Beyond the powdery slopes, Big Sky's rugged terrain offers a thrilling playground for mountain bikers of all levels.

Biker Leg

Mountain Biking Season

Summer in Big Sky is short but sweet. Picture long days with endless possibilities. Add in epic adventures with connecting mountain biking trails, and you can see how the season is becoming a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Brief History

Lift-access mountain biking began expanding at Big Sky Resort in 2014, adding new trails off of Explorer and Swift Current lifts.  Since then, through the community efforts of Boyne Resorts, the Big Sky Community Organization and Lone Mountain Land Company, the Big Sky trail system continues to build and expand, offering trail options for beginners to more advanced riders.  The Big Sky chapter of SWMMBA (Southwest Montana Mountain Biking Association) began in 2020 and partners with local land owners and managers to enhance the trail system and regularly adds new trails and bike park features.  

 

What to Expect:

The mountain biking in Big Sky is as unique as our landscapes.  Lift-access downhill trails at Big Sky Resort offer both techinical and flow trails.  A great spot to find big drops, jumps and flowy trails. 

Cross-Country style trails can be found throughout town and in the surrounding National Forest.  The Big Sky Community Organization maintains a variety of trails, including paved, gravel and hard-packed surfaces; from easy peddling to hard-earned climbs with flowing descents. 

While the Big Sky Resort bike park is only open for the summer season, generally June through mid-September, community trails can be accessed from May through October depending on conditions (see etiquette below). 

 

Novice Riders:

If you're new to mountain biking, we strongly recommend booking a lesson at Big Sky Resort or joining one of their skill building series throughout the summer.  This is a fantastic way to learn the fundamentals and gain confidence. 

If you are new to the area, consider joining one of the group rides hosted through the BASE Community Center. 

 

Gear and Rentals:

There are several bike shops located in Big Sky's town center and at Big Sky Resort.  These shops can provide you with everything from protective equipment to bike rentals to bike repairs if needed.  Check the listings on our summer mountain biking page.

 

Biking Etiquette:

Following proper trail etiquette while biking is the responsibility of all riders to keep yourself and others safe, and to provide an enjoyable for everyone. 

  • Have the proper gear and protective equipment.
  • Know your limits. 
  • Stay on trail. 
  • Obey signs and warnings. Do not trespass on private land! 
  • Do not ride trails that are severly wet and muddy, doing so damages the trail. 
  • Do not stop in the middle of trail -- Stay visible to riders who may be coming behind you. 
  • Yield to non-biking trail users; Be friendly! Say 'Hi' and 'thank you!' 
  • Yield to uphill travel bikers when riding downhill. 
  • If you encounter horses, stop and dismount your bike while they pass.  
  • Pass all trail users safely and courteously. 
  • Leave no trace. 
  • Be bear aware on the trails. 

 

Popular Big Sky Trails:

While there are several trails in Big Sky, here is a list of some of the most popular:

  • Uplands/Hummocks
  • Mud Creek 
  • Huff's Trek
  • Mountain to Meadow
  • Porcupine Creek
  • North Fork