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Emerald Lake Mountain Bike Trail
Bozeman, Montana
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
3 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 9/30/08 by ChiliPepper |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 10 miles | Global Rank: 164 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Out & Back |
| Ridden: 8 | Wishlist: 8 |
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 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 ChiliPepper 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
Additional Montana Mountain Bike Info
Related Montana Resources
Guidebooks |
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 | Fat Trax Bozeman |  | Mountain Biking Helena |
 | Cycling the Great Divide: From Canada to Mexico on America's Premier Long Distance Mountain Bike Route |  | Mountain Biking Missoula |
 More Montana trail books | |||
