Johnson Canyon

 

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High Resolution Topo Maps

 

This is a brand-new trail cut summer 2016.  It starts at the Johnson Canyon trailhead and gains altitude at a nice mellow rate.  The trail is a comfortable width (~3ft) and is mostly free of rocks and roots.  As you continue to climb up towards the top, scenic views will present themselves for brief moments before the trail disappears back into the forest.  This is a great trail for beginner to intermediate riders looking for a fun but still challenging trail.  Due to the fact that this a brand-new trail, check your speed in the switchbacks, as well as some of the curved sections that weave through trees right off the trail.  These sections are either flat with no berm/bank or are off-chamber and will want to pull your wheels off the trail.  It is a steady climb from the trailhead and gains about 1,300  feet over 4.5 miles.  It is recommended to stop and turn around at 4.5 miles unless you are willing to climb back up the following downhill, which is much steeper than the initial climb.  If you choose to venture beyond 4.5 mile marker you are greeted with very fast, exposed, steep descent into North Cottonwood canyon.  Once you hit the bridge at the bottom of the descent into North Cottonwood you will need to turn around and head back from the way you came. 

 

Driving Directions:

            From Bozeman drive, north on 7th Avenue (Frontage Road) to Springhill Road.  Turn right at the light and continue north on Springhill Road.  Drive 18 miles on Springhill Road (it will become Rocky Mountain Road approximately 11 miles where the pavement ends).  Turn right about 18 miles towards Johnson Canyon Trailhead.  There will be a brown rectangular sign on the right designating “Johnson Canyon”.  Drive for approximately 2 miles and there will be a slightly makeshift trailhead on the left side (slightly lower than the road).  Park here and leaving from the parking lot ride across the road and there is a small marker where the singletrack begins.

 

Google Maps Driving Directions (IOS and Android compatible)