more stats
6.0 miles
Distance
59 ft
Climb
-4,036 ft
Descent
01:19:57
Avg time
-3,976 ft
Altitude change
3,179 ft
Altitude min
7,156 ft
Altitude max
7,156 ft
Altitude start
3,179 ft
Altitude end
-12.5%
Grade
-70.1%
Grade max
24.7%
Grade min
1,447 ft
Distance climb
6 miles
Distance down
663 ft
Distance flat
01:19:57
Avg time

Trail Details

  • Activities
    • Dirtbike/Moto
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
    • Observed Trials
  • Riding Area
    Columbia Falls
    , Montana
  • Ref Number
    #51
  • AKA
    #51
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    75 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 80 in E-Biking
    • 80 in Trail Running
    • 75 in Hiking
    • 85 in Dirtbiking
  • Global Ranking
    #43814 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #56573 in Trail Running
    • #58644 in Hiking
    • #859 in Dirtbiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    DH, AM, XC, Fat
  • Direction
    Both Directions
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Double Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 3

This is a classic high country single track full of roots and ruts. It's an excellent uphill moto track easily linked with the front side of Columbia mountain. It is bike-able but the trail design / flow is not ideal for MTB, though some say it's one of the best descents in Montana. I would disagree, but there's an easy 2-wheel-drive shuttle via Doris Creek that makes it a four to five hour ride. The views are epic, not to be missed.

Trail Supporters
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
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6 Months
  • 0 rides
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All
  • 17 rides
  • Last: Jun 27, 2026
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Columbia... Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jul 17, 2026 @ 1:32pm (America/Denver)
Jul 17, 2026
 Awesome! It looks like it was a pretty substantial tree clearing operation above the switchbacks along the steep south facing side hill section....
Jul 13, 2026 @ 5:54am (America/Denver)
Jul 13, 2026
 100% clear! Thanks to whoever cleared it.
Jun 17, 2026 @ 2:02pm (America/Denver)
Jun 17, 2026
Second attempt this season but no tree clearing yet above the switchback section. All clear and riding awesome from there on down. Tried going up...
Jun 5, 2026 @ 12:40pm (America/Denver)
Jun 5, 2026
 Someone has cleared the big trees up to around elevation 5,600’ near the top of the short switchback section. Just a few small trees to duck...
Aug 23, 2025 @ 9:46am
Aug 23, 2025
 Trail needs some work IMO. Way more overgrown and beat up by motos than when I rode it after FAMB did all the work to it 2 years ago. Think I’ll...
more »
Status:
on Jul 17, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 4.49 (8 votes)
Your vote: 0

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        Directions to columbia-mountain-backside trailhead (48.345180, -114.098830)

        Photos

        10 more »
        86 |
        Jul 29, 2022 @ 8:36am
        Jul 29, 2022
        85 |
        Jul 29, 2022 @ 8:36am
        Jul 29, 2022
        83 |
        Jul 29, 2022 @ 8:36am
        Jul 29, 2022
        63 |
        Jul 16, 2022 @ 9:25pm
        Jul 16, 2022

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        9 Reviews & Comments


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        Nearby Trails

        Columbia Falls

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        Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia Mountain back-side

        ▼ Where is Columbia Mountain back-side located?
        Columbia Mountain back-side is located in Columbia Falls, Montana, United States. It is part of the Columbia Falls trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 48.34518, -114.09883.
        ▼ How hard is Columbia Mountain back-side?
        Columbia Mountain back-side is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 12.5%. The climb difficulty is rated Double Black Diamond.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Columbia Mountain back-side?
        Columbia Mountain back-side has 59 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 4,036 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 3,179 ft to 7,156 ft.
        ▼ Is Columbia Mountain back-side a point to point trail?
        Columbia Mountain back-side is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.

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