Blue Mountain Trail System
Trail Guide
moderate

Blue Mountain Trail System

South Hills
15 miles
4.7/5
15 mi
Distance
2-3 hours
Duration
loop
Route Type
4.7/5
Rating
Trail Overview
Blue Mountain is Missoula's premier cross-country mountain biking destination, with over 30 miles of well-maintained trails ranging from gentle meadow loops to technical descents. The trail system sits on the south hills overlooking the city, offering big-sky views and excellent drainage. The Blue Mountain Recreation Area features popular trails like the Sawmill Gulch climb, the Waterworks descent, and the flowy Ridge Trail that rolls along the top of the mountain.
Distance
15 miles
Difficulty
moderate
Surface
Mixed Surface
Route Type
loop
Location
Blue Mountain Road, Missoula, MT 59804
Neighborhood
South Hills

Trail Tags

cross-countryflowybig-sky-viewswell-maintainedall-skill-levels
What to Expect on This Missoula Bike Trail

Highlight 1

30+ miles of interconnected cross-country trails

Highlight 2

Sawmill Gulch climb is a local fitness test

Highlight 3

Flowy Ridge Trail with rolling terrain and views

Highlight 4

Waterworks descent offers technical rock features

Highlight 5

One of the first trail systems to dry out in spring
Points of Interest Along the Way
30+ miles of trails
Big sky panoramic views
Well-maintained trail network
Multiple difficulty options
Excellent drainage
Best Times to Ride

Early Morning (7–10 AM)

The best time to ride in Missoula. Trails are fresh, temperatures are cooler at altitude, and you'll beat the afternoon crowds on popular routes like Maroon Bells.

Late Morning (10 AM–Noon)

Great for longer rides when fully acclimatized. Aim to be off exposed ridgelines by early afternoon as afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.

Avoid Afternoons in Summer

Missoula summers bring rapid afternoon thunderstorms, especially above treeline. Start early and plan to return before 2–3 PM. Always bring a rain layer.

Gear Up Before You Ride

Before hitting Blue Mountain Trail System, make sure you're fully prepared for high-altitude mountain biking. Check out our local Missoula bike shops for gear, mountain bike rentals, spare tubes, or a quick tune-up.

Missoula Cycling

Missoula's premier mountain bike shop, conveniently located near popular trailheads

Ute Mountaineer

Perfect for last-minute gear, trail maps, or a quick bike check before your ride

Safety Tips for Mountain Biking in Missoula, CO
  • •Wear a helmet: Always wear a properly fitted mountain bike helmet — Missoula trails are technical
  • •Acclimatize first: Missoula sits at 8,000 ft — give yourself 1-2 days to acclimatize before hard rides, especially if flying in
  • •Watch for thunderstorms: Afternoon summer storms build fast in the Rockies — start early and be off exposed terrain by 2 PM
  • •Bring water & snacks: High altitude increases dehydration. Bring more water than you think you need plus energy snacks
  • •Know wildlife etiquette: Missoula has bears, moose, and elk. Make noise on blind corners and know how to react to wildlife
Trail Location
Marker
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap

Blue Mountain Road, Missoula, MT 59804

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Current Weather
40°F
Partly Cloudy
5 mph
Wind
0 mm
Precipitation
Ride Conditions: Good

Decent riding conditions today.

Live data via Open-Meteo · Austin, TX

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