HIT THE TRAIL

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES HIT THE TRAIL

Welcome to 360 degrees of awesome via Missoula’s astonishingly vast network of hiking and biking trails. You can pace yourself according to elevation gain and distance and there are trailheads almost everywhere: along the riverfront or at the base of any mountain or foothill. You’re rewarded with views of snowcapped peaks, the shape of the river as it carves through downtown, profusions of wildflowers, and likely even a few deer. Take your pick from switchbacks galore as well as trails hugging the edges of hillsides.

Catch the sunrise from one of Missoula’s many peaks and watch the valley take its morning bath in mesmerizing early light. The birdsongs and dew-drenched grasses make it all worthwhile. You can bookend your day with a breathtaking portrait of the sunset from yet another mountaintop, giving new meaning to the phrase “paint the town.” By foot or on wheels, Missoula has a path with your name on it. Many, actually.

BIKING With easy and immediate access available to all forms of biking, Missoula’s cycling culture is on the rise. Hundreds of miles of biking trails crisscross the land and offer stunning vistas.

Major mountain biking trail systems run through the Rattlesnake Recreation Area, Pattee Canyon and Blue Mountain, offering miles of single track only minutes from downtown. The Clark Fork Riverfront Trail System links to biking trails in the Deer Creek and Marshall Mountain areas. Ride the chairlift up and bike down at Montana Snowbowl Ski Area.

Competitive riders race in leagues, regular trail series and cyclocross. There are also several competitive race teams in Missoula.

Those interested in the more social aspect of biking join regular organized rides. Missoula’s bike lanes and extensive pathway system allow for stress-free bike commuting through town.

The Bitterroot Trail is a 50-mile paved path that connects Missoula and Hamilton. It is a perfect way to explore the charming towns along the way, complete with amazing views of the Bitterroot Mountains.

ZIP LINING For the dry-land thrill seeker, or anyone who craves the sensation of flying, Montana Snowbowl ski area boasts a dizzying collection of zip lines in the summer that will pump your adrenaline into overdrive.

RUNNING The Missoula Marathon was ranked the #1 marathon in the U.S. by BibRave and The Runner’s Edge in downtown Missoula was named the Best Running Store in the U.S. It’s safe to say, Missoula loves to run. And with all the trails and wide-open spaces, it’s no wonder. As many as 40 organized races are held here each year, where Run Wild Missoula is a way of life.

 MOUNT SENTINEL. TAYLAR ROBBINS

Top 10 Bike-Friendly Cities

in the U.S. PlacesforBikes

#1 MARATHON IN AMERICA

BibRave, 2018