13 miles
Distance
3,479 ft
Climb
-3,490 ft
Descent
1 miles
High Point

Helena classic!

The upper half of the Beartrap Gulch Trail is the best ribbon singletrack in the Helena area. It flows and flows through mountain meadows - wildflower season is spectacular. Watch out for Kelly hump whoops in the tall grass at the bottom of the gulch.

The climb is mostly road grade, and not too challenging. Trout Creek Trail has a few punchy climbs at the creek crossings, but is generally mellow. Enjoy the views. The first four switchbacks of FS4119 are steep(ish) but the grade lets up a bit after that.

Park and start the ride either from the Beartrap Gulch trailhead, or at the Vigilante Campground, which is about 1/4 mile farther down the road. Ride up Trout Creek Trail for about three miles, and then climb USFS Road 138. Turn left onto USFS Road 4119. Climb 4119 until you get to the divide, ignoring all the minor spurs (4119a, 4119b, etc.). The Beartrap Gulch singletrack is on the left, just past the crest of the ridge.

Local Trail Association
Montana Bicycle Guild (www.montanabicycleguild.org)
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2 Reviews & Comments

  • + 0
flag Offic3rFriend1y (Sep 2, 2019 at 19:24)
 I think you ascent and decent figures are off by about a thousand feet.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag Bozeman10 (Oct 19, 2019 at 7:18)
 Its about 2400 feet of climb according to strava.
It's a great loop
[Reply]

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Trails in Route

Details

  • Featured
  • Riding area
    Helena
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Ridelogs
    5
More Stats for Beartrap Gulch mountain bike route
  • Altitude min
    4,402 ft
  • Altitude start
    4,413 ft
  • Altitude end
    4,402 ft
  • Grade
    -0.017%
  • Grade max
    -72.492%
  • Grade min
    154.029%
  • Distance climb
    7 miles
  • Distance down
    6 miles
  • Distance flat
    2,218 ft
Avg: 4.5 (2 votes)
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      Photos

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      Videos

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      York 38 Special 2013
      York 38 Special 2013
      330 | comments: 0 | favs:
      Jun 13, 2016
      York dh
      York dh
      4:02 | 132 | comments: 0 | favs:
      Apr 24, 2016
      #trek #transition bikes

      Recent Trail Reports Along Route

      statustraildateconditiondescription
      USFS Road 4119
      May 17, 2020 @ 3:27pm
      May 17, 2020
      		Isolated puddles that can be bypassed, per report on 5/17 reporter
      Beartrap Gulch Trail
      May 16, 2020 @ 1:15pm
      May 16, 2020
      		Did the out n back. Just a few greasy corners towards the top, but otherwise riding super fantastically amazing! Heard the loop is definitely doable with only a few small snowy/muddy sections...
      Trout Creek Trail
      May 2, 2020 @ 1:46pm
      May 2, 2020
      		1 -2 snow patches. Mostly good. Saw a Grizley Sow and 2 cubs deep in the canyon...be careful.
      USFS Road 138
      Jul 23, 2018 @ 11:59am
      Jul 23, 2018
      		 reporter
      more reports »
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