Mountain Wheelin'

A selection of Big Sky's best bike trails. 

Come summer, Big Sky’s abundant bike trails make this happenin’ mountain town a nice spot to hang out for a day—or a whole weekend. The resort is famous for its gnarly downhill trails and bike park, but the surrounding slopes are laced with lesser-known cross-country singletrack rides that cater to riders of all abilities. Here are a few of the O/B crew’s favorites.

Easy
Hummocks
This mellow but root-laden loop is rideable right from Big Sky proper, and makes a great introduction for beginner bikers—or a quick jaunt for the more experienced. It gradually climbs about 150 feet over half a mile, then turns gently downhill with mellow turns and friendly switchbacks to hone those cornering skills. Views of the Spanish Peaks across town give this ride more of a mountainous feel than its easy access would suggest.

Moderate
Lodge & Madison Loops
Starting from the Big Sky Resort base area, the Lodge Loop takes an easy climb up and away from the ski slopes toward Moonlight Basin. For a bigger effort, hop on the Madison Village Connector Trail to tie in with Madison Loop, which starts with more climbing before dipping into a fun, flowy descent. Each loop on its own is three miles, and the connector trail is one mile.

Advanced
Mountain to Meadow
A Big Sky classic: this mostly-downhill ride is one of the town’s most popular, and deservedly so. Following a major rebuild before the summer of 2023, the trail now features even more flowy berms and floaty tabletops than before. The reward is earned after a 500-foot initial climb, but a free shuttle attends to most of the uphill effort—running hourly from town center to the trail’s start at Big Sky Resort.

Expert
Yellow Mule Loop
Starting from the Ousel Falls Trailhead, climb 3,000 vertical feet of singletrack along First Yellow Mule Creek toward Buck Ridge, emerging from the lush forest into alpine meadows along the way (the trail is deeply rutted in spots, requiring you to either walk or ride your bike alongside it for large swaths). Then turn west along Buck Ridge Road briefly before dropping back down along Second Yellow Mule Creek for a fast, exciting, technical descent. Bring a map, as the last few miles of trail crisscross with a series of private roads and trails. Dip your legs in the cool creek below Ousel Falls on the way out to soothe those sore muscles.