations if you're interested in angling in this popular spot.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in the Madison Range?
The Madison Range offers over 10 mountain bike trails, with 7 routes rated as moderate and 4 as difficult. These trails provide access to rugged and diverse landscapes within the Rocky Mountains.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in the Madison Range?
The Madison Range is accessible year-round for various activities, but mountain biking is best enjoyed in the warmer months. Summer and early fall typically offer the most favorable conditions for exploring the trails.
Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails in the Madison Range?
While many trails in the Madison Range are challenging, some moderate routes can be suitable for families with older children or those with some mountain biking experience. For example, the Beehive Basin Trail #40 is a moderate 5.6-mile path leading through alpine basins and pine forests, offering a rewarding experience.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter while mountain biking in the Madison Range?
The Madison Range is home to diverse wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, and wolves, particularly in the Monument Mountain Unit. It's important to be bear aware, carry bear spray, and ride in groups for safety.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes in the Madison Range?
Yes, several routes in the Madison Range offer circular options. For instance, the Yellowstone Shortline and Two Top Loop is a popular 29.2-mile moderate route, and the Targhee Creek and Continental Divide Trail Loop is a difficult 20.2-mile path that also forms a loop.
What are some scenic viewpoints or landmarks to look out for on the trails?
The Madison Range offers breathtaking scenery. Trails often traverse dense pine forests and lead to stunning alpine basins like Beehive Basin, which features Beehive Basin Lake. You might also encounter waterfalls such as Ousel Falls or Pioneer Falls. The region is also bordered by the Madison and Gallatin Rivers, known for their natural beauty.
What towns or amenities are near the Madison Range mountain biking trails?
The Madison Range stretches from West Yellowstone to Bozeman. West Yellowstone is at the southern end, offering various services. Big Sky Resort, located in the middle of the range, is a hub for outdoor activities and amenities. Ennis and Bozeman are also nearby towns that provide services for visitors.
Are there any hot springs or unique natural monuments in the area?
Yes, the Madison Range area features unique natural attractions. You can find Norris Hot Springs and Campground, offering a relaxing experience. Additionally, the region is home to interesting geological formations like the Striped Rock Formations in Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in the Madison Range?
The mountain bike routes in the Madison Range are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Riders often praise the challenging terrain, the stunning backcountry scenery, and the sense of solitude offered by these trails.
Are there any particularly challenging routes for advanced mountain bikers?
Absolutely. The Madison Range is known for its rugged and challenging terrain. Advanced riders can tackle routes like the Rat Lake Trail or the Lionhead loop from Targhee Pass Historical Marker, both rated as difficult. These routes often feature significant elevation gain and traverse remote sections of the range.
Can I find trails that lead to high mountain lakes?
Yes, many trails in the Madison Range lead to beautiful high mountain lakes. For example, the Sheep Lake Trail is a moderate route that takes you towards a scenic lake. You can also find Lava Lake as another notable high mountain lake in the area.
What is the typical elevation gain on Madison Range mountain bike trails?
The Madison Range features elevations reaching over 11,000 feet, and many mountain bike trails involve significant climbing. For example, the Kirkwood Trail has an elevation gain of over 850 meters, while the Skyline Trail involves nearly 800 meters of ascent, providing a challenging workout for riders.
Most popular routes in the Madison Range
Most popular attractions in the Madison Range
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.
