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A ride along and through the creek for hot days.


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Map Key

8.3

Miles

13.4

KM

Singletrack

7,140' 2,176 m

High

5,751' 1,753 m

Low

87' 27 m

Up

1,476' 450 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

This is an intermediate length and technical trail that is great for days when it's hot out. You'll cross through the creek 4 times (or carry your bike across a log bridge) and pedal through the woods, providing much-needed coverage from the heat of the sun throughout the vast majority of the ride.

To get there, follow South Cottonwood Road out of town and take a left onto Cottonwood Canyon Road (dirt road) for about two miles to the trailhead, which will be on your right. There is a small parking lot that can hold about 10-15 cars; if this fills up, you can simply park along the road.

Start at the parking lot trailhead and make your way up the switchbacks and through the woods. The first 2.5 miles to the first junction (with the Wheeler Gulch Trail) is highly used by hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers alike so is best utilized during off-peak times. The singletrack is wide and non-technical for this part.

After the first junction (continue straight to stay on the South Cottonwood Creek Trail), the next 3.5 miles has rocky sections, especially around the 4-4.5-mile mark, but then opens up again to smooth singletrack in and out through the woods and fields of flowers.

The trail eventually ends at a split where two trails (Storm Castle Ridge Trail and Blackmore Trail) diverge into different drainages.

Contacts

Shared By:

Drew Kilz

Trail Ratings

  3.4 from 8 votes

#21009

Overall
  3.4 from 8 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
13%
1 Star
13%
Trail Rankings

#296

in Montana

#21,009

Overall
3 Views Last Month
3,887 Since Jul 2, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

11%
0%
44%
11%
33%
0%

Photos

Alpine Glow South Cottonwood
Aug 27, 2018 near Four Co…, MT
2nd creek crossing, at high water time of year.
Nov 20, 2018 near Bozeman, MT
Heading back home
Jul 2, 2015 near Bozeman, MT
Riding the smooth portion of the trail in the dense, cool forest
Jul 2, 2015 near Bozeman, MT
One of the numerous creek crossings (there are also log bridges).
Jul 2, 2015 near Bozeman, MT
Riding through one of the few open field sections on this trail.
Jul 2, 2015 near Bozeman, MT

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