Montana · Mountain biking · Riverside

Sheppards Shortcut (Xc)

0.2 mi
distance
14 ft
climb
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Sheppards Shortcut (Xc) open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Custer Gallatin National Forest. It doesn't name Sheppards Shortcut (Xc), so check the source for the area it covers (16 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Custer Gallatin National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Sheppards Shortcut (Xc) is a short mountain biking route in the Hebgen Lake Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is only about 0.16 miles long, with a one-way climb of 14 feet from a starting elevation of about 6,711 feet to a high point near 6,738 feet. Summer is the most comfortable time to ride. Typical July highs reach about 80°F with lows near 39°F, according to averages from a nearby weather station at a similar elevation. Winters there are harsh, with January highs around 27°F and lows near 0°F. The shortcut sits among several other outdoor spots. Tele Hill and Sheppard's Shortcut, both cross-country skiing routes, are each about 0.1 miles away, and Wolverine Way (Xc), another mountain biking route, is about 0.1 miles off. For a longer outing, Hebgen Lake District offers lake fishing about 1.9 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Sheppards Shortcut (Xc)

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      27° / 0°

    2. Feb

      31° / 1°

    3. Mar

      40° / 9°

    4. Apr

      48° / 21°

    5. May

      59° / 29°

    6. Jun

      68° / 34°

    7. Jul

      80° / 39°

    8. Aug

      78° / 36°

    9. Sep

      68° / 30°

    10. Oct

      51° / 21°

    11. Nov

      36° / 11°

    12. Dec

      26° / 3°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at W Yellowstone Gateway, MT, 1.9 mi away at 6,679 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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