In our last blog, “Time to Trade in Your Ski Boots for Hiking Boots!”, we touched on some nearby hiking, river sports, and horseback riding spots which Memorial Day weekend was soon to make a great opportunity to get out and do.  Why?  Well, historically, Memorial Day weekend in Big Sky country brings us our first long-awaited few days of summer weather.  But, Memorial Day has come and gone, and here we are headed into June of 2021. My, oh, my is this year flying by! But we’re happy that it’s June because that’s when local trails begin to open not just for hikers and horseback riders, but also for ATV-ers, and – yep,you guessed it!– mountain bikers. So, we thought we’d offer a condensed guide to mountain biking near us for every level of biker.  And 320 Guest Ranch will make an awesome basecamp to ride back to at the end of a day spent peddling under Montana’s big blue skies.

 

For the Beginner Biker…

South Cottonwood Creek Trail

  • Pros:
    • Low elevation gain from beginning to end of the trail.
    • Only 5 miles long.
    • A great option from late spring to early fall (in SW Montana, that’s about late May to early October).
    • Can be used for multiple other activities besides mountain biking, including hiking, horseback riding, running, and dog walking (if the dog is on a leash).
    • A perfect option for all skill levels.
    • Beautiful views of the surrounding forest and rivers. Lots of pretty spots along the way to stop and take a water break or eat a quick snack.
    • Less than an hour’s drive time from 320 Guest Ranch.
  • Cons:
    • This trail is one of the most popular for its easy rating, so it tends to become heavily trafficked by all manner of outdoor recreationalists. Especially when the weather is nice.
    • Can sometimes still be muddy, slushy, or even icy in late spring. However, by early to mid-June, it’s rare that any snow or ice remains on the trail.

 

For the Intermediate Biker…

Beaver Ponds Loop

  • Pros:
    • This trail is just a tad over 5 miles long and runs in a loop making it extremely easy to navigate.
    • Low elevation gain; not very steep.
    • Reviewers (whom you can read from via the link above) often state that this trail is superb for viewing local wildlife such as Deer, Big Horn Sheep, Elk, and all kinds of Ornithological species including our Nation’s most beloved bird, the Bald Eagle.
  • Cons:
    • Not a great trail for all levels. We don’t recommend beginners try to ride this due to rough terrain along some parts of the loop.
    • Though we are classifying this trail’s distance from 320 Ranch as a con due to the fact that it takes about 2 hour’s drive time, we wouldn’t be surprised if some of you find that 2 hour drive to be more of a pro. This is due to the fact that the route will take you through lively West Yellowstone and on into Yellowstone National Park where every sight is worth seeing.

 

For the Advanced Biker…

Buffalo Horn Creek Trail

  • Pros:
    • Perfect if you’re looking for a longer mountain bike ride; this trail is a little over 9 miles long from beginning to end.
    • The trail head is located literally at 320 Ranch’s backdoor. You won’t even have to drive to get there.
    • Beautiful views as you climb up towards Ramshorn Lake Trail, which, if you’re feelin’ feisty, you can ride up till you reach Ramshorn Lake. There, you can stop and enjoy a lakeside lunch!
  • Cons:
    • Pretty significant elevation climb; it’s a little under 2K feet up, but it’s a fun and speedy trip down the 1,600 feet of elevation loss back down to the trailhead.

 

As you can see, all three trails we’ve listed above have many more pros than cons.  So, it’s really not too tough to weigh out the upsides you’ll enjoy should you choose to explore any of these on your mountain bike.  Last but not least, remember that Big Sky country is home to many wild animal species.  So, though we definitely want you to get out there and bike hard, we also want you to bike safe.  Be sure to takes pics to make memories that’ll last a lifetime, but do so from a safe distance.  And, don’t forget to bring sunscreen – especially for how high some of these trails reach in elevation.  Also pack plenty of H2O, and keep a can of bear spray (and maybe a can of trail mix too!) handy in your bike pack.  See y’all on the trails soon!