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Kalispell, MT: Blacktail Mountain Alpine Loop Trail
Enjoy revealing panoramas of the surrounding Flathead National Forest on this easy, 7.2-mile loop that culminates with a primitive singletrack descent near Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort.
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| Author: | Bicycling Magazine |
| Activity: | Mountain Biking |
| State: | Montana (MT) |
| Distance: | 7.15 mi |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| Rating: | Unrated |
A popular cross-country ski trail in the winter, this mellow loop near the southern tip of Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort wanders through the gorgeous Flathead National Forest, leading to several tranquil panoramas and a wild singletrack descent spanning the ride's last mile. Begin your cruise by heading south at a gradual incline on the gravel NFD 10138 Road.
At mile 1.5, follow the sign toward the Alpine Loop to remain on the cross-country trail. Enjoy the ride's first panorama near mile 3, as the trail snakes to the west and opens up to a view of the gargantuan Flathead Lake, the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River. Catch another postcard-like vista—this time of Blacktail Mountain—as you head north toward the ride's one downhill section, a mile-long singletrack descent slicing through forest on a loosely defined, primitive trail. Return to the trailhead after navigating the tricky descent.
Note: Make the ride even easier by riding it in reverse, finishing all the climbing within the first mile to enjoy a gradual descent on the gravel road for the rest of the ride.
-Mapped by Lance Lindlief, Cascades Mountain Bikers Meetup
TO TRAILHEAD: From Lakeside, MT, head south on US 93. Bear right at Blacktail Rd. In 0.3 mile, turn right to stay on Blacktail Rd. In 1.1 miles, right at NFD 917 Rd. Go 6.6 miles to the start of the route.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
Blacktail Mountain Alpine Loop Trail
| Distance: 7.15 mi | Points: 133 |
Points of Interest
Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort Overlook
Location: 47.974956, -114.313474To the northwest, enjoy an eye-opening vista of the 6,676-foot Blacktail Mountain, a relatively new ski area consisting of 24 runs on over 1,000 acres of Flathead National Forest land. From here, continue heading to the northwest as you trace the base of tree-covered Kerr Mountain, the peak located just south of Blacktail Mountain. © Lance Lindlief
Blacktail Trailhead
Location: 47.989132, -114.323645Begin by heading south on NFD Road 10138. A cross-country ski trail in the winter, the gravel road proceeds upwards at a gentle grade until the singletrack descent at the end of the ride.
Alpine Loop
Location: 47.978432, -114.312143Following the sign toward "Alpine Loop," bear right to stay high and continue on NFD 10138. © Lance Lindlief
Foothills
Location: 47.977771, -114.311156Look for openings in the trees leading to vistas of the surrounding pine-blanketed hillsides. Continuing on, pedal south through a narrow corridor flanked by two forested hillsides. © Lance Lindlief
Indian Paintbrush
Location: 47.973577, -114.308410Native to western North America, Indian paintbrush is commonly found throughout the forest. © Lance Lindlief
Burnout
Location: 47.966250, -114.304762Witness natural reforestation occurring at a once-burned meadow as you continue heading south. © Lance Lindlief
South Ridge Lookout
Location: 47.963261, -114.305277As the ride swings to the west, it opens up to a spectacular southeastern panorama of the massive Flathead Lake flanked by the Mission Range of the Flathead National Forest. Continue on by following the double-wide gravel road to the west. © Lance Lindlief
Singletrack Finale
Location: 47.985383, -114.328709After 6.2 miles of moderate uphills on wide gravel roads, enjoy the mile-long singletrack descent that brings you back to the trailhead. The trail here is extremely primitive and poorly defined, so exercise caution and sound judgment while navigating its tree-bordered twists and turns.
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