Lizard Lakes

Total Miles 4.7
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Summer, Fall
Trail Type Single Track
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

The Lizard Lakes single track goes through the Gallatin National Forest for 5 miles until the border with the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. It starts at the intersection of Cinnamon Trail and Dead Horse Creek Trail. The beginning is easy, being fast and flowy through grassy meadows on a narrow single track. The trail goes between tall skinny pine trees. It gets more technical as you head west. There are a couple of tight switchbacks in the beginning. They are smooth, but steep and tight. It side-hills across open gradual slopes and follows the wooden poles that are along the trail to mark the route. The trail goes through some shallow ruts and has lots of roots in the treed sections. There are more switchbacks that are moderately difficult. You get really awesome views of the surrounding peaks and wilderness area as it traverses across the mountain slopes. On the west end, there is a more difficult sustained rockier climb that is steep and full of loose rocks and roots. You have to keep your momentum for this long technical climb. Inexperienced riders will be spinning up this hill and pinging off the rocks. It ends at the intersection with Inspiration Divide, which you can take up to a view over the valley. Lizard Lakes is open to motorized use 7/16 - 12/1.

Photos of Lizard Lakes

Difficulty

This is an intermediate trail due to several technical switchbacks, and a long sustained rocky climb that requires some technical skill. The east end of the trail is easier.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

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Truman West
Jul 26, 2025
Open
Beautiful trail with some of the best views in the big sky area! Some really technical rocky and rooty areas including one area with some decent exposure. Road this trail on July 26th and there were two trees down over the trail, we managed to get our bikes over these two, but a chainsaw would be helpful. Saw some me elk tracks and bear scat on the trail, but otherwise saw no signs of recent traffic on the upper portion of the trail.

Lizard Lakes Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track

Lizard Lakes Map

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