Bozeman, Montana...A.K.A...Heaven! Bozeman has something for everyone, whether you're into mountain biking, climbing, skiing, kayaking, hiking, etc., Bozeman is the place to be. The mountains surrounding the area are part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem which is the largest intact ecosystem in the continental U.S.

The mountain surrounding Bozeman which are intended to be included in this "area" are the Bangtail, Bridger, Gallatin, and Madison Ranges. This area includes Big Sky, Montana. If it ends up being to large of an area, I'll divide it into two.

The mountain biking in this area is superb and turns out some amazing riders. From the altitude to the steep technical climbs, every trail you ride has some sort of challenge to it. Many trails of all types exist in the area and the scenery that you will find on each is absolutely priceless.

The town of Bozeman itself couldn't be a better place to spend a few days while you're cranking out the trails surrounding the town. A tourist town in the summer and a college town in the fall through spring, Bozeman always has something fun going on. Summertime provides plenty of festivals, and when the college scene is going strong, the parties and the bars are sometimes more fun than you can handle!

Interesting Stuff about the area....

Lewis and Clark
The Lewis and Clark party left the first written description of the valley in both 1805 and 1806 during its epic journey. For information about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, visit: http://lewisandclark.state.mt.us .

Gold & the Bozeman Trail
When gold was discovered 60 and 80 miles to the west, the rush was on over the new Bozeman Trail, established by John Bozeman, a Georgian also looking for gold. The trail formed the northern spur off of the Oregon Trail. John Bozeman began to lead new settlers over this trail in 1864. It was open for three years until it was closed by the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians who wanted to stop the immigration of new setters into the area.

Fall in the Gallatin Canyon. Taken near Stormcastle Trailhead - October

Jim Bridger
Jim Bridger came to Bozeman in 1864. A well known frontiersman, Bridger brought the first wagon train through the canyon north of town now known as Bridger Canyon.

Northern Pacific Railroad
In 1883 the Northern Pacific Railway finished its pathway to Bozeman through what is now known as the Bozeman Pass. This route paralleled the Bozeman Trail which is now Interstate 90. The town grew slowly, reaching a population of barely 3,500 by 1900.

Area Races, Rides and Groups

Races

The Bohart Bash
- This is one of the few mountain bike races in the area. The course is challenging, mostly on single tracks, hilly and through the woods. All funds go toward the GAS racing team, a branch of the Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club. The GAS team is a young, up-and-coming team that is dedicated to community service and promoting cycling at all levels.

Lone Peak's Revenge

Groups

Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club

If you know of any other races or groups, please let me know so I can add them

When to ride

As with any mountainous region, spring and fall can bring in a wide variety of weather from snow to rain or heat. The areas highest level of precipitation is in the spring and first couple weeks of summer. You can get on the trails in mid-June, but at least 50% of the trails will still be muddy...or even snowy depending on the previous winter. Your best and safest bet (specially if you're travelling to the area) is from July to September. October is usually rideable as well, but you start running the risk of rain and/or snowfall...or just plain cold weather.

Temperature highs will vary from an average of about 63F in May to about 84F in July and back down to 58F in October. Lows for each of these months average about 37F, 49F, and 29F respectively.

If you're going for an evening ride, you'll want to leave early enough as to not get stuck in the dark! Sunsets are as follows:

May: 2049
June: 2116
July: 2111
August: 2032
September: 1936
October: 1839

Places for a good post-ride beer!!

This is always my favorite section to write!

Bozeman Brewing Company 504 N Broadway Ave Bozeman, MT (406) 585-9142 Get Directions	Big Hole Brewing Company 401 East Main Street Belgrade, MT (406) 388-7953 Get Directions
Madison River Brewing Company 20900 Frontage Rd Belgrade, MT (406) 388-0322 Get Directions	Spanish Peaks Brewing Company 14 North Church Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 585-2296 Get Directions
Montana Ale Works 601 East Main Street Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 587-7700 Get Directions	If I’ve left any out, please let me know and I’ll add them in here!

Where to Eat

Links to Google Maps for directions is in the works

MacKenzie River Pizza Company 232 E Main St Bozeman, MT (406)587-0055 Directions	Montana Ale Works 611 E Main St Bozeman, MT (406) 587-7700 Directions>
The Pickle Barrel 209 E Main St Bozeman, MT (406) 582-0020 Directions	The Garage 451 E Main St Bozeman, MT (406) 585-8558 Directions
La Parilla 1533 W Babcock St Bozeman, MT (406) 582-9511 Directions	McDonalds Just kidding!!! Let me know if you have any favorites and I'll add them!

Local Bike Shops

Links to Google Map for directions is in the works

Bangtail Bicycle Shop 508 W Main St Bozeman, MT (406) 587-4905 Directions	Summit Bike & Ski 26 S Grand Ave Bozeman, MT (406) 587-1064 Directions
Round House Ski & Sports Center 1422 W Main St Bozeman, MT (406) 587-1258 Directions	Chalet Sports 108 W Main St Bozeman, MT (406) 587-4595 Directions

External Links

Gallatin National Forest
Visit Montana Website
Museum of the Rockies
Montana State University...Go Bobcats!!
Bozeman Daily Chronicle Calendar of Events
Images
[ View Gallery - 2 More Images ]