The “M” Trail

Miles:  .75

Elevation Gain:  620ft.  (3200ft.-3820ft.)

            You can access this trailhead by taking 6^th street.  Drive east on 6^th until you enter the University area.  You will be forced to take a left on Maurice Ave.  Take your first right thereafter onto Campus Drive.  After about a half mile take a left into the trailhead parking lot.

            This is a great trail and can be quite satisfying if you’re limited on time.  The trail is steep but if you pace yourself it’s not impossible to be at the “M” within thirty minutes.  There are some rest points throughout the trail if the grade change gets to be too much. 

            This is a must do trail if you are visiting Missoula and especially if you live here and have not made the ascent.  The views of the University are captivating and can be quite entertaining watching all the activity down below which appears miles away.  The “M” is also a great spot to watch the Griz football team take on competitors.

Kim Williams Nature Trail

Miles:  2.5+/-

Elevation:  Flat

            You can access this trailhead by taking 6th street.  Drive east on 6^th until you enter the University area.  You will be forced to take a left on Maurice Ave.  When you approach the stop sign go straight into the parking lot. 

            This trail can be quite refreshing; as you can take in fresh air and get some exercise without traveling too far from home and without having to hike up to the top of a mountain.  The trail is wide and flat, therefore accommodating to all walks of life from runners to individuals whom require wheelchairs. 

            The river flows next to the trail the whole way and there are numerous opportunities from the trail to view the river.  Keep an eye out for wildlife along the Kim Williams trail, it is habitat for deer, bear, mountain lions and various kinds of fowl.

            The Kim Williams trail was once an old railroad line and was named after a local Missoula naturalist. 

Hellgate Canyon Trail

Miles:  3.4 (from the start of the Kim Williams trail to the summit of Mt. Sentinel)

Elevation Gain:  1958ft.  (3200ft.-5158ft.)

            You can access this trailhead by taking 6th street.  Drive east on 6^th until you enter the University area.  You will be forced to take a left on Maurice Ave.  When you approach the stop sign go straight into the parking lot. 

            This is an awesome approach to the summit of Mt. Sentinel.  The grade is less than that of the west approach to the top from the “M” trail.  From the Kim Williams trail you will hike about a mile then veer right as you hit the Hellgate Canyon trailhead.  Here, you will start your ascent on the east face of the mountain.  The views become more and more spectacular the higher up the hill you go.  The Clark Fork River, East Missoula and the Rattlesnake valley all become visible as you go further up the trail.  The Hellgate Canyon trail traverses a little more than two miles to reach the Crazy Canyon Road, after which there is a short steep climb to the summit of Mt. Sentinel. 

            This climb is another “must do” if you live in Missoula.  The views from the top of Mt. Sentinel are fantastic.  The Rattlesnake Wilderness Mountains are very grandiose from here, and Lolo Peak is quite memorable from here as well.  Hiking to the top of Mt. Sentinel is highly recommended.

Crazy Canyon Trail

Miles:  2.9

Elevation Gain:  1258ft. (3900ft.-5158ft.)

            This trail can be accessed from the intersection of Higgins Avenue, South West Higgins Avenue and Pattee Canyon Road.  Travel 3.1 miles east up Pattee Canyon Road and take a left at the parking lot, where you will find the trailhead.  The trail is also a road that is not used very much, except by individuals with permits.  The road will most likely be gated off.

            This is another highly recommended hike for the local Missoulian.  In fact, it’s probably the easiest route to the summit of Mt. Sentinel.  The first 2.6 miles is a gradual slope where you may encounter some wildlife, such as deer, or watch some hawks float high above looking for those tiny mice scurrying for shelter.  This is a nice laid back hike  most of the way until you reach the last quarter mile.  Here, the trail becomes quite steep but the struggle is well worth it. 

            This climb is another “must do” if you live in Missoula.  The views from the top of Mt. Sentinel are fantastic.  The Rattlesnake Wilderness Mountains are very grandiose, and Lolo Peak is quite memorable from here as well.  Hiking to the top of Mt. Sentinel is highly recommended.

Sam Braxton National Recreation Area

Miles:  3.4+/-

Elevation Gain:  350ft. (4100ft.-4450ft.)

            This trail can be accessed from the intersection of Higgins Avenue, South West Higgins Avenue and Pattee Canyon Road.  Travel 4 miles east up Pattee Canyon Road and take a right into the trailhead parking lot.

            This system of trails is great if you’re short on time and your dogs need to run before they drive you crazy.  The trail is not very strenuous and can be enjoyed by all at any level of expertise.  Grab a map, as these trails can become confusing.  However, it’s pretty hard to get lost in the southern part of the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area.  Enjoy the woods, as some of these pines are very large.  The Sam Braxton National Recreation area was named after a well-known local Missoula outdoorsman. 

North Side Trails

Miles:  3+/-

Elevation Gain: 100ft. (4100ft.-4200ft.)

            This trail can be accessed from the intersection of Higgins Avenue, South West Higgins Avenue and Pattee Canyon Road.  Travel 3.6 miles east up Pattee Canyon Road and take a left into the picnic area parking lot which is only open in the summer.  If you decide to use these trails in the winter, you may park a short distance up the road to the right as the pavement comes to an end.

            This is a good spot to take the family or a small group for a picnic.  After the meal you have 3+ miles of trail to explore.  This is also a good spot for a mellow hike.  The terrain is very mild and there is little elevation gain so almost anyone can enjoy this hike.

            Meadow loop trail is a 2.2 mile trail and is used as a cross-country ski trail.  During winter, the loop turns into a 3.2 mile trail because the parking lot is closed so there is an extra mile to reach the beginning of the trail.

            This site is unique in the fact that it was once used by soldiers based in Fort Missoula as a firing range.  Enjoy this area, as it is a favorite among Missoula residents.

South Side Trails

Miles:  2.4

Elevation Gain: 100ft. (4100ft.-4200ft.)

            This trail can be accessed from the intersection of Higgins Avenue, South West Higgins Avenue and Pattee Canyon Road meet travel 4 miles east up Pattee Canyon Road.  The trailhead parking lot is on your right hand side. 

            These trails are designed for cross-country skiers to enjoy during winter.  It can be a ton of fun during summer as well, and a great work out.  This is another favorite spot for the Missoula local, there are beginning to advanced trails, so the whole family can enjoy this area.  The trails are pretty well marked so you will know the difficulty rating for the trails.  However, it is recommended that you take a look at the map at the beginning of the trailhead.  Be courteous of others and have a great time in Pattee Canyon.