Crosscut Trail System

Explore the neighborhood this season

With over 45km of cross country and narrow-gauge trails maintained seven days a week, Crosscut Mountain Sports Center is the Bozeman community’s best location for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. From wide-groomed cross country trails, to narrow-gauge trails perfect for fatbiking and snowshoeing, it’s easy to find the ideal terrain for your snowy adventure or winter workout.

To learn more about ways to recreate this season, explore our winter activity offerings.

Crosscut’s trail system is marked with signs, and many junctions have a trail map posted for on-the-ground navigation. But it never hurts to take a peek at our winter Trail Map before hitting the slopes. If you plan on fat biking or snowshoeing, consider downloading the Narrow Gauge Trail Map before you head out.

Nordic skiing is allowed on all trails. Fat biking and snowshoeing are allowed on narrow gauge trails only. The narrow gauge trails are also great for classic skiing, but a bit narrow for skate skiing.

Looking for information on our summer trails?

Check out the descriptions below for detailed trail information.

Navigate Crosscut’s trail systems with confidence on your smartphone. Two interactive mobile app options allow you to view, explore, and navigate all 45k of our summer and winter trails and facilities.

Avenza is a free mobile map app. Trailforks is free for all users who live within 38 miles of Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. These two interactive, easy-to-use options make navigating Crosscut a breeze, year-round!

And, as always, we’re here to answer your questions — drop us a line or give us a ring.

Our programs are held on the ancestral homelands of the Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot), Apsaalooké (Crow), Salish Kootenai, Cheyenne, and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux) peoples. We honor the past, present, and future of these Indigenous groups, and acknowledge their role as caretakers to this land.

Hikers And Trail Runners:

Hiking and trail running are not allowed on the Crosscut trails in winter. Olsen Creek, 2 miles to the south of Crosscut, and South Fork of Brackett, Creek 2 mile to the north, offer excellent opportunities for those interested in these activities.

Suggested Trail Routes

Crosscut’s Favorites

Loops, out-and-backs, lollipops, and more… We have curated our eight favorite jaunts below. With four beginner options, two intermediate options, and two variations for those looking to push their limits, there’s truly something for everyone. Each of these routes connect a series of trails to create a special experience.

Forsythe Loop

(Includes segments of: Five Rings + Forsythe Meadow + Crosscut Return)

2.2 km/1.4 miles | 179 ft total climb and total descent | 2-way route that starts at the Nordic Center

“Nice and easy” best describes this loop. Perfect for the beginner skier, or anyone wanting a gentle ski through aspens and the edge of a meadow.

Elevational Profile:

Lighted Loop

1.7km/1.0 miles | 123 ft total climb and total descent | 2-way route that starts at the Nordic Center

This 2km route includes the first section of Five Rings, descends a short section of the Crosscut Loop to a landmark known as Four Corners, and then takes the Crosscut Return back to the Nordic Center. The Lighted Loop starts and finishes at the Nordic Center.

Meadow Loop

(Includes segments of: North Bangtail + Meadow + S. Bangtail)

3.4km/2.1 miles | 273 ft total climb and total descent | 1-way route that starts at the Nordic Center

A beautiful, easy route that circumnavigates the edges of a picturesque meadow in a true loop. The Meadow Loop has a few rolling hills, passing by the Warming Shelter before returning towards Jane’s Gate. This one-directional loop is a green trail with one blue feature — don’t be surprised by Whiskey Gulch! A fun dip and small climb to the “Whiskey Gulch” intersection, and a second small rollercoaster as you begin your return to Jane’s Gate.

Elevational Profile:

Crosscut Loop

(Starts and finishes at the Pumphouse on Five Rings Trail)

2km/1.3 miles | 115 ft total climb and total descent | 2-way trail

Perfect for beginners, this trail is relatively flat and provides lovely scenery as it passes through beautiful aspen groves and around a great big meadow called the Forsythe Meadow. This trail is two-way — look out for other skiers and keep to the right around corners.

Elevational Profile:

Montagne’s Meander

(Starts and finishes at the Lookout)

1.8km/1.1 miles | 148 ft total climb and total descent | 1-way trail

Montagne’s Meander is the alternative trail going out from Lookout Point. This trail loops back close to Lookout, following beautiful, rolling terrain through lodgepole forests as it circumnavigates a high point known as Downey’s Butte. Montagne’s Meander is mostly one-directional, with a short section of two-way traffic. Always be aware of other skiers and your surroundings.

Elevational Profile:

Aspen Loop

(Starts and finishes at the Pumphouse and utilizes Five Rings + Aspen + Forsythe + Crosscut)

2.1km/1.2 miles | 190 ft total climb and total descent | 2-way trail

A favorite intermediate loop, with rolling hills and beautiful stretches through old growth Aspen groves.

Elevational Profile:

Logger’s Loop

(Includes segments of: One Way + Warming Shelter + Going Out + Logger’s + Meadow + Going Home)

10.2km/6.3 miles | 981 ft total climb and total descent | 1-way route that starts at the Nordic Center

A relatively steady climb from the base area all the way past past Moose Junction, brings you to the South Fork of Brackett Creek logging road. Once on the old road, Logger’s is relatively flat for a couple of kilometers, before making another short climb to the high point. Then, you’ll have earned the fun, long downhill stretch back to Times Square, above the Warming Shelter. Note that Logger’s “Loop” doesn’t make a true loop, as it begins and ends in different locations. Recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Elevational Profile:

Outer Perimeter

(Includes segments of: North Bangtail, Meadow, Lookout, Going Out, Logger’s, Norway, Logger’s Return, Five Rings, South to Sweden, Aspen, Crosscut Loop, Bridger Creek)

16.22km/10.1 miles | 1496 ft total climb and total descent | 1-way route that starts at the Nordic Center

Linking all the perimeter trails together allows intermediate and advanced skiers to experience a sampling of the best Crosscut has to offer.  The total outer perimeter distance loop is about 15.5 km, a route that covers gently rolling terrain as well as challenging climbs and descents.

Elevational Profile:

Groomed Ski Trail Descriptions

Terrain and trails for Nordic skiers of all abilities

Our cross country trails are ideal for skate and classic skiing, beginners and experts alike. With 35 kilometers of trail groomed daily, multiple segments can be looped or combined for endless opportunities to experience the fun, the thrill, and the joy of Nordic skiing in a uniquely beautiful mountain setting.

• Jump to descriptions of Green-Blue Trails

• Jump to descriptions of Intermediate Trails

• Jump to descriptions of Blue-Black Trails

• Jump to descriptions of Expert Trails

North Bangtail

0.9 km / 0.6 miles

Meander through pretty pine and aspen groves, climbing gently to the intersection of Jane’s Gate. To access North Bangtail from the base area, climb gently and then take the first trail intersection on the right hand side. This is a one-way trail.

0.35 km / 0.2 miles — Learn how to pronounce Cheétawaxaawe

Cheétawaxaawe (pronounced “Chay-tuh-we-ka-wah”) is the Apsáalooke (Crow) place name for what we now call the Bridger Mountains. Cheétawaxaawe translates to “Wolf Mountains” in English. The Gallatin Valley has been an important place for tribal communities for thousands of years, and tribal communities knew the Wolf Mountains well. Many tribes came from every direction during the summer to hunt, gather plants and other materials, and trade with each other. The long, cold winters and hundreds of beaver dams were hallmarks of the Gallatin Valley. These factors combined to make the area a seasonal destination for people, bison, elk and deer. Because of this, the Gallatin Valley has always been a place of seasonal confluence and cultural exchange. Cheétawaxaawe is a two-way trail that winds through groves of aspen and conifer trees.

0.35 km / 0.2 miles

Love Lane was named after Eric Love, Crosscut’s founder and long-serving Board Chair, who died tragically in the summer of 2022. This two-way trail is one of the most beautiful trails at Crosscut traversing sections of open meadow and shimmering aspen groves. We invite those who knew and loved Eric to spend time on all the Crosscut trails reflecting on his incredible life and legacy.

Oneway

1.5 km / 0.9 miles

This one-way green (beginner) trail begins just past the biathlon range and is a gradual uphill climb, and the most direct route to Jane’s Gate.

Meadow Loop

0.4 km / 0.2 miles

A beautiful, easy route that circumnavigates the edges of a picturesque meadow in a true loop. The Meadow Loop has a few rolling hills, passing by the Warming Shelter before returning towards Jane’s Gate. This loop is a one-way green trail with one blue feature — don’t be surprised by Whiskey Gulch! A fun dip and small climb to the “Whiskey Gulch” intersection, and a second small rollercoaster as you begin your return to Jane’s Gate.

Warming Shelter

0.4 km / 0.2 miles

The most direct route from the base to the Warming Shelter. This two-way trail cuts through the middle of the meadow, and can get a bit breezy, but offers a spectacular view of Ross Peak.

Going Home

0.4 km / 0.2 miles

Sweet relief! This is a short, one-way trail that’s downhill all the way. It is the most direct route from Jane’s Gate to the Base Area/Nordic Center. Enjoy the descent.

Forsythe Meadow Trail

0.6 km / 0.3 miles

This beautiful, easy loop is a good beginner trail. It doesn’t pass through the historic Forsythe Meadow; instead, it travels around the meadow’s edge through lovely aspens and evergreens. The Forsythe Meadow was formerly a property known as the Forsythe Ranch; the upper end of the meadow was the site of the original Crosscut Lodge in the early 1980s.

2.1 km / 1.3 miles

Perfect for beginners, this trail is relatively flat and provides lovely scenery as it passes through beautiful aspen groves and around a great big meadow called the Forsythe Meadow. Climbing out of the meadow this trail gets a bit more challenging and turns into a blue trail traversing up and over the skier bridge. This trail is two-way — look out for other skiers and keep to the right around corners.

1.6 km / 1 mile

Named for the five Olympic rings, this trail descends from Whiskey Gulch, through an open meadow. It continues on a fun downhill path all the way to the Pumphouse, then returns to the Nordic Center. The final section of Five Rings is part of the lighted loop for nighttime skiing. This trail is two-way — look out for other skiers and keep to the right around corners.

Intermediate (Blue) Trails

0.32 km / 0.2 miles

0.2km / 0.14 miles

Ermine Slide is a one-way trail of pure, fun downhill. We named this trail after one of the most beloved creatures of the Crosscut ecosystem. Ermine, or short-tailed weasels, belong to the Mustelid family consisting of many carnivorous mammals. These fierce predators are prevalent at Crosscut. During the winter, they invade tunnels beneath the snow to hunt smaller mammals and are known to exhibit a special dance to mesmerize their prey. Staff and guests of Crosscut find joy in identifying their tracks across the snow all winter long. Keep your eye out for Ermine tracks and tunnels as you ski this trail!

0.2km / 0.15 miles

Ohkanaomowoo is a one-way trail that traverses through a conifer corridor. Ohkanaomowoo is a Piikani (Blackfeet) word meaning “Gather Together from All Over.” Crosscut aspires to create positive community atmosphere and invite folks to gather at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. This trail name honors the Piikani people who historically hunted and gathered in the Bridger Mountains and Gallatin Valley and their descendants who feel deep connection to the land.

0.5 km / 0.27 miles

Flyway trail was named in recognition of the Bridger Flyway. The Bridger Flyway is an important migration route for thousands of raptors every fall, most notably the Golden Eagle. Most migrants that fly over the Bridgers are making their way from Canada or Alaska to as far south as Central and South America. The flyway is noted for the largest concentration of Golden Eagles in the lower 48 states (up to 1,900 birds in a season!) with peak activity occurring in mid-October. The Bridgers not only provide important habitat for our resident wildlife, but also attract and support a notable abundance and diversity of southbound raptors each fall. Flyway is a two-way trail through Douglas fir trees. This trail is also an important part of our network of race-ready trails. and has two cutoff trails — Golden Eagle Cutoff and Great Horned Owl Cutoff — than can be used to dial in the exact length of race courses for different race events.

0.6 km / 0.3 miles

Lookout Trail is a one-way route through rolling terrain, with a steady climb up to the “Lookout” highpoint — drink your hot chocolate at the Lookout picnic table while soaking in the view looking south down the canyon. Just downhill from the Warming Shelter, you can take the connector trail to Lookout, or keep more distance and approach via the longer way (via Whiskey Gulch). This connector trail is a short climb but fairly steep climb; look for the signpost which points to the right, or North, and says “Lookout.”

Montagne’s Meander

1.8 km / 1.1 miles

Montagne’s Meander is the alternative trail going out from Lookout Point. This trail loops back close to Lookout, following beautiful, rolling terrain through lodgepole forests as it circumnavigates a high point known as Downey’s Butte. Montagne’s Meander is mostly one-directional, with a short section of two-way traffic. Always be aware of other skiers and your surroundings.

0.4 km / 0.2 miles

Brackett Return is a gradual climb and short descent. This short, one-way trail segment connects the end of the more difficult section of the Brackett Creek Loop with Times Square, the major junction at the bottom of Logger’s.

1 km / 0.6 miles

Slightly more challenging than North Bangtail, with a few steeper downhill sections and a short climb near the end, South Bangtail is a one-way downhill segment that takes you from Jane’s Gate back to the base area.

Aspen

1.6 km / 1 mile

Aspen Trail is a Crosscut favorite, a rolling trail that meanders through our most gorgeous old-growth aspen groves. This trail has two-way traffic so watch for other skiers. Aspen Trail can be accessed from South Bangtail or Five Rings.

Logger’s

4.1 km / 2.5 miles

Leaving Moose Junction, this trail climbs gradually for about one kilometer before taking a hairpin turn onto what used to be a logging road — the feature that gives Logger’s its name. The trail is a continuation of the South Fork of Brackett Creek Road, which begins at the Brackett Creek “Y” about two miles north of Crosscut on Bridger Canyon Road.

Between the junctions at the beginning and end of the Norway Trail, Logger’s is considered two-way traffic.The rest of Logger’s is one-directional.

Once on the old logging road section, Logger’s is relatively flat, with a final climbing “S” turn before reaching the high point. It’s all downhill from there. Watch for a fairly sharp left hand turn near the bottom as you approach the Times Square intersection.

0.7 km / 0.4 miles

A fun, mostly-downhill straightaway between the Times Square and Whiskey Gulch intersections.

Rollercoaster

0.4 km / 0.2 miles

This intermediate, blue trail is fairly short and includes rolling hills. It begins at Five Rings and intersects the Aspen Trail. This is the first section of what will become a paved “roller-ski” loop for summer training.

1.0 km / 0.6 miles

Bridger Creek is a new-in-2020, two-directional trail that begins off of the Crosscut Return (Lighted loop below the lower parking lot) and intersects the Crosscut Loop at the north edge of the Forsythe Meadow. You can also access this trail from the Lower Parking lot and ski south to the Crosscut side of the property. Or follow it north to the Base Area/Nordic Center.

Blue-Black Trail

2.5 km / 0.2 miles

Going Out Trail has two parts: an initial intermediate segment followed by a longer and more difficult segment. Going Out’s blue segment starts at Lookout Point. Its gently rolling terrain includes a spectacular view of Sacajawea Peak, before taking skiers to the “Point of No Return” trail intersection. As it crosses the Point of No Return intersection, the easier Going Out trail transitions to a more challenging route. Going Out’s black segment offers fun, rolling terrain through predominantly evergreen and aspen forests, with a fast downhill section and some sharp turns. Towards the end of Going Out there is a steady climb, crossing Brackett Creek, and climbing all the way up to Moose Junction. This is a great spot to catch your breath.

Expert (Black) Trails

0.5 km / 0.3 miles

This one-way expert trail starts at the north side of Montagne’s Meander. It is a steep, continuous climb up to the high point known as Downey’s Butte.  A very fun descent brings you back onto Montagne’s Meander. Weaving through the lodgepole forests, it is a cutoff across Montagne’s loop.

Going Out (black segment)

2.1 km / 1.3 miles

Going Out Trail has two parts: an initial intermediate segment followed by a longer and more difficult segment. Going Out’s black segment starts at the “Point of No Return” intersection. Going Out’s Black offers fun, rolling terrain through predominantly evergreen and aspen forests, with a fast downhill segment and some sharp turns. Towards the end of Going Out there is a steady climb, crossing Brackett Creek, and climbing all the way up to Moose Junction. This is a great spot to catch your breath.

1.5 km / 0.9 miles

This challenging one-way trail is just two kilometers long and makes a good option if you’re short on time or energy, rather than going all the way around Logger’s.

Norway

1.7 km / 1.1 miles

This figure-eight trail departs from Logger’s Loop. It involves a few short, steep climbs before making a fun, sweeping downhill that returns you onto Logger’s.

Amphitheater Hill

0.4 km / 0.2 miles

Beginning at the junction called Amphitheater, this challenging one-way trail is a steep climb from Five Rings up to Jane’s Gate. It is often used as part of collegiate races held at Crosscut — and is a great route to get your heart rate up.

South to Sweden

1.0 km / 0.6 miles

This trail is designed as a race course — very challenging, with steep climbs and fun, banked descents.

Narrow Gauge Trails

Venture into the snowy woods

These trails are groomed with a snowmobile to create a smoothed surface for fat biking, snowshoeing, and classic skiing. At around 10’ wide, they offer an intimate feeling of being out in the woods, traveling through the forest at a more leisurely pace. The narrow-gauge trails are perfect for looking at wildlife tracks in the snow, listening to the birds, watching the squirrels, and bringing your dog along for the adventure. This trail system begins and ends at the Nordic Center.

Narrow Gauge Trail Etiquette and Rules

• In places, the narrow gauge trails parallel and intersect groomed ski trails. Please be mindful that narrow gauge traffic yields to traffic on the main ski trails. Be on the lookout for caution signs reminding you of upcoming trail crossings.

• Narrow gauge trails are multi-use. Be prepared to encounter other trail users, whether they are fat bikers, snowshoers, or skiers.

• Fat biking enthusiasts: please check the daily grooming report before venturing out, since biking is restricted to firm snow conditions that will support bike travel.

• All narrow gauge trails are two-directional.

• There are two sections of narrow gauge trails — southern and northern. The outer perimeter of the entire southern and northern areas of the narrow gauge trail system make a 9-10k route. This route gives great variation in terrain and forest environment — everything from lodgepole pines and aspen groves to open meadows.

The southern section is approximately 4k in length, with two cutoff/connector trails that create opportunities for shorter loops besides the outer perimeter.

The northern section is a large figure eight, about 5k in distance, with its confluence just above the warming shelter.

The lower loop of the figure 8 travels up past Jane’s Gate, past the Warming Shelter, around the north side, and eventually returns on the south side about 3k later. You can also travel this same route in the opposite direction.

The upper section makes a 2k-long loop around Downey’s Butte with a cutoff/connector shortcut that would allow you to bypass a steeper section of trail if desired. The outermost perimeter of this upper loop is challenging, due to some steeper climbs and descents, and sharp turns.

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