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Emerald Lake Mountain Bike Trail
Bozeman, Montana
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
7 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 10/4/11 by barc2703 |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 10 miles | Global Rank: #701 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Out & Back |
| Ridden: 13 | Wishlist: 9 |
Directions:
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Description: Some consider this the best ride in Montana. There is a stiff, 2k ft climb to a gorgeous high alpine lake. Ofcourse, this makes for a killer downhill on the return. You can continue beyond Emerald Lake to Heather lake for an additional mile, but the best of the singletrack is already behind you at this point. This is a popular trail with hikers and equestrians, so going on a weekday is best (all those other trail users will break your flow on the plummet back to your vehicle). The bottom of the \"singletrack\" is pretty wide. Only this, plus the relatively short length (<5mi each way) keep this from being a 5-star in my book.
Description: Some consider this the best ride in Montana. There is a stiff, 2k ft climb to a gorgeous high alpine lake. Ofcourse, this makes for a killer downhill on the return. You can continue beyond Emerald Lake to Heather lake for an additional mile, but the best of the singletrack is already behind you at this point. This is a popular trail with hikers and equestrians, so going on a weekday is best (all those other trail users will break your flow on the plummet back to your vehicle). The bottom of the \"singletrack\" is pretty wide. Only this, plus the relatively short length (<5mi each way) keep this from being a 5-star in my book.
added on October 7, 2007 by 
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by abegold on October 6, 2011
ATV route about 5' wide. Expect hikers and ATV's on the trail. It's all up hill for 5 miles to the beautiful alpine lake. The trail continues uphill to another lake but was too wet when there to ride without damaging the trail. Fun run down.
Similar Trail: Clarkfork River Trail
reviewed by barc2703 on October 4, 2011
Spectacular trail, the Views, the Flow, the climb. All combine to make this an exceptional trail. I stopped as i was traveling through the area and had no trouble finding the trail head.
Similar Trail: 3 sisters in Evergreen, CO
reviewed by skibikejunkie on August 2, 2011
Awesome trail. Kind of a dick dance to get to (20+ miles from Bozeman), so not something you can ride every day, but definitely worth it. I was passing through town, had time for one ride, and glad I chose this one. I'll go out of my way to ride it again next time.
Similar Trail: Game Creek Trail - Jackson, WY
reviewed by harryhoodlum on October 19, 2010
Good reviews by others. Don't be fooled by short distance. There is very little fast uphill riding on this trail. After first 3/4 mile the trail has many obstacles and climbing... all rideable but must be experienced rider. Downhill is fun though rough... I ride a full suspension 5" travel bike. Still get hammered by obstacles... but I'm old.
reviewed by shatogar on August 24, 2009
This is an excellent trail all around. The scenery is amazing and the downhill is very rewarding after a difficult climb. There are many rocks and roots and a couple of shallow streams along the way. After a rain there can be some deep puddles. I was suprised by a puddle that nearly submerged my front brake and caked me with mud. I will certainly be returning to this trail. Note: The trail is closed to bikes on Fridays.
reviewed by wpernett on July 25, 2009
This was a pretty good drive west from Bozeman into the National Forest. Once I made it to the trail head I noticed a lot of hikers headed up the trail...Bad for an MTBer. The accent up the trail was rocky and had a few roots, but nothing technical. The views were awsome. I had to bike hike over some dead fall trees near the top. I rode this in July and there were still some snow patches that I had to traverse. There is a cool stream crossing and the reward is the views at Emerald Lake and the bombing downhill return. I did get slowed on the return by hikers and loose dogs. I noticed people in Montana don't tend to keep their dogs on leashes. I highly recommend the ride, but like the last review go on a week day when the hiking traffic is light.
reviewed by guest on September 30, 2008
I rode this trail a few years back when I was in Helena follicking for Montana sapphire. This is o one of the best MTB trails I have rode on, and exceptional scenery, especially at the alpine lake. Awesome DH after a long grueling climb! AAA++ in my book!
* Review edited 9/30/2008
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