We get that the phrase “it’s all downhill from here” has negative connotations. But when it comes to mountain biking, that phrase is the battle cry of the adrenaline seekers, the rush chasers, the “send it” professionals racing down brown pow mountain trails. And one of the #1 places you can find the best hero dirt in the country is Big Sky, Montana.
Our mountain trails are the kind that make your legs burn and your heart race in the best way possible. Whether you’re cruising smooth singletrack with your crew, navigating tight switchbacks solo, or taking on lift-served descents that demand a little grit (and a lot of brake control), mountain biking in Big Sky, Montana delivers the kind of rides you’ll be talking about all year.
So, clip in, gear up, and get ready to ride. Here’s everything you need to know to do mountain biking in Big Sky right.
Why Mountain Biking in Big Sky, Montana is Kind of a Big Deal
If you’re wondering whether Big Sky is really worth hauling your bike out (or renting one here), the answer is a very confident yes.
Big Sky is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the West. Plus, they come with views so epic they’ll make you forget your quads are on fire. But it’s not just the terrain that makes this place shine. You’ll find local bike shops and rental pros who know their way around every spoke and switchback, plus guided rides, summer camps, and events that cater to beginners, daredevils, and everyone in between.
And when the day’s rides are done? You’ll have plenty of ways to relax. From local-favorite restaurants to vacation rentals with hot tubs, you can always find a great way to unwind in Big Sky.
Step 1: Choose Your Trail, Choose Your Thrill
The perfect trip starts with the perfect trail. From beginner pedals to advanced adrenaline-chasers, Big Sky has a wide range of mountain biking trails to choose from. We’ve got the insider scoop on the best trails for your skill level. Here’s our curated selection of trails so you can get the best mountain biking experience possible.
Beginner Trails
Ousel Falls Trail – This wide, well-maintained trail winds 1.6 miles (one-way) through the woods to a stunning waterfall. With an average 4% grade, it’s a gentle ride suitable for all ages. You’ll pedal alongside the river and cross a couple of bridges before reaching Ousel Falls. (Pro tip: Start at the trailhead by Big Sky Town Center, and you can continue onto the flat Lone Peak and Gallatin Canyon trails for a longer ride.
Crail Ranch Trail – A 2.6-mile out-and-back cruise through Big Sky’s historic Crail Ranch meadow. This gravel path stays fairly flat and offers awesome views of Lone Mountain as you meander past wildflower fields and the local golf course. It’s a great “welcome to Big Sky” ride, not strenuous at all, and you can even stop by the Crail Ranch Homestead Museum along the way to add a dash of local history to your bike outing.
South Fork Loop – Don’t let the small distance fool you. This ~1-mile loop is perfect for new pedalers or an after-dinner leg stretcher. Located near Big Sky Community Park, the South Fork Loop is smooth and flat, tracing along a gentle creek. It’s essentially a scenic victory lap for new riders to build confidence in an idyllic setting.
Intermediate Trails
Hummocks Trail (Loop) – A 3-mile rolling loop that’s all about flowy fun. “Hummocks” refers to the bumpy mounds shaped by ancient landslides, and this trail swoops you up and over these mini-hills through aspen groves and two small wetlands. With gentle ups and downs, it’s an entertaining ride that gives you a little workout without any monster climbs. There are three interconnecting lollipop loops, so you can shorten or extend your ride as you please. Located just a mile from Town Center, Hummocks is a favorite among locals for a quick after-work ride.
Mountain to Meadow Trail – Arguably Big Sky’s most iconic ride, this ~5.5-mile trail starts near the base of Big Sky Resort and descends all the way to the Meadow Village. It winds through open wildflower meadows, aspen groves, and shady forests with jaw-dropping views of Lone Peak looming above. Difficulty-wise, it’s a solid moderate: doable for intermediates and ambitious beginners (especially if you take it slow). Many riders maximize the downhill by taking a lift or shuttle up to the resort, then coasting down Mountain to Meadow’s glorious flow..
Mud Creek Loop – This 3-mile loop, just south of Big Sky off Highway 191, is a beginner-friendly singletrack that most would rate as solid intermediate due to a short climb. The first half gains about 450 feet—enough to get your blood pumping—then it’s all smooth sailing downhill. The descent is a blast, with bermed turns and gentle rollers that put a huge grin on your face. Local tip: Ride it counter-clockwise for the best experience (climb up the steeper side and cruise down the flowy side).
Advanced Trails
Cinnamon Mountain Trail – If you’re looking for a true backcountry adventure, Cinnamon Mountain delivers. With a long, steep climb and loose, rocky sections, this out-and-back trail rewards seasoned riders with panoramic views at the summit and a wild, fast-paced descent. It’s remote, rugged, and absolutely worth the grind.
Buck Ridge Trail – This long-distance ridge ride gives you the feeling of flying across the spine of the mountains. While technically less gnarly than others, it’s a physical challenge thanks to the exposed terrain, shifting elevation, and sheer length. It’s best tackled on a day with perfect weather..
Garnet Mountain Trail – A short but spicy ascent leads to one of the most stunning lookouts in the area. The descent? Steep, technical, and wild enough to satisfy even the most hardcore riders. Bonus points if you climb to the lookout for an unbeatable mid-ride photo op (and a breather).
Step 2: Check Out Big Sky Resort Mountain Biking
Want to skip the climb? Big Sky Resort mountain biking turns gravity into your best friend. With a Bike Haul Pass, you can load your bike onto the Ramcharger 8 or Swift Current 6 chairlifts and access over 40 miles of downhill and flow trails—from smooth beginner runs to epic expert lines.
What Makes Bike the Sky Special
Big Sky’s creative trail crew now offers “Bike the Sky” signature routes—curated intermediate-to-advanced descents that combine hidden gems and local features in one epic ride.
- The Intermediate route flows from Swift Current through Tango, Last Waltz, Flicker, Soul Hole, Gambler, and wraps up with Happy Hooves via Ramcharger 8.
- The Advanced route includes parts like E.L.S.H, Ninja Marmot, and Sneaky Weasel for seasoned riders chasing airtime.
Beginner-Friendly Bike Park Options
New to resort biking routes? Try smooth runs like Happy Hooves or Easy Rider, which offer flowy terrain ideal for beginners or those easing into downhill Big Sky style. Even better, Big Sky often runs a Women’s Bike Skills series, a friendly, progressive clinic with an all-female coaching team, welcoming complete beginners to pros. They also offer downhill lessons (private or group), including junior clinics and youth bike camps.
Step 3: Time it Right
Plan to ride early in the day if you can. Morning rides mean cooler temps, smoother trail conditions, and a better chance to spot wildlife like deer or moose on the quieter trails. Not a morning person? Late afternoon/early evening can be lovely too, once any storms pass. Just avoid the mid-day scorchers in July and August.
Step 4: Save the Hassle and Rent Your Gear Here
You don’t need to haul your own bike to Big Sky. The local shops have more than enough for you, your friends, and any friends you make along the way. Gallatin Alpine Sports in Big Sky Town Center is a go-to for high-quality mountain bike rentals, tune-ups, and gear (they’ll set you up with the perfect ride for Big Sky’s rugged terrain). Up at the resort, Different Spokes bike shop offers convenient rentals right by the lifts, plus any spare tubes, parts, or advice you might need. These folks are riders themselves, so don’t hesitate to ask for trail recommendations or current conditions. If you did bring your own bike and something goes clunk, shops like GAS or Grizzly Outfitters can save your vacation with a quick repair.
Step 5: Connect with the Community (We’re Nice, We Promise!)
One of the best parts of mountain biking in Big Sky is the local biking community. Check out group rides or weekly races if they line up with your visit. The Big Sky MTB scene is super welcoming. The Big Sky Community Organization (BSCO) and Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association often host trail days and group outings. Even if you’re flying solo, you might bump into friendly locals on the popular trails. Don’t be shy about asking for a favorite trail suggestion; Big Sky bikers love sharing their stoke and might just tip you off to a secret singletrack or two.
Step 6. Make Your Mom Happy: Don’t Forget Safety Essentials
Montana is wild country (just ask the bears and mountain lions), so a bit of preparation goes a long way:
- Always wear a helmet. Nope—no exceptions. Body armor (knee/elbow pads) is smart if you’re tackling rocky or high-speed trails, especially at the bike park.
- Carry a trail map or have an offline map app, since cell service can be spotty in the woods.
- Bring a small first aid kit for scrapes and a multitool for minor bike fixes.
- Bear spray is a must on virtually all Big Sky trails outside the resort. Keep your spray accessible (and know how to use it) just in case.
- Ride with a buddy or make noise around blind corners to avoid surprise encounters.
- Adhere to basic trail etiquette: yield to hikers and uphill riders, don’t skid around corners (it causes erosion), and pack out your trash.
Step 7: Stay Hydrated & Altitude-Aware
Big Sky’s trails sit at around 6,000+ feet in elevation. That thin air will sneak up on you if you’re visiting from lower elevations. Drink plenty of water before and during your ride. Take breaks as needed, and don’t be embarrassed to catch your breath and enjoy the view (we’ve all been there, gasping “I swear I’m in shape at sea level!”). A couple of days of acclimation and you’ll be tackling those climbs like a champ
Step 8: Pick the Best Après-Ride Eats
After conquering the trails, you’ll have a serious appetite. Good news—Big Sky’s dining scene has restaurants to match every post-ride craving. Hit up Ousel & Spur Pizza Co. for creative, stone-fired pizzas, or grab some Montana-signature burgers and steaks at Corral Bar & Steakhouse. Looking for something a little more upscale (and with killer cocktails)? Check out Horn & Cantle, the upscale saloon at Lone Mountain Ranch. Taco lovers can refuel at Tres Toros in Town Center with street tacos and margaritas. For a quick bite or breakfast-for-dinner vibes, Blue Moon Bakery is a local favorite for sandwiches, baked goods, and beer on tap. One thing’s for sure: you won’t go to bed hungry in Big Sky.
Step 9: Rest Your Head (& Helmet) at a Two Pines Vacation Rental
After a day racing up and down the trails, you’ll need a comfortable home base where you can rest your muscles…and maybe order in food if you can’t walk quite yet. Two Pines Properties has your back (and your sore legs).
We offer a range of Big Sky vacation rentals that feel just like home, the kind of place where you can prop your bike in the mudroom or garage, lounge on a deck with a view, and recount the day’s thrills over a cold drink. Our properties are set up with bikers in mind: spacious garages and storage areas for your bikes and gear, in-unit washers/dryers to refresh your dusty kit, and cozy living spaces to stretch out in. Many of our properties even come with private hot tubs, the perfect reward for your legs and back after a long ride.
Even better, our rentals are super close to the action. You’ll be minutes from trailheads, Big Sky Resort, and the best restaurants to grab a post-ride bite. And if you have any questions or want some local insider tips, our team lives here in Big Sky. We ride these trails (before work, after work…and maybe on our lunch breaks too). We’re more than happy to swap trail tales and point you to the perfect ride.
Book Your Mountain Biking Escape Today
Don’t settle for anything less than the perfect mountain biking retreat. Book your stay with Two Pines Properties and get access to the best, biker-friendly lodging that keeps you close to the trails and all the perks. Browse our selection of Big Sky vacation rentals today and get ready to shred the trails—Montana-style.
