16.7 miles
Distance
3,351 ft
Climb
-2,946 ft
Descent
2 miles
High Point
405 ft
Altitude change
6,456 ft
Altitude min
6,570 ft
Altitude start
6,975 ft
Altitude end
0.5%
Grade
-52.1%
Grade max
43.1%
Grade min
9 miles
Distance climb
6 miles
Distance down
4,140 ft
Distance flat

Bring bear spray

A classic loop on mostly well built singletrack. Starts and ends at the extremely popular tourist hiking spot "Ousel Falls Trail", but the rest will be all yours. The loop can be done in either direction, but most people will prefer climbing Second Yellow Mule instead of First. The descent down First consists of some extremely high speed sections in tight, sometimes rutted, singletrack. Terrible when wet, although Second has less of the gumbo clay soils.

Detailed Description
The Mules is a 17 mile moderately popular intermediate route located near Big Sky Montana. This mountain bike only route can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 7 trails. This route climbs 3,351 ft with a max elevation of 9,495 ft then descends -2,946 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Aug 26, 2023)
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Big Sky Community Organization (www.bscomt.org)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
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Trail Products

Stats

  • Distance
    17 miles
  • Avg time
    2 hr 55 min
  • Altitude min
    6,456 ft
  • Altitude start
    6,570 ft
  • Altitude end
    6,975 ft
  • Climb
    3,351 ft
  • Descent
    -2,946 ft
  • Grade
    0.5%
  • Grade max
    -52.1%
  • Grade min
    43.1%
  • Distance climb
    9 miles
  • Distance down
    6 miles
  • Distance flat
    4,140 ft

10 Reviews & Comments


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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Big Sky
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Hard
  • Ridelogs
    34
Avg: 3.35 (3 votes)
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    • Singletrack
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    Photos

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    Recent Trail Reports Along Route

    statustraildateconditiondescription
    First Yellow Mule
    Jun 7, 2026 @ 8:45am (America/Denver)
    Jun 7, 2026
    		Giant tree lying in the first creek crossing, needs a chainsaw
    Second Yellow Mule
    Jun 3, 2026 @ 3:20pm (America/Denver)
    Jun 3, 2026
    		Dry and cleared of trees up to the bottom of the switchbacks. Several trees still to cut above there. Snow blocks trail about 1.5 miles from the ridge.
    Buck Ridge
    Mar 22, 2025 @ 11:45am
    Mar 22, 2025
    Buck Ridge
    Aug 26, 2023 @ 12:56am
    Aug 26, 2023
    more reports »
    • By elsquatchoTF Pro & contributors
    • #13368 - 2,303 views

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