The best road cycling routes around Billings

There are several road cycling routes around Billings, with komoot featuring 6 distinct routes. These include options ranging from easy city loops to more challenging rides that explore the surrounding rural landscapes.

Yes, Billings offers easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Yellowstone Art Center loop from Rocky Mountain College is an easy 24.9-mile path. Another accessible option is the Zimmerman Trail Viewpoint loop from Montana State University Billings, which is a shorter 9.2-mile ride.

Road cycling in Billings features diverse terrain. You'll find a mix of paved city paths, dedicated bike lanes, and rural roads. The landscape is characterized by the iconic sandstone Rimrocks, offering climbs and panoramic views, and the relatively flatter Yellowstone River valley. Routes can range from gentle river trails to those with notable elevation changes.

Yes, for cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Jim Dutcher Kiwanis Trail loop from Rocky Mountain College offer moderate difficulty with over 1,100 feet of elevation gain. The rural roads west of Billings are also known for 'heart-pumping hill climbs' and 'adrenaline-rushed descents,' providing a more strenuous experience with fantastic Big Sky scenery.

Many routes offer views of Billings' unique natural features. You can cycle along the Yellowstone River, explore paths near the iconic Rimrocks, or visit parks like Riverfront Park. Notable viewpoints include the Black Otter Trail – Billings Ridgeline and the Billings Ridgeline - Rimrock Overlook, both offering stunning panoramic vistas of the Yellowstone Valley and the city.

Most of the road cycling routes around Billings are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Roadbike loop from Diamond X, a 28.2-mile moderate route, and the Yellowstone Art Center – Jim Dutcher Kiwanis Trail loop from Billings.

For panoramic views, focus on routes that ascend to or run along the Rimrocks. Parks like Swords Park and Zimmerman Park, located atop the Rimrocks, offer paved sections with incredible vistas. The Skyline Trail, a paved multi-use path, also provides continuous scenic views and connects to Swords Rimrock Park.

Yes, Billings has several family-friendly options. Paved trails along the Yellowstone River, such as those in Riverfront Park, offer scenic and relatively flat rides suitable for all ages. Lake Elmo State Park also features a 1.4-mile loop trail around the lake that is great for leisurely cycling.

The road cycling routes around Billings are appreciated by the komoot community, with an average rating of 3.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from riverfront paths to challenging climbs, and the stunning 'Big Sky scenery' found on routes exploring the rural countryside.

To find less crowded road cycling experiences, consider venturing onto the rural roads outside the immediate city center. Routes like the Billings-Molt Road Ride Loop or exploring areas towards Huntley, Shepherd, and Worden offer scenic rides with less traffic, allowing for a more tranquil experience.

Many parks and trailheads in Billings offer convenient parking for cyclists. For routes along the Yellowstone River, Riverfront Park and Two Moon Park are good options. For routes accessing the Rimrocks, parks like Swords Park and Zimmerman Park typically have parking facilities.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for road cycling in Billings, with pleasant temperatures and clear skies. While some city paths may be accessible in winter, it's advisable to check local weather conditions as snow and ice can impact rural roads and higher elevation trails.