more stats
4.8 miles
Distance
2,010 ft
Climb
-25 ft
Descent
01:40:04
Avg time
1,987 ft
Altitude change
7,064 ft
Altitude min
9,051 ft
Altitude max
7,064 ft
Altitude start
9,052 ft
Altitude end
7.9%
Grade
-15.7%
Grade max
32.7%
Grade min
4 miles
Distance climb
1,214 ft
Distance down
1,670 ft
Distance flat
01:40:04
Avg time

Red Canyon Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
    • Dirtbike/Moto
  • Riding Area
    Madison Range
    Big Sky, Montana
  • Ref Number
    #205
  • AKA
    Red-Cub
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Local Popularity
    75 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in E-Biking
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
    • 5 in Dirtbiking
    • 5 in Horseback
  • Global Ranking
    #83868 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #293581 in Trail Running
    • #247649 in Hiking
    • #3625 in Dirtbiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 3
  • Land Owner
    National Forest

One of the best descents in the West Yellowstone/Big Sky/Bozeman area, when it's dry and not torn up by horses and motos. Melts out fairly early in the season. Sometimes shuttled via Teepee Creek Road and a crappy 4-wheeler trail, but simply climbing Red Canyon will take far less time and effort. Almost all of the 30+ switchbacks are doable up and down for an expert rider, and intermediates might appreciate the practice on this well built trail. Closest store from the trailhead is pretty far, so make sure you leave a cooler full of beverages in the car. Motorcycle/e-bike allowed July 16 onward.

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
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6 Months
  • 0 rides
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All
  • 14 rides
  • Last: Sep 1, 2025
c1c2c3c4
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Red Canyon Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jul 14, 2025 @ 2:20pm
Jul 14, 2025
 Wildflowers
Mar 22, 2025 @ 11:45am
Mar 22, 2025
Sep 29, 2023 @ 6:45pm
Sep 29, 2023
 Great trail with spectacular views. All clear with a few wet spots to walk around to save the trail. Very cool route up the canyon, A+ to the...
Oct 16, 2022 @ 11:31am
Oct 16, 2022
Jul 18, 2022 @ 7:12am
Jul 18, 2022
 Trail was great thanks to the trail volunteered!. Looks like that early season Yellowstone rain event had a little hand in this area as well. ...
more »
Status:
on Jul 14, 2025
Dry
Avg: 4.11 (2 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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        Directions to red-canyon trailhead (44.840850, -111.203750)

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        Frequently Asked Questions About Red Canyon

        ▼ Where is Red Canyon located?
        Red Canyon is located in Madison Range, Big Sky, Montana, United States. It is part of the Madison Range trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 44.84085, -111.20375.
        ▼ How hard is Red Canyon?
        Red Canyon is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 7.9%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Red Canyon?
        Red Canyon has 2,010 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 25 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 7,064 ft to 9,051 ft.
        ▼ Is Red Canyon a point to point trail?
        Red Canyon is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.

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