The best MTB trails in Custer Gallatin National Forest

The Bangtail Divide Trail offers a challenging mountain biking experience, covering 30.9 miles (49.8 km) with a significant 4165 feet (1269 metres) of elevation gain. This difficult route typically takes around 4 hours and 53 minutes to complete. As you ride, you will traverse open plateaus with consistent singletrack, winding through dense lodgepole pine, spruce, and fir forests, interspersed with vibrant wildflower meadows. Look out for the Ridgetop Singletrack, a highlight offering incredible panoramic views of the Bridger, Crazy, and Absaroka Mountains.

Planning your ride on the Bangtail Divide Trail is key, as it is a point-to-point route best ridden south to north, making a shuttle highly recommended. The optimal time to visit is from late spring to fall, though be prepared for potentially wet sections in the forested areas during spring. This is a multi-use trail, so you may encounter hikers, trail runners, and even motorcyclists along the way.

Located within the vast Custer Gallatin National Forest, the Bangtail Divide Trail is renowned for its outstanding and diverse scenery. It presents a significant physical challenge, rewarding your effort with expansive views across multiple mountain ranges. This route stands out in the region for its combination of demanding terrain and stunning high-altitude vistas, making it a memorable adventure for experienced mountain bikers.

The Sheep Lake Trail offers a challenging mountain biking experience through the rugged Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, Montana. You'll navigate a very technical singletrack with tough climbs over large rocks and roots, especially in the lower, brushier sections. The reward for your effort is the stunning alpine scenery and the pristine waters of Sheep Lake, making the demanding 11.6-mile (18.7 km) ride with 2541 feet (775 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in 2 hours and 19 minutes, truly worthwhile.

Planning your visit requires a bit of foresight. This trail is best ridden between July and September when conditions are most favorable. It's a remote area, so expect to find fewer crowds, but also be prepared for potential wildlife encounters; grizzly bears are known to inhabit these mountains, so riding with a partner and carrying bear spray is highly recommended. Parking is typically available at the trailhead, but always check local conditions before heading out.

What sets this trail apart is its raw, untamed character and the sense of accomplishment it provides. While Komoot rates it as moderate, the terrain often feels like a black diamond challenge, with most riders finding themselves hiking parts of the ascent. The descent, however, is often described as excellent, with the same rocks and roots that made the climb difficult providing a fun and technical ride down for advanced mountain bikers.

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 challenging singletrack with steep, loose, and rutted sections. As you climb 3268 feet (996 metres) over an estimated 3 hours and 37 minutes, you'll pass through alpine meadows and dense forests. The route leads to high plateaus and offers outstanding views of valleys, surrounding peaks, and the Centennial Range, especially around Targhee Peak Divide.

Before you set out, be aware that this is a remote backcountry route with limited bailout options, so come prepared and self-supported. The upper mile of Targhee Creek is particularly steep and loose, and you might need to walk your bike through this section. Given the abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is highly recommended for your safety.

This trail is celebrated for its spectacular and remote backcountry scenery, providing a true wilderness experience. You might even spot Lionhead, a prominent summit in the area, adding to the dramatic landscape. The route offers a deep dive into the natural environment of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, making it a notable challenge for experienced riders seeking solitude and grand vistas.

The Garnet Mountain Loop offers a demanding yet incredibly scenic mountain biking experience near Bozeman. You'll navigate a mix of forest service roads, ATV trails, and technical singletrack, with varied terrain that includes roots, rocks, and some seriously steep sections. The highlight is undoubtedly the panoramic views from the Garnet Mountain summit, especially from the historic fire lookout tower, which provides expansive vistas of the canyon and distant peaks.

This difficult 11.3-mile (18.1 km) route involves a substantial 2225 feet (678 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 10 minutes. It's best tackled between June and October due to snow conditions. Cell service can be unreliable in spots, so be sure to download your route and inform someone of your plans before you head out.

What sets this advanced mountain biking trail apart is its challenging nature and the rewarding views. The singletrack sections are free from motorcycles and ATVs, offering a more peaceful ride. The fire lookout tower, built in 1930, is a unique feature, and the trail is known for having one of the best downhills in the county, albeit a bit short.