Montana's Mountain Biking Paradise

Forty-five miles south of Bozeman, Big Sky Resort has more than 40 miles of lift-accessed trails, many of which flow-down mountain from the top of the Explorer tram, like the brand-new intermediate flow trail. Rent an e-bike for an extra boost. To hone downhill skills, sign up for a group or private downhill lesson. Closer to the town of Big Sky are ample Forest service roads like the eight-mile Beehive Ridge to North Fork Loop, accessible from the North Fork Trailhead.

EAT & STAY: In the summer months, the Carabiner deck has a full bar, tasty appetizers like bison slides, and the best views of 11,166-foot Lone Peak. When the temperature drops, head inside to the fireplace in the lounge. Steps from the Explorer Life, the historic Huntley Lodge has an outdoor pool and rooms that sleep up to six, and-bonus-allows dogs.

Best known for its hot springs and fly-fishing along the coveted Smith River, White Sulphur Springs is nestled between the Little and Big Belt Mountains. Stop for a soak at the 105-degree mineral pools at the Spa Hot Springs Motel and Clinic, right on Main Street. Then check in with Smith River Flyfishing Expeditions for a full, or multi-day trip on the river.  On to riding: Start with Bender Creek, just east of Monarch. It requires a five-mile drive to the trailhead on a good gravel road, but the nine-mile round-trip with a three-mile descent is worth it. In Great Falls, the south and north banks of the Missouri River have 18 and 24-mile pump-track style flow trails.

EAT & STAY: In Great Falls, Sip 'n Dip Lounge has mermaids swimming behind the bar. Housed in an 1890 building, Hotel Arvon has 22 luxurious guest rooms.

As they say in the state capital, "There's a singletrack at the end of every street and a brewery at the end of every trail." It's true. Helena is home to 75 miles of singletrack open to hikers, riders, and runners, with a free shuttle that picks people up downtown Wednesday through Sunday, May through October. The most popular ride is a six-mile bomb down Mount Helena Ridge Trail. Rent a bike at Great Divide Cyclery. 

EAT & STAY: FireTower Coffee House and Roasters makes a mean cup of joe. The Last Chance Lodge, southwest of Helena, is surrounded by some of the best trails in the state.

Ask a local to name his or her favorite mountain biking trail and you may be listening for a while - there are at least 350 miles of trails in these parts, including many miles along the Continental Divide. A fun way to access it is the Maud S trailhead, just off I-90 south of town, which offers an impressively strenuous, rocky four-mile loop.

EAT & STAY: Homestake Lodge, ten miles south of town, is nestled in a valley off the Continental Divide, with incredible access to mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.