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Rattlesnake Main Trailhead
Missoula's riding is divided into several distinct zones. The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, located just north of town, offers a true wilderness feel with smooth, fast singletrack climbing into the high country. Pattee Canyon, on the southeast edge of town, is heavily forested and features the MoZ trail, a local favorite that is often the first to melt out in the spring.
Blue Mountain, to the south, is rockier and more technical, with trails that are shared with motorized users, resulting in deep berms and challenging climbs. Marshall Mountain is the newest addition, a county park featuring purpose-built, downhill-only flow and jump trails. Access to all Missoula systems is free, managed primarily by the US Forest Service and Missoula County.
Must-Ride Trail: The Sheep Mountain Loop (Rattlesnake) is a 25-mile backcountry epic that requires serious stamina and rewards you with massive views.
Visitor Access
- Total Mileage: 100+ miles across all systems
- Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
- Season: May through October (Pattee Canyon melts out earlier)
Confirm current trail conditions, seasonal closures, and land-manager rules before you ride. Carry bear spray on remote and alpine routes.