Welcome to our Trail Talk blog series, your go-to guide for all things mountain biking in Bozeman! Whether you’re a local shredder or just visiting, our team is here to provide you with detailed Bozeman trail insights, entertaining (hopefully!) stories, and gear recommendations. From local trail descriptions and difficulty levels to reviews from our team, we’ve got you covered.
And if you missed them, be sure to check out our previous Trail Talk blogs highlighting Truman Gulch and Peets Hill! So, buckle that helmet, hit the trails with us, and let’s make the most of the summer in Bozeman together!
Bozeman Trail Overview: Mystic Lake
Mystic Lake is an old forest service road with gentle grades. You’ll start at Sourdough Canyon and climb consistently to Mystic Lake for 10 miles. The climb is mainly in the trees with views of nearby mountains, and at the lake, you can look back into the valley where you came from.
- Distance: 20 miles out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,417 ft gain
- Distance from Owenhouse Cycling: 6.6 miles
- Activities: Gravel, Mountain Biking, Trail Running, Hiking, Cross-country Skiing, Fishing (at the lake), Camping
- Trail Type: Old Forest Service Road
- Direction: Both-Ways
- Family Friendly: Yes!
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- eBike Allowed: No
Mystic Lake Trail Bozeman, Trailhead Map
Just 6.6 miles from Owenhouse Cycling, this trail is accessible for various activities, including gravel and mountain biking, trail running, cross-country skiing, fishing at the lake, and camping. We have a many family-friendly hiking trails in Bozeman, and this is one of them! It’s also dog-friendly trail, making it a great option for everyone, though eBikes are not allowed. Pro tip! Be sure to pick up a Bozeman trail map when you’re at the shop!
Directions:
From Owenhouse Cycling, turn right onto S Black Ave., and then make a quick left onto E Babcock St. Turn right onto S Church Ave., which continues onto Sourdough Rd. After about 3.6 mi on Sourdough Rd., you’ll turn right onto Nash Rd. Finally, make a left onto Sourdough Canyon Rd. and continue to the parking lot and trailhead. And everyone’s favorite info…yes! There are bathrooms at the trailhead.
Difficulty Level: Green
Mystic Lake is a gem of a trail, perfect for a day of adventure. This old forest service road offers gentle grades with a consistent climb that begins at Sourdough Canyon. Over the course of about 10 miles, you’ll ascend 1,417 feet, mostly winding through the trees with stunning views of nearby mountains. The time it takes to get to the lake depends on the type of bike you’re riding and your fitness level, but we recommend carrying at least 3-4 hours’ worth of food for the day.
When you reach Mystic Lake, look back into the valley where you started. Hopefully, you’re not breathing too hard and can appreciate the view—it’s a rewarding sight!
And, if you rode a mountain bike, check out Trailforks for alternate ways back down!
Team Member Reviews: Mystic Lake Bike Trail Bozeman
The Owenhouse team rated this trail out of 1-5 based on how enjoyable the ride is, with 5 being very enjoyable! Don’t forget, thanks to the 2.3% average grade and gradual climb, it’s an easy ride with a great reward at the top. And, of course, since it’s an out-and-back, you can turn around anytime!
- Luuk: 4 “I ride this area a lot!”
- Tristan: 4 “I recently went bike-packing at the lake and enjoyed it!”
- Tom: 3
- Tobin: 3
- Ethan: 4 “I’ll rate it a 4 if you’re on a gravel bike.”
- Shawn: 3
- Sam: 2 (He’s a downhill kinda guy 🙂)
If you’re long on time, be sure to pack a lunch in your pack and enjoy some quality lake time! And after you’ve eaten lunch, I agree with our friends at Outside Bozeman who say, “If you plan to head to Mystic Lake, bring a rod for brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout and consider reserving the Mystic Lake Cabin for an overnight stay.”
Gear and Equipment Recommendations:
Team Member Name: Ethan
Team Member Bike: Santa Cruz 24 Stigmata CC
5 Reasons Why We Love the Stigmata
- It’s light! The CC-level carbon frame provides a lightweight yet durable build. The frame’s stiffness also contributes to efficient power transfer during climbs.
- It’s comfortable! Its progressive geometry, with a slacker head tube angle and a longer top tube, offers better stability and control on descents and technical sections.
- It’s burly! The Stigmata accommodates up to 50mm tires.
- It’s techy! Equipped with a SRAM Force AXS drivetrain, the Stigmata offers precise and responsive shifting.
- Make a day of it! The Stigmata includes multiple mounting points for bottles and gear, making it easy to carry everything you need for a full day of adventure, including hydration, snacks, and tools.
Visit Owenhouse Cycling Today
Well, we’ve covered all the essentials: a 10-mile journey starting at Sourdough Canyon, a consistent climb of 1,417 feet through scenic forests, and the rewarding views at Mystic Lake. We’ve shared our team’s insights and the activities available, from mountain biking to fishing and camping, making this trail a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Heck, now that we’re done, we can’t wait to get out there!! How about you?
Visit Owenhouse Cycling today to gear up for your adventure. Be sure to follow us on social media (Facebook & Instagram) for more trail insights, tips, and stories. Explore Mystic Lake and share your experiences by tagging us on social media! Let us know which trail you’d like us to review next! Happy riding!
