Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A . C O M 41 THE BANGTAIL DIVIDE TRAIL NORTH OF BOZEMAN (MOUNTAIN TRAIL) WHAT: One of the gems of the Gallatin National Forest trail system and specifically designed for mountain bikes, the Bangtail leans into the mountains for about a 24-mile loop. Its starting and end points are the Brackett Creek Road Parking Lot and the Stone Creek Road Trailhead, both off of MT 86. WHERE: ere are a variety of access points. To reach the North- ernmost point, drive approximately 18 miles up Bridger Canyon Road (MT 86) to reach the Brackett Creek Parking Lot (on Brackett Creek Road, a dirt road just off to the right of MT 86) or drive 14.5 miles on MT 86 and make a right onto the Forest Service's Stone Creek Road to reach the end point that's closest to town. WHY: If the views of the Bridger Range directly opposite the Bangtails or the glimpses of the Crazy Mountains aren't enough for you, the Bangtail Divide offers a chance to do a challenging, yet "do-able" longer ride for intermediate mountain bikers. OF SPECIAL NOTE: e trail, which is mainly single-track with a few double-track sections features 60 switchbacks. Some mountain bikers grumble about leg-tiring, white-knuckle grip switchbacks that are on the Stone Creek end while other riders see it as a per- fect opportunity to hone their turning skills. BEARTOOTH NATIONAL SCENIC HIGHWAY BETWEEN RED LODGE AND COOKE CITY (ROAD) WHAT: Get your giddy-up on for this 65-mile trip over the Beartooth Pass (10,947 ft.) and Colter Pass (8,031 ft.), which overlook mountains in two states. is is a mountain bike ride complete with gnarly switchbacks, but it's paved for skinny tire folks with a good set of lungs. WHERE: US 212 between Cooke City and Red Lodge WHY: Forever immortalized by the late CBS journalist Charles Kuralt as the "most beautiful drive in America." e Beartooth passes through alpine plateaus, alpine lakes, and has spectacular mountain views. OF SPECIAL NOTE: Because of its extreme elevation, it is wise to be prepared for sharply cooler and stormier weather up top. Cyclists in Montana have a bittersweet experience. ere are literally hundreds of trails to choose from. Breath-taking (literally and figuratively) climbs through mountain passes. Beautiful vistas, ranging from alpine lakes to rugged mountains to grassy plains. Wildlife, includ- ing deer, big horn sheep, elk, bald eagles. Yet the cycling season is painfully short. It begins in April when intrepid road riders head to Yellowstone National Park to ride with the bison for the three weeks or so when the roads are clear of snow, but not open to motorists. It dwindles in late October, or when the snow starts flying. It's truly impossible to choose the top 10 bike rides in Montana, so what we have done is compile a list that represents the variety and beauty of the roads, byways, and trails that crisscross our state. 1 2 10 2 8 9 3 1 5 6 7 4

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