Welcome back to Trail Talk, our series where the Owenhouse Cycling crew breaks down some of our favorite local rides around Bozeman. This month, we’re headed north of Bozeman near the southern end of the Bridger Range to tackle a local classic: Sypes Canyon.
Sypes delivers a proper mountain bike adventure—steep climbing, big views, and old-school descents that test your fitness and your skills. Whether you’re looking for an out-and-back lung buster or a longer point-to-point to the M or Middle Cottonwood, this trail system offers options for advanced riders who love a challenge.
All routes start from the Sypes Canyon Trailhead. Parking is limited, but there’s overflow parking just back down the road as the gravel starts—a short walk or pedal in.
Important Note: Sypes Canyon is part of the timeshare program for bikes. Riding is only allowed at certain times of year and on designated days. Always check local signage or trail status before you go.
Quick Trail System Overview
- Distance from Owenhouse Cycling: ~10 miles north of downtown Bozeman
- Parking: Limited at trailhead; overflow a short walk away
- Elevation Range: ~5,200 to 7,700 ft
- Trail Use: Bikes allowed only during open season/days
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Recommended Bikes:
- Santa Cruz: Tallboy, Hightower
- Ibis: Ripley, Ripmo
- Rocky Mountain: Instinct, Element
Starting at Sypes Canyon
All three of these routes start from the Sypes Canyon Trailhead and share the same initial climb. It’s a classic Bridger effort: steep, sustained, and often includes a bit of hike-a-bike, especially at the bottom and near the top.
Here’s what to expect on the shared climb:
- 0–0.5 mi: Starts in the canyon, and it gets steep right away. Expect to do a little walking.
- 0.5–2.0 mi: Steep climbing with a brief break around 2 miles.
- 2.0–2.8 mi: Steep, steep, steep, and start walking (almost to the top of Sypes).
- 2.8–3.2 mi: Steep but rideable— Oh! You’ve made it to the top!
At the top of Sypes Canyon, the trail forks:
- Left → Middle Cottonwood
- Right → The M Trailhead
- Or turn around and descend the way you came for the classic Out and Back.
3 Route Options:
1) Sypes Out and Back
Distance: 6.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
Ride With GPS Route
What to Expect:
Climb all the way up Sypes, then turn around for a technical descent down the same trail. A local favorite for pushing the lungs and enjoying a rewarding ride back. Remember to watch for hikers!
2) Sypes to the M Trailhead
Distance: 6.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,761 ft
Ride With GPS Route
What to Expect:
A point-to-point option linking Sypes to the M Trailhead. This ride includes steep ascents, narrow traverses, and a fast finish.
Ride Highlights:
- 3.2–3.6 mi: Trail section starts down steep. Watch out for hot brakes and technical moves with a good drop on your left. Walk if needed, Luuk usually does!
- 3.6–4.3 mi: Climbing resumes. Take in cool views from the drainage.
- 4.3–6.7 mi: Now it’s the good stuff. Starts off fast and flowing. As you get closer to the end, you will see hikers and dogs, so be careful and take it easy!
3) Sypes to Middle Cottonwood
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,491 ft
Ride With GPS Route
What to Expect:
If you’re up for a bigger day, this route pushes past the Sypes summit to Middle Cottonwood. Expect sustained climbing, remote-feeling singletrack, and a rugged descent.
Ride Highlights:
- 3.2–4.7 mi: Keep climbing—still steep, so pace yourself.
- 4.7–6.0 mi: A great descent with typically less traffic. Enjoy the fun!
- 6.0–7.2 mi: Take a left down to Middle Cottonwood. It’s a little chunky, but a good ride to the road. At this point, you can ride back to your car at Sypes or plan to have a car waiting for you.
Thoughts from the Team
Luuk: “Great riding with speed, steeps, and lush forest (for Bozeman that is).”
Tom: “I enjoy it, but it’s definitely steep.”
Eric Z: “Love going Sypes to the M when I’ve got the time.”
Branham: “I love the ride, but I’ll warn you about steep climbs and an old-school descent of the Foothills Trail to Middle.”
Ethan: “I love Sypes—but it’s a lung buster.”
Gear Up: What to Ride
Sypes Canyon rewards bikes that climb well but can handle old-school technical descents. We recommend:
- Santa Cruz: Tallboy, Hightower
- Ibis: Ripley, Ripmo
- Rocky Mountain: Instinct, Element
Stop by Owenhouse Cycling to check out these models, get your rig tuned, or rent your next adventure ride.
Visit Owenhouse Cycling Today
With well-marked loops, killer views, and new trail expansions in the works, Crosscut is an awesome place to ride this summer, whether you’re just getting started or looking to crank out some miles.
Visit Owenhouse Cycling today to get your gear dialed, chat trails with our team, or rent a bike in Bozeman.
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!
