After a warm end to the month of March, April has started with a couple of wet, cold fronts that have slowed snow melt and brought some moisture back to the region. This bodes well for later in the summer, although it does put a bit of a damper on early-season riding. Nevertheless, it is important to stay patient, let the trails dry, and remember that the more restraint we show now, the better the riding will be, come summer.

This report is brought to you by our friends at Freshies Café. From now until Memorial Day, Freshies is donating $1 of every Mud Mocha they sell (pictured below) to raise more awareness about showing restraint during the shoulder season. Thanks to Freshies for keeping us caffeinated as we patiently wait for prime conditions! Head to their shop on Kagy and S. 3rd to grab mochas for the whole family. While you’re there, try a bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich—it’ll fuel any dirt-road ride or early-season singletrack.

And on that note, here’s the latest.

Copper City – Good to Go 
Rain on Thursday did cancel our group ride, but the trails needed the moisture and conditions should be perfect by Friday afternoon. We got reports that Destroying Angel has dried out after some lingering mud gave folks trouble last weekend. With the rain on Thursday, this might take longer to dry out than trails closer to the parking lot, so maybe wait until Saturday or Sunday to give it a go. If you’re there between 11am - 3pm Saturday or Sunday, stop by our table where we’ll have more hot beverages from the folks at Freshies.

Lewis & Clark – Good to Go
The Cave Gulch to Middle View to East Side loop is snow-free, although there is always a bit of moisture down low in the timbered section. Again, by Friday afternoon and certainly by the weekend, this should be 100% clear. Tack that loop onto a Copper City outing for a nice weekend.

Pipestone – Good to Go 
If you’re looking to get a little further afield, head out to Pipestone and get lost in the maze of motorized trails. This is a great place to take your e-bike. Route-finding can be a challenge, so tag along with someone who knows where they’re going if it is your first time out.

Town Trails – Muddy
While it seems like the lower-elevation trails in town should be good, they are still very muddy and the recent rain didn’t help. Please avoid riding, running, hiking, or walking on trails that are still very muddy. 

West Side Bridgers – Snow Covered
We’re likely still a few weeks out from anything on the west side of the Bridgers. While the hillside look dry from town, along the creeks where the trails are, there is still a lot of snow.

Gallatin Foothills – Just Look South
No, Leverich isn’t ready yet sadly. Most of the trails in the Gallatin foothills are primarily north-facing. That means they still aren’t getting much sun and the snow is lingering. If you’re itching to get up into the mountains, Hyalite Rd. is closed to car traffic and open to non-motorized users through May 16.

Big Sky – Still Ski Season
The resort is open for another week—go ski for a day! The trails are not clear and won’t be for a while yet. But the Big Sky Chapter does have big news—they’re building a new pump track at the Community Park! Help them kick off their fundraiser by stopping by the Town Center Plaza Fire Pit Thursday, April 15 from 5-8pm. Map Brewing and Hungry Moose market are providing beer and wine.

Dirt Roads – Prime
Southwest Montana is full of fantastic dirt-road riding, and this is the time of year to get after them. It isn’t dusty, there aren’t a lot of summer tourists, and temps are nice and cool. While we have some routes we like, if it’s dirt, it’ll be fun. Our suggestion is to go on a bit of a controlled adventure and find some loops you like. As always, respect private property, be mindful of changes in the weather, and note that many areas in the valley have bad cell service—be prepared with water and food, layers, and the necessary tools for basic mechanicals.