Snow biking in the Bozeman area
With a little research I found some great snow biking opportunities. This report is mostly a snowmobile trail report but I am tailoring it to my liking. Some favorite legit snowmobile riding places close to Bozeman include Brackett Creek, Buck Creek, Olson Creek, Hyalite Canyon and Squaw Creek. The snowmobile season begins around Dec. 1 and cool springs can extend the season as late as April.
All trails can be found on these really detailed maps from the Forest Service.
Just south of Bozeman, at Bear Creek, is the 123-mile Big Sky Trail, ending near West Yellowstone.
Gallatin Canyon Area
- Big Sky Snowmobile Trail - 123 miles, a marked trail starting at Little Bear Creek south of Bozeman to Grayling Creek near West Yellowstone. Shorter adventures, using certain segments of the Big Sky trail, can be made by using the following:
- Squaw Creek to Moose Creek - 15 miles - not groomed and may be difficult), Buffalo Horn Creek, or Taylor Fork entrances. Only portions of the Big Sky Trail are groomed.
- Moose Creek to Porcupine Divide - 11 miles - road grades to 30 percent. Adjacent to Highway 191.
- Porcupine Divide to Buffalo Horn -12 miles – not groomed but marked. Can be hazardous - grades to 40 percent. You must stay on marked trail through the winter elk range. No riding on Porcupine Creek Trail.
Bridger Ranger Area
- Fairy Lake - 6 miles of snow covered road.
- Brackett Creek - 9 miles of snow covered roads.
- Olson Creek - Skunk Creek - 9 miles of snow-covered roads. Note: the entire Stone Creek drainage is closed.
- Jackson Creek - 8 miles of easy to moderate class, snow-covered road, and snowmobile routes.
- Flathead Pass - 12 miles of snow-covered road over the Bridger Range divide. Take Highway 86 to Wilsall. Approximately 8 miles past the Brackett Creek Y, watch for sign.
The forest service travel plan lists trails as well as any restrictions. To purchase a copy, call or write the
Bozeman Ranger District
3710 East Fallon Street
Bozeman, MT 59718
406-522-2520