James Gibbon has been mountain biking for a number of years now, and the Copper City Trail system in Three Forks, Montana ranks as one of the best trail systems for mountain biking I’ve encountered. I first found out about this unique MTB trail system while taking a class at my local REI. My instructor Kyle was an avid mountain biker, and told me about this trail system on BLM land that SWMMBA (Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association) built. Kyle knew what he was talking about when it came to mountain bikes, so I was eager to try the trail out myself.

https://www.southwestmontanamba.org/copper-city

The trail is about 30 miles west of Bozeman, MT and it is well worth the drive. The trail starts out with a green, then builds into intermediate and expert trails. I’ve yet to venture too far into the trails, but have found plenty of fun to be had on the green trail loop. This summer I look forward to biking deeper into the other trails.

Below are some pictures of the trail, and here are some links to my gear:

Trek Roscoe 6 - https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/roscoe/roscoe-6/p/24011/
Dakine Backpack - https://www.dakine.com/collections/backpacks
Smith Optics - https://www.smithoptics.com/us/Root/Men%27s/Sunglasses/c/1100?inStockOnly=on
Helmet - https://www.rei.com/c/bike-helmets
Shoes - https://www.amazon.com/adidas-BY9728-Iniki-Runner/dp/B074H96WNP

1/18/2021 Update: It is now MLK day weekend in mid-January and we are still biking in Bozeman, MT. This winter has been quite unusual and while we are usually strapping our skis on to go skiing during this time, this year we are riding our mountain bikes at Copper City. It has been fun to be able to ride the trails for such an extended season this year and I hope it continues. This year, it just might be possible to ride in every month of the year out at Copper City if the warm weather continues. It leaves me split between praying for snow, or praying for dry dirt. Either way it is great to be able to have such fun activities to enjoy regardless of the weather in Bozeman.