BIKE CENTRAL MONTANA 

Bicycling in Central Montana? Well, I thought you would never ask. The two wheeled opportunities around the Lewistown area are almost endless. We are surrounded by five different mountain ranges, each offering its own unique mountain biking challenges. Everything from gentle two track “roads” to technical single track trails sure to get the adrenalin pump going.

I am Mark Manseau. My wife Kim and I own and operate High Plains Bike and Ski here in Lewistown. A true mom and pop business for kids of all ages.

The Big and Little Snowy Mountains to the south hold some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Montana. A short thirty miles to Crystal Lake puts you in the heart of the Big Snowies. Single track trails from the lake can take you on a easy tour around this high mountain lake. The beauty of the mountains and this natural mountain lake still leave locals in awe. For the more bold riders, the Grand View loop offers some of the most enjoyable single track riding you can find any where. From the lake you climb to the Grand View cliffs. The vista from this 7,000 foot perch is breath taking. The Judith Basin spreads out to the north, west and east like a huge landscape mural. You are able to see the towns of Lewistown to the north east, Hilger to the north, Moore and Hobson to the west. From your rocky seat here you will also be able to see the Highwood Mountain to the north west, the North and South Moccassins to the north and the Judiths to the north east. On a clear day you might even get a glimpse of the Bears Paw Mountains and the Little Rockies far to the north. If you desire, you can proceed up the trail from Grand View to West Peak . This will put you on the spine of the Snowies offering you a 360 degree view of Central Montana. Words cannot describe all that this offers one with views. At this point cyclists can choose to ride the ridge of the Snowies all the way to the east. This is a hard and exhausting 35 to 40 mile ride that brings you out by way of Half Moon Pass. Half Moon Pass marks where the Big Snowies end and the Little Snowies begin. If this long trip is not your desire, you are able to catch the Ice Caves trail off the ridge and come back to Crystal Lake. This way back is much shorter and quicker. About 13 miles total, but not without its own technical obstacles. Again the views from most any place on this ride are breath taking.

To our east are the Judith Mountains. Several years ago the B.L.M. started a trail project here. In Limekiln Canyon we now have several trail options. These are single track hiking / biking trails. If you enjoy climbing hills and mountains on your bike you will love this area. You will climb up to the Lewistown Overlook meadow. Again, you will have a grand view of the Judith Basin. This time from the east. Other trails in this Judith Mountain system are still under construction. Always fun to explore what is coming with these new trails.

The North and South Moccassins are largely privately owned. There are some riding opportunities to be had in them with land owner permission.

The Belt Mountains to our west have a variety of offerings. Lots of jeep trails, logging roads and of course lots of single track. The access to the Belts is from the areas around the old mining communities of Monarch and Neihart. To get there requires a two hour drive from Lewistown.

Further information about any of these areas can be obtained at the local Bike and Ski shop. High Plains Bike and Ski at 924 W. Water Street. This is a small shop, big into the outdoor opportunities in Montana. We do provide full service, repair and sales of bike and ski gear. We also carry assorted maps and directions for mountain bike riding as well as maps from the Montana DOT with road information for you roadies. Contact us at, (406) 366-1503 or e-mail at hpbikski@midrivers.com. We are the biggest kids in Central Montana.

You say you are interested in road riding….. Well does low traffic volume, beautiful creek side roads, abundant wild life and numerous direction options interest you? Have we got a deal for you. You name the mileage you want to ride and we can direct you to some of the most beautiful and enjoyable road riding in the west. Upper Spring Creek road is always one of the favorites. This follows Big Spring Creek to its source, a large artesian spring that has a constant flow of about 400 CFS. Also, at its source is a Montana State Fish Hatchery. A very nice place for a break from riding or a picnic with the kids. Riding along the Lower Spring Creek is on the Hanover Road. You can follow this all the way to the Judith River. A very nice ride early in the morning. If a Century interests you, we have put together a loop around the Judith Mountains. This affords the riders views of everything from the wide open plains of Eastern Montana to views of the many mountain ranges here in Central Montana. Again, we at High Plains Bike and Ski are always glad to chat and give directions. Also, we are real easy to talk into going along on most any of these rides. After all, we are kind of known around town as the oldest KIDS around.

Feel free to drop us a line for information and recommendations. We are always glad to visit and offer advice.