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16.7 miles
Distance
3,351 ft
Climb
-2,946 ft
Descent
2 miles
High Point
405 ft
Altitude change
6,456 ft
Altitude min
6,570 ft
Altitude start
6,975 ft
Altitude end
0.5%
Grade
-52.1%
Grade max
43.1%
Grade min
9 miles
Distance climb
6 miles
Distance down
4,140 ft
Distance flat
Bring bear spray
A classic loop on mostly well built singletrack. Starts and ends at the extremely popular tourist hiking spot "Ousel Falls Trail", but the rest will be all yours. The loop can be done in either direction, but most people will prefer climbing Second Yellow Mule instead of First. The descent down First consists of some extremely high speed sections in tight, sometimes rutted, singletrack. Terrible when wet, although Second has less of the gumbo clay soils.
Detailed Description
The Mules is a 17 mile moderately popular intermediate route located near Big Sky Montana. This mountain bike only route can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 7 trails. This route climbs 3,351 ft with a max elevation of 9,495 ft then descends -2,946 ft.
Trail Issues on Route
- Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Jul 28, 2026)
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Trail Products
Stats
-
Distance17 miles
-
Avg time2 hr 53 min
-
Altitude min6,456 ft
-
Altitude start6,570 ft
-
Altitude end6,975 ft
-
Climb3,351 ft
-
Descent-2,946 ft
-
Grade0.5%
-
Grade max-52.1%
-
Grade min43.1%
-
Distance climb9 miles
-
Distance down6 miles
-
Distance flat4,140 ft
10 Reviews & Comments
noboundariesbackcountry
After riding the riding the route in the recommended 2nd to 1st direction. I would say that 1st to 2nd is the better. It yields a better downhill experience. The numerous Yellowstone Club signs are annoying and seemingly unnecessary. They definitely detract from the "backcountry" experience . Overall a fun day on the bike!
MountainMatt28
Ousel Falls trailhead, not counsel falls....
MountainMatt28
Rode this trail today. Counsel falls th to first yellow mule, split off on second yellow mule, up to buck ridge road, over to first yellow mule and back up ousel falls trail. The trail was almost completely snow free, other than about 1/8 mile north of buck ridge road. There were a few quite muddy sections, but not too large. The climb up is much more gradual following this route as opposed to clockwise. The trail is rough, particularly the upper meadows just north of buck ridge road, but as someone else mentioned, this trail gets little use. Lots of bear scat, rutted up sections from horses and elk, but overall a beautiful ride through some awesome country. It's hard to concentrate on the trail at times because you can't get enough of the view.
Trail as described was: 18.9 miles, with 3,471 feet of ascent and 3,415 feet of descent. So, we'll say, 19 miles with 3,450 feet of gain and loss. Gove yourself time for the climb and be sure your shocks are tuned!
Trail as described was: 18.9 miles, with 3,471 feet of ascent and 3,415 feet of descent. So, we'll say, 19 miles with 3,450 feet of gain and loss. Gove yourself time for the climb and be sure your shocks are tuned!
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Trail Conditions
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- By loamwhisperer420
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