Master the Line Creek Plateau: A Mountain Biker’s Dream Ride

Line Creek Plateau near Red Lodge, Montana, offers mountain bikers a thrilling escape into vast high-country terrain that demands attention, focus, and a hunger for descend-for-days exhilaration. Starting from Red Lodge, this 4.88-mile epic ride begins with a gentle, 1.5-mile cruise through a narrow canyon that hints at what’s to come — canyon walls closing in, the crunch of rocky soil under your tires, and the whisper of pines overhead. The trail then pivots north, carrying riders onto the sparsely marked spine of Line Creek Plateau itself.

Here, nature takes center stage. The plateau unfolds in wide, exposed sweeps under a changing sky, the wind stirring the grass around your handlebars and clouds racing across the horizon. There’s no prominent trail to follow atop the plateau — the route is your own to interpret, following the crest while resisting the lure of wandering animal or stock tracks. The sparse single-track that appears halfway through marks a shift: the plateau narrows and guides you toward Maurice Mountain’s commanding presence.

Prepare for the grand finale — a breathtaking descent dropping nearly 3,500 feet in just four miles. This acre-meets-sky plunge is pure adrenaline, a relentless downhill where brakes might beg for mercy and every corner reveals new vistas. As the trail drops, serene forests reclaim the valley until you glimpse the resort at the base, where a Sunday brunch is a local ritual worth timing your ride around.

Beyond mountain biking, hikers and trail runners who crave solitude and panoramic views will find the sparse trail and open plateau an unfiltered communion with Montana’s wilderness. The terrain’s physical demands and navigation challenges reward a mindful and confident approach to this high-altitude venture.

Watch the skies carefully here, especially in summer when Montana’s weather shifts with swift surprise and lightning storms threaten sudden retreat. Dressed for shifting conditions and prepared with water, this landscape offers extraordinary sensory immersion — from the sun-dappled canyon entrance to the wind-rushed plateau vistas, crowned by the scent of sage and pine.

Line Creek Plateau is a rare combination of rugged adventure and tranquil beauty, inviting mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike to push limits, savor long-distance views, and reconnect deeply with wild Montana.

Other Activities: While mountain biking is the clear centerpiece, the trail supports hiking and trail running, especially for those seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience with rewarding views and natural challenges.

Where To Start: The trailhead is located at Red Lodge, Montana, a gateway town rich in outdoor heritage and mountain culture.

Trail Tips & Recreation: Respect the fragile plateau ecosystem by staying on the crest. The trail demands some route-finding skills and downhill control, especially during the rapid descent segment. Sunday riders, don’t miss the resort brunch at the base — a perfect post-ride refuel.

Come prepared, stay aware, and embrace the wild heart of this unforgettable plateau ride.