Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 29 REID DIVIDE TRAIL Widely considered one of the best trails in the Whitefish area, Reid Divide Trail offers fast downhills, steep climbs, plenty of rocks and roots, and miles of gravel roads just waiting to be explored. If you're a more experienced rider, you'll love the trail's selection of jumps and berms, as well as its spectacular views. One great thing about this trail is that it gives you options: shuttle it, loop it, or ride it as an out and back. This trail starts at the Reid Divide pass, with Bill Creek at the west and the Reid Divide Trail to the east. With a distance of about ten miles, this trail takes roughly an hour to ride. It is accessible for all levels of riders, although it does involve some steep climbs right off the bat. Access to the trail is snow-dependent, although people generally ride Reid Divide Trail from June to the middle of October. S ITUATED IN THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE STATE, WHITEFISH IS HOME TO LAKES, RIVERS, MOUNTAINS, AND A WHOLE LOT OF LOCAL FLAVOR. The little town has a reputation as a great place to live or visit, and most of us know that a trip to "The Fish" is worth getting excited about. If you haven't biked in Whitefish, though, you haven't truly experienced all the place has to offer. After all, Singletracks.com did name Whitefish "The Mountain Biking Capital of Montana" in 2016. Known as a popular destination for road bikers, downhill bikers, and cross-country riders, Whitefish is a great place to consider as you start planning your next bike vacation. Here are a few of the top rides to check out: WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN RESORT In the winter, Whitefish Mountain Resort is a tree skier's paradise. In the summer, though, it becomes heaven for all things mountain biking. Offering more than thirty miles of lift-accessed and cross-country trails, Whitefish Mountain Resort has something for everyone. Locals love trails like a Runaway Train, with its natural rock drops and speedy straightaways, and the 7.8-mile Summit Trail, which winds down the mountain (it's perfect for intermediate riders) and offers stunning views of Whitefish Lake and the Flathead Valley below. If you're in the mood for a little bike park action, you'll love the twenty-three-plus miles of downhill trails and 2,353 feet of vertical drop. One big bonus of riding here? Hit the trails in late July or early August, and you'll find yourself zipping through huckleberry bushes as far as the eye can see. Bring a plastic bag or two so you can stop and pick along the way. The trails on the mountain are accessible from late May to late September, depending on snow levels. by ASHLEY ARCEL THE WANDERLUST CREW MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

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