Snowbowl Trail
Trail Guide
hard

Snowbowl Trail

Grant Creek
8 miles
4.5/5
8 mi
Distance
2-3 hours
Duration
loop
Route Type
4.5/5
Rating
Trail Overview

Discover Snowbowl Trail, one of Missoula's incredible mountain bike trails.

Distance
8 miles
Difficulty
hard
Surface
Dirt Trail
Route Type
loop
Location
Missoula Snowbowl, Missoula, MT 59802
Neighborhood
Grant Creek

Trail Tags

alpinehigh-elevationwildflowerssteepsummer-riding
What to Expect on This Missoula Bike Trail

Highlight 1

High-elevation trails on the Missoula Snowbowl ski area

Highlight 2

Alpine meadows with spectacular wildflower displays in summer

Highlight 3

Steep descents on former ski runs

Highlight 4

Cooler temperatures at altitude on hot days

Highlight 5

Connects to the Stuart Peak trail for extended rides
Points of Interest Along the Way
Alpine meadows
Ski area trails
Wildflowers
Steep descents
High elevation
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 Snowbowl Trail, 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

Missoula Snowbowl, Missoula, MT 59802

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Explore More Philadelphia Bike Trails

Looking for more Philadelphia bike trails? Check out our complete guide to bike trails in Philadelphia and connect with local Philadelphia cycling groups to find your next riding crew.

Current Weather
34°F
Clear Sky
3 mph
Wind
0 mm
Precipitation
Ride Conditions: Good

Decent riding conditions today.

Live data via Open-Meteo · Austin, TX

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