Bozeman, Montana

Bridger Mountains

     Surrounded by mountains in the Gallatin Valley, Bozeman offers a number of long, gradual climbs for cyclists. There are a few scenic, low-traffic routes from the city. Outside of these routes though, a cyclocross or mountain bike would make for much more cycling variety.
    The ride through Bridger Canyon is a 20 mile gradual ascent at average 2% grade. Pavement is decent, traffic is reasonable and the views are breathtaking! As is the altitude if you're new to town. Two roads branch off of Bridger Canyon rd. that are worth taking: Kelly Canyon is a steep little detour to town and Jackson Creek takes you over to the I-90 frontage road. Avoid Brackett Creek rd. unless you want to ride 15 miles of large, loose gravel and dirt that works its way into every part of your bicycle. The I-90 frontage road is quite empty and not dangerous to bike towards Livingston. On the other side of Bozeman (towards Belgrade), the frontage road is busy and shoulderless - I don't advise cycling there.

Elephant Mountain past Hyalite Reservoir

     Another great ride goes up to the Hyalite Dam in the Gallatin Range. The climb itself is 10 miles at 3%. The climb steepens towards the top but the creek and mountain views inspire upward progress. A dead-end road, traffic is usually not hurried and drivers are careful. At the top, the pavement continues into a dirt track that would make for good cyclocross riding. The view of the lake and mountains at the top is wonderful. The return descent shoots you back out to the Gallatin Valley.

Sunset over Bozeman

Mountains from Bridger Canyon Rd.

    The riding in Bozeman itself is uninspiring, though there are plenty of quiet roads to get out of town and the Triple Tree Development has a nice little section with fresh pavement. Riding to the west leads to fairly flat riding with a few nice roads along creeks.
    My favorite ride during my summer in Bozeman was a century ride over to Paradise Valley. Passing through Kelly Canyon and Jackson Creek, it covers the nicest roads to the east. Taking the frontage road down to Livingston, you then head south on East River rd. An alternative to the highway, this road has very little traffic and pleasant views of the Valley. The crowning jewel of this ride is a Luccock Park rd, a climb that leads you onto the lower mountain slopes to a church camp. Climbing up gives a nice perspective out into the valley below. The return trip follows the same roads; save some energy for the 25 mile slog out of Livingston up the frontage road!

Bridger Mountains from the west

Top of Luccock Park climb in Paradise Valley 

Joshua Mirth with Big Sky Ski Resort in background

The road riding in Bozeman provides a few great mountain views and challenging climbs but once you ride these, there is not enough asphalt for much variety on longer rides. A cyclocross or mountain bike would open up a vast network of fire roads that would make amazing riding. The consistent highlight of Bozeman riding is Hyalite itself.

GPS routes:
Hyalite Canyon - 40 mile route up to lake in the mountains
Bridger Canyon - 50 mile out-and-back between two mountain ranges with great views
Western Loop - 65 flat miles of sun exposure. Best riding to the west I could find
Kelly Canyon/Jackson Creek - Nicest climbs near Bozeman on smaller country roads. Can easily be shortened
Eastern Century - Large eastern loop. Partially on highway but not too busy
Paradise Valley - Wonderful ride over to Livingston and up to a camp in the mountains. Fun climb at turn-around point