Location:Bozeman
Type: Road Ride
Rating: Moderate
Mileage: 40 mile

Bozeman has a fine reputation for being another great Montana cycling town. Both mountain bike and road bike opportunities emanate in every direction from this vibrant college town.

The road bike ride from Bozeman and up Bridger Canyon is a classic. Good shouldered pavement, stunning scenery and a healthy climb or two thrown in for good measure are recipe for a refreshing road bike outing.

The directions for the ride are fairly simple. Begin in downtown Bozeman, from Main Street look for Rouse Avenue, Highway 86 and head north. There is also signage to Bridger Bowl Ski Area in which to help guide. Rouse turns into Bridger Canyon Road; stay on this road the whole way. You can turn around at the end of the climb at Battle Ridge Pass, which is approximately 20 miles from town. Along the route enjoy the scenic countryside with the tremendous views of the snow-capped Bridger Mountain Range always looming to the west. It is approximately 1400 feet in elevation gain from Bozeman, 4800 feet, to Battle Ridge Pass at 6200 feet, so the climbing is gradual.

This ride is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great riding near Bozeman. Check out the other side of the Bridger’s by going north on Springhill Road or head south into the Gallatin Range by tackling the climb up to Hyalite Reservoir.

For Bozeman area mountain biking, it is highly recommended to purchase the Bozeman, Big Sky, West Yellowstone Outdoor Recreation Map. This waterproof map has great detail and is invaluable out on the trail. There are so many great rides to choose from on this map, that you will have a hard time deciding which direction to point your knobbies. You can purchase the map directly from Beartooth Publishing, 800-838-1058 or at any local bike shop.

For more info contact Summit Bike Shop 406-587-1064 or Stark Raven Cycles, 406-586-1201.