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Bangtail Divide - IMBA EPIC

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.5 (56)
  1. Areas
  2. MT
  3. …Southwestern Montana
  4. …Gallatin National Forest
  5. Bridger Range
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“Close-to-town access to an intermediate but lengthy ride featuring views of multiple mountain ranges ”

Sam H
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Map Key

24.9

Miles

40.1

KM

75%

Singletrack

7,921' 2,414 m

High

5,478' 1,670 m

Low

3,420' 1,042 m

Up

3,112' 949 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

E-bikes are only allowed on the motorized sections of the trail. The Bangtail Divide Trail (Trail 504) from the Stone Creek Trailhead to the intersection with Trail 555.1 is closed to motorized use. The rest of Bangtail Divide Trail (Trail 504) is open to motorcycles but not ATVs.

Overview

Built in 2003, the Bangtail Divide Trail (BDT) quickly became the local go-to trail for those looking for a long ride without a long drive. The BDT offers easy access to a ridgeline traverse with stellar views of multiple mountain ranges, fields of wildflowers and well-crafted singletrack sections guaranteed to satisfy.

Highlights include: switchbacks, ridgetop singletrack, and flowing downhill.

Need to Know

There is little to no water on this route so plan accordingly.

Description

Either set up a car shuttle or start with 7 miles of road riding south down Bridger Canyon Rd.

Once you hit dirt, expect to climb, climb, climb. Rigorous switchbacks take you to the top of the divide where the climb becomes more gradual and you are treated to views of the Bridgers, Crazies, Absarokas, Beartooths, Gallatins, Madisons, and Tobacco Roots.

The divide section is through vast open prairies and short sections of shaded trees. The last section of the trail is the fun begins. First, a lengthy flowing section off the divide as you leave the top of the range proper, then one last climb to the top of Grassy Mountain, followed by the sweeping, curving downhill of the Grassy Mountain trail to finish.

History & Background

The trail was built by crews led by Terry Johnson, a local trail building legend, who was ahead of the sustainable, bike-friendly building curve by delivering backcountry grade reversals, rideable switchbacks and flowing lines long before these techniques were popularized.

Contacts

Local Club: Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club

Land Manager: USFS - Gallatin National Forest Office

Shared By:

Sam H
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 56 votes

#1

in Bridger Range

#282

Overall
  4.5 from 56 votes
5 Star
66%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Bridger Range

#1

in Montana

#282

Overall
49 Views Last Month
37,785 Since May 24, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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41%
26%
33%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Views and wildflowers abound during a crisp springtime ride on the divide.
Nov 10, 2016 near Bozeman, MT
The view down Bridger Canyon, toward Bozeman, from the top of the Stone Creek climbing section, about 1 hour of climbing from the trailhead at Stone Creek.
Jun 10, 2015 near Bozeman, MT
Top of Stone Climb on the Bangtail Divide.
May 16, 2017 near Bozeman, MT
Bridger views!
Jul 11, 2024 near Bozeman, MT
Overlooking the Bridger Mountain Range to the West
May 24, 2013 near Livingston, MT
Flowers
Jul 11, 2024 near Bozeman, MT

10 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 73 days ago
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Check-Ins

Aug 31, 2024
Sean Hoffman
2nd time riding this trail. Much more fun this time! Lots of climbing but more flow than we remembered!
May 27, 2022
Corbae Bella
still snow at the top of some Creek side 10mi
Aug 26, 2021
Brandon Hanna
30mi
Jul 22, 2020
James Bishop
Jul 17, 2020
Sean Wiggins
motos have trashed this trail in places 31mi
Jul 3, 2020
Mark Pratt
Sep 2, 2019
Casey Rose
Jul 25, 2019
Franco B
Ottimo trail! this is a jewel. Trail is in great conditions (only one downed tree). Parked at Bracket creek and biked to Stone Creek to do the loop. 31mi — 4h 30m

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