Cycling Glacier Country
Western Montana by bike is the perfect way to cover plenty of terrain while breathing in the fresh mountain air. Clip in for a multiday cycling adventure, pedal up the awe-inspiring Going-to-the-Sun Road, shred a single-track mountain biking trail or find a family-friendly path like the Route of the Hiawatha or the Bitterroot Trail.
Biking options are diverse and many, so there’s something for every skill level. Miles of trail systems crisscross the region, and helpful trail maps can be found at local visitor centers, ranger stations and forest service offices.
Didn't bring your bike? Check out available bike rentals.
The local bike shops and adventure services listed below the trail information on this page can help get you outfitted for a bike ride and/or point you in the right direction for a two-wheeled adventure.
Please note: E-bikes are allowed in national parks and on state land anywhere a normal bike is permitted—but it’s best to check usage restrictions before heading out.
Here’s a list of popular Glacier Country biking destinations.
Spring Seven: Western Montana’s Must-Do List
Dive into the season with our exclusive "Spring Seven" list—a treasure trove of must-do experiences that prove spring in Montana is the perfect time to visit.
Bitterroot
Blackfoot
Glacier Area
I-90
Kalispell
Missoula
Northwest
Tour 200
Whitefish
Great Divide
BITTERROOT CORRIDOR
Bitterroot Trail – Missoula to Hamilton
Category: Road Biking
Level: Easy
Distance: 50 Miles (one way, but dozens of access points mean your ride can be any distance)
Getting Here:
From Hamilton, drive 2.5 miles south on U.S. Highway 93 to the trail’s southern end near Angler’s Roost, or start at the northern end of the trail at 700 Cregg Lane in Missoula’s Silver Park.
The paved Bitterroot Trail runs parallel to US-93 from Missoula to Hamilton. Ride along the Bitterroot Mountains and the charming small towns—Lolo, Florence, Stevensville, Corvallis, Victor—of the scenic Bitterroot Valley.
Buttercup Loop Trail – Near Hamilton
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Round-Trip Distance: 21.1 Miles
Getting Here:
From Hamilton, turn south onto US-93 for 2.8 miles before turning left on Montana Highway 38 East. After 0.7 miles turn right onto Sleeping Child Road and continue for 4 miles until you reach the junction of Sleeping Child Road and Little Sleeping Child Road. Park at the junction; there is not a parking lot, but you’ll often see other vehicles parked here. This is the beginning of the Buttercup Loop trail.
The first 7 miles of the ride are on Sleeping Child Road, but views of the canyon make the short road-riding portion well worth it. You’ll start climbing on Blacktail Road and wind through a woodland area until it opens up to meadows popping with color. After a difficult and albeit tiring climb, breath in the fresh mountain air and unrivaled views of the Bitterroot Valley before coasting back down to the car. Go the distance on this loop and you won’t be disappointed.
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Lake Como Trail – Near Darby
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Round-Trip Distance: 8 Miles
Getting Here:
From Darby, travel north for 4 miles on US-93, then turn west on Lake Como Road. Follow for 3 miles until you see the campground and trailhead on your right.
Lake Como Trail is a relatively flat yet technically difficult trail. Discover beauty around every bend as you circle Lake Como, pass by a waterfall and take in the dramatic mountain setting.
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More Bitterroot Valley Cycling Information:
BLACKFOOT CORRIDOR
Monture Creek Trail #27 – Near Ovando
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Intermediate
Round-Trip Distance: 22.7 Miles
Getting Here:
From Ovando, take Monture Creek Road 7.5 miles north to the Monture Creek Campground where the trailhead is located.
This creek-bottom single-track offers a backcountry feel only an hour outside of Missoula. It’s a “must ride” for anyone at an intermediate level and features excellent sight lines and tread. At the trailhead—where you’ll also find a campground—there are several loop and out-and-back options.
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GLACIER NATIONAL PARK + SURROUNDING AREA
Apgar Bike Path – Glacier National Park
Category: Road Biking
Level: Easy
Round-Trip Distance: 3.4 Miles
Getting Here:
Access the Apgar bike path from Glacier National Park Headquarters just inside the West Entrance or Apgar Village.
This paved, family-friendly favorite offers a peaceful ride through lodgepole pine from Park Headquarters to Apgar Village. And, it’s the only pet-friendly trail in Glacier National Park. It provides easy access to the amenities surrounding Apgar Campground, as well as spectacular views of Lake McDonald. Keep your eyes peeled for some of what Glacier does best: beargrass, wildlife and fresh huckleberries.
More Information:
Gateway to Glacier Trail – Hungry Horse to West Glacier
Category: Road Biking
Level: Easy/Intermediate
Round-Trip Distance: 14 Miles
Getting Here:
Access the Gateway to Glacier Trail from Belton Bridge in West Glacier or at the South Fork Bridge in Hungry Horse.
Enjoy beautiful views as you ride from Hungry Horse to West Glacier on this paved pedestrian path. Extend your trip from West Glacier by crossing the original Belton Bridge and connecting to the Apgar Bike Path.
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Going-to-the-Sun Road – Glacier National Park
Category: Road Biking
Level: Easy/Intermediate
Distance: Varies. Check road status here.
Getting Here:
Access the Going-to-the-Sun Road from Glacier National Park’s West Entrance or St. Mary.
You won’t want to miss the opportunity to bike the Going-to-the-Sun Road —an engineering marvel and National Historic Landmark—before the road is open to cars. In the spring, hikers and bikers are given first access, and biking one of America’s most scenic roads is a pretty epic way to see spring flourish in Glacier National Park. Take in jaw-dropping views of glacial-carved terrain. Catch a shuttle on the weekends between Apgar Visitor Center and Avalanche Creek. Shuttle service begins mid-May and operates until the road is fully open to vehicles.
I-90 CORRIDOR
Clark Fork River Trail – Near St. Regis
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Intermediate
Round-Trip Distance: 18 Miles
Getting Here:
From St. Regis, travel east 11 miles on State Highway 135. The trailhead is at the Ferry Landing fishing access, located on the north side of the highway.
The Clark Fork River Trail takes you through Lolo National Forest along the Clark Fork River between Paradise and St. Regis. It’s a smooth single-track trail that winds along lush old-growth forest and sweeping wildflower meadows. The first switchback climbs are the most difficult, but push through them because this ride is well worth it.
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Kreis Pond Mountain Bike Trails – Near Huson
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy/Intermediate/Advanced
Distance: Varies
Getting Here:
From Huson, follow I-90 west for 2.5 miles and take Exit 82. Travel north to the Ninemile Ranger Station. Keep going north on forest road 476, then turn west onto forest road 456. Continue on 456 until it intersects with forest road 2176, which leads to Kreis Pond.
The Kreis Pond trail system begins and ends at Kreis Pond Picnic Area and Campground, with trails for various levels of riders covering 35 miles on gravel roads and dirt trails.
Route of the Hiawatha Scenic Bike Trail – Near Saltese
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy
Distance: 15 Miles (one way)
Getting Here:
From Saltese, follow I-90 west, take Exit 5 and follow the Hiawatha signs for 2 miles to the designated parking area.
This portion of the Olympian Hiawatha route is noted as one of the most breathtaking scenic stretches of railroad in the country. Operated by Lookout Pass Ski Area, the Route of the Hiawatha takes riders through 10 tunnels and across 7 high trestles.
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Route of the Olympian – Near Saltese
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy
Distance: 31 Miles (one way)
Getting Here:
From Saltese, follow I-90 heading west, take Exit 5 and follow the Hiawatha signs for 2 miles to the designated parking area.A free alternative to the Route of the Hiawatha, this mostly flat route from to St. Regis, Montana, offers a tranquil ride through natural forestland on a portion of the old Milwaukee Railroad. The trail begins with a ride through the Dominion Tunnel and over a trestle bridge.
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KALISPELL AREA
Herron Park/Foys to Blacktail Trails
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy/Intermediate/Advanced
Distance: Varies
Getting Here:
From Kalispell, take Foys Lake Road to the traffic circle and take the second exit onto Foys Lake Road/S. Meridian Road. Turn right to stay on Foys Lake Road and the destination is on your right.
This trail network ranges from easy double-track to intermediate single-track. A few trail options can be shuttled from either Emmons Saddle or the Foys to Blacktail Trail (FTBT). The Herron Overlook Loop to Chase and Notch overlooks offer excellent views of the valley and Foys Lake. Both single-track descents are fast and technical, though the climbs are moderate.
More Information:
More Kalispell Area Cycling Information:
MISSOULA AREA
Blue Mountain Recreation Area
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy/Intermediate/Advanced
Distance: Varies
Getting Here:
From Missoula, head south for 2 miles on US-93. Turn right onto Blue Mountain Road and the trailhead is on the left where the road makes a 90-degree turn.
This popular recreation area boasts more than 41 miles of trails, so be sure to pick up a map. You’ll begin your ride in open meadows, where you can enjoy views of the Missoula Valley and Sapphire and Rattlesnake mountains, before you ascend into forested wilderness. Ride a quick and easy 3-mile loop, or explore much farther.
More Information:
Trailforks Trail Maps and Descriptions
Montana Snowbowl
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy/Intermediate/Advanced
Distance: Varies
Getting Here:
From Missoula, take Reserve Street north, where it turns into Grant Creek Road. Follow Grant Creek Road for 3 miles before turning left onto Snowbowl Road. Continue 6 miles to Snowbowl Ski Area.
Ride the Grizzly Chairlift to 7,000 feet, taking in the sheer beauty of Lolo National Forest with breathtaking views of sweeping meadows and alpine forests. Challenge yourself to bike to the top of Point Six Trail, an elevation gain of 926 feet, and try to beat the record of 37 minutes, 36 seconds. After a hard but brief push to the top, enjoy mostly downhill trails on the other 25 miles of trail systems, then ride the chairlift back up and do it all again. Cap off the day with a post-adventure bloody mary and delicious wood-fired pizza. Montana Snowbowl opens for summer activities in late June.
More Information:
Pattee Canyon Recreation Area
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy/Intermediate
Distance: Varies
Getting Here:
From downtown Missoula, follow Higgins Avenue south. Turn left onto Pattee Canyon Road and follow for 3 miles.
Located in a wooded canyon near Missoula and sitting at 4,100 feet, Pattee Canyon is a popular location for day hikes and mountain biking. It also has picnic sites and group sites available. Ride the Sam Braxton National Recreation Trail as it loops around the southeast portion of the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area. The trail begins at the trailhead and ends at the loop for a distance of 3.5 miles.
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Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy/Intermediate
Distance: Varies
Getting Here:
From Missoula, head north on Van Buren Street, which turns into Rattlesnake Drive. Follow for 4 miles until you reach a turnoff, which will lead you to the parking lot.
With its major trailhead only 4 miles north of Missoula, this 61,000-acre area forms Montana's premier urban wilderness, blending wilderness and civilization. Try the Rattlesnake Main Trail #515 or Ewok. The Sawmill (Fenceline) Trail #24 starts in Grant Creek and connects to the Rattlesnake trails.
More Information:
- Lolo National Forest: Rattlesnake National Recreation Area + Wilderness
- Trailforks Trail Maps and Descriptions
Missoula City Trails
Category: Road Biking
Level: Easy
Distance: Varies
Getting Here:
Click here for information about accessing the Missoula City Trails.
Downtown riverfront trails and a network of city trails connecting neighborhoods, business and recreation hot spots are part of Missoula’s charm. Approximately 2 miles long, Ron’s Riverfront Trail parallels the north side of the Clark Fork River and crosses through Kiwanis, Bess Reed, Caras and East Caras parks from the Orange Street Bridge to the Madison Street Bridge (where it hooks up with the Milwaukee Trail). South of the river, Missoula’s 1.8-mile Milwaukee Trail provides a convenient east-west commuting route through the city, and connects with the Kim Williams Nature Trail, which will take you all the way to East Missoula. Just north of hustle and bustle of Reserve Street and the interstate, the 3.3-mile Grant Creek Trail starts at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and ends at Snowbowl Road—offering great views of Snowbowl.
More Information:
Upper Marshall Mountain Bike Trails
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Distance: Varies
Getting Here:
From Missoula, take I-90 east to Montana Highway 200 east to Marshall Canyon Road and take the first left about a mile up the road through the green gate, which is located well before the former ski area. Note that there is no public access through the ski area and XC race course.
Upper Marshall Mountain boasts expert-level Bjorn Again, Missoula’s first downhill-only trail built specifically for bikes. Intermediate trails Hot Sauce and Hello Kitty offer easier routes.
More Information:
More Missoula Area Cycling and Information:
NORTHWEST CORRIDOR
Kootenai Trail/Tobacco River Memorial Trail – Eureka to Rexford
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy
Round-Trip Distance: 15 miles
Getting Here:
From Eureka, access the eastern trailhead at Riverside Park, or start from the western end of the trail at Mariner’s Haven Campground in Rexford. There are several other access points along the trail.
Enjoy a peaceful wooded ride in Montana’s quiet northwest corner along the Tobacco River near Lake Koocanusa. The trail is not paved, but it’s relatively flat and easy to navigate. Excellent wildlife watching opportunities abound in the surrounding National Forest land.
More Information:
Sheldon Mountain Trail – Near Libby
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Intermediate
Distance: 2.5 Miles (one way)
Getting Here:
From Libby, travel northeast on Highway 37 for 1 mile, then turn left onto Pipe Creek Road. Drive 4.3 miles to the trailhead.
Enjoy classic single-track through beautiful ponderosa forestland. After numerous tight switchbacks, you’ll arrive at the second half and most fun portion of the ride, including jumps, whoops and up-and-down riding. Note that you’ll need to arrange a shuttle as this is a downhill, one-way ride.
More Information:
TOUR 200
Clark Fork River Trail #223 – Near St. Regis
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: IntermediateRound Trip
Distance: 18 Miles
Getting Here:
From St. Regis, travel east 11 miles on State Highway 135. The trailhead is at the Ferry Landing fishing access, located on the north side of the highway.
The Clark Fork River Trail takes you through Lolo National Forest along the Clark Fork River between Paradise and St. Regis. It’s a smooth single-track trail that winds along lush old-growth forest and sweeping wildflower meadows. The first switchback climbs are the most difficult, but push through them because this ride is well worth it.
More Information:
WHITEFISH AREA
Pig Farms Trail/Kuhn’s
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy/Intermediate/Advanced
Distance: Varies
Getting Here:
From Kalispell, travel north on Highway 93 towards Whitefish to West Reserve Drive. Turn left and drive 7 miles to Farm to Market Road (the first stop sign) and then turn right. You'll pass Farm to Market Pork and the Kuhn Wildlife Reserve sign to where the Pig Farm Trails (no official sign just a gated road on the left side) are located on the left. Park on the left side of the road and please do not block the gate. Note: There are many gated roads on the east side of the road but only two on the west side. Trails can be accessed from both of those gates, but the first gate is where the trails officially begin.
This customizable single-track maze of trails covers about 20 to 30 miles with has some logging roads, moderate climbs, rolling hills and a nice mix of technical and beginner terrain. The system consists of numerous loops, a ride along Cliff Lake and fun downhills. It's easy to get lost here, but it's also easy to find your way out. The riding is on state land managed by the DNRC and requires a recreation use permit that can be purchased for $10 (annually) at the fly shops in Whitefish.
More Information:
Spencer Mountain Freeride Trails
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy/Intermediate/Advanced
Distance: Varies
Getting Here:
From Whitefish, head west on U.S. Highway 93. After Spencer Lake (on the left) take the next left onto Twin Bridges Road. The trailhead is on your left.
This freeride mountain and downhill trail system outside Whitefish offers everything from flow trails to technical trails with expert-only jumps, drops and features.
More Information:
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy/Intermediate/Advanced
Distance: Varies
Getting Here:
From US-93 in downtown Whitefish, turn north onto Baker Avenue and cross over the viaduct. Baker Avenue becomes Wisconsin Avenue, which turns into East Lakeshore Drive. Turn right onto Big Mountain Road and follow it for 5 miles to the resort.
Whitefish Mountain Resort is a mecca of meandering trails. Ski mountains provide some of the best terrain for mountain biking and family fun for riders of every skill level, and Whitefish has it down to an art. At Strider Bike Park aspiring young mountain bikers, ages 2 – 6, practice their riding skills on pedal-less bikes. A bike school is offered for first-timers, while skilled riders can explore 30-plus miles of chair lift-accessed cross-country mountain bike trails. Unbeatable panoramic views of the Flathead Valley can be taken in from the top. Bike rentals are available on site.
The Whitefish Trail
Category: Mountain Biking
Level: Easy/Intermediate/Advanced
Distance: Varies
Getting Here:
Click here for directions to all of The Whitefish Trail’s trailheads.
Make your way in minutes from downtown Whitefish to a pristine wilderness setting. Twelve trailheads currently make up the 42+ mile Whitefish Trail system, a natural surface trail offering a series of stacked loops on single tracks and gated logging roads. Bike to scenic overlooks, past sweeping vistas and through prime wildlife habitat.
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More Whitefish Area Cycling Information:
GREAT DIVIDE MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTE
Eureka to Ovando Segment
Category: Bicycle Touring
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Distance: 260 Miles (one way)
Getting Here:
Click here for a map of the route.
The Great Divide route is the longest off-pavement route in the world. The Glacier Country portion of this epic 3,084 route from Canada to New Mexico stretches from Eureka to Ovando, Montana through Kootenai and Flathead national forest landscapes boasting Flathead river and lake views, wildlife sightings, rolling ranch country and small-town charm.
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