With a river carving through and at the convergence of five mountain ranges, Missoula is a vibrant university town featuring spectacular scenery. This was a very nice trail, close to town. University of Montana: Hike the M - See 240 traveler reviews, 81 candid photos, and great deals for Missoula, MT, at Tripadvisor. Originally constructed in 1908 out of whitewashed rocks and later concreted in place, the M is a landmark worth the trek. The parking lot is located on the University of Montana's campus and requires a small parking fee. Length 1.2 miElevation gain 643 ftRoute type Out & back. Mission Falls. The Big “M” is easy to … ⁠ This short, but steep switch-back up the mountain can be a bit strenuous, but not unmanageable depending on your pace. It sits above 13 switchbacks and provides a panoramic view of the entire Missoula Valley. I was in Missoula, and gosh darnit, I was going to hike to the Big “M”. Benches are provided every couple of switch-backs. Great short trail if you want something quick easy and right in town. The view of the university, town and surrounding mountains is fantastic. My mom is not in the greatest of shape and she managed to get all the way to the top. The Sentinel Fire Road is also a popular trail for hikers and walkers. If you have little ones keep them close since the side of the mountain is very steep and it would be easy to slip off the trail. Right behind the Carousel for Missoula you’ll see glimpses of the river that … It is the most used trail in Missoula. A deer at the top of the mountain was the cherry on the top for this hike! A local favorite, the short scramble up Mount Sentinel takes you, courtesy of 11 switchbacks, 620 feet above the valley floor in less than half a mile, giving you a bird's-eye view of the entire Missoula valley and surrounding mountains. MISSOULA — UPDATE: April 11, 2020 - 7:50 a.m. A series of assaults shut down Missoula's popular M Trail on Friday and sent two people to the hospital. The M Trail is one of Missoula's most popular trails, if not the most popular. M Trail. The "M" Trail is a switchback trail that runs from the base of Mount Sentinel at the University of Montana campus up to the famous "M". Both yield similar views of the city, both require an uphill effort, and both reward you with an up-close look at the letter. Distance: 3/4 mile to 'M' and 1 and 3/4 miles to top of Mount Sentinel Elevation: 690 feet to ‘M’ and 1,958 feet to the top of Mount Sentinel Experience Level: Intermediate to Experienced but Beginners encouraged Dogs: Leashed only Strollers: No The M is a Missoula favorite, frequented by locals and visitors alike it will take your breath away… literally! A four … MISSOULA — Jared Robert Kuntz is facing four felony counts for two incidents that happened on Friday at the M trail on the University of Montana campus. Today was warm so it wasn’t too slick but slightly cooler and I imagine it’s quite slick so micro spikes would help. Jobs. Friends of the ‘M’ Trail: The Sentinel Hill Climb is conducted solely on University of Montana property. Reports of a … Admit it. Not to mention the sense of accomplishment you feel having climbed all the way to the top. Not to mention the sense of accomplishment you feel having climbed all the way to the top. After just a few minutes on the trail, you begin to get a birds'-eye view of the University of Montana. 5. Payments. It is 3/4 mile to the "M" and 1 3/4 miles to the very top of Mount Sentinel. hike to the M and an additional 40 min. The "M" on the west face of Mount Sentinel has been a Missoula landmark since 1908, when Forestry Club members forged a zigzag trail up the mountain and students carried up stones to shape the symbol of the University of Montana. that was HARD! The Mount Sentinel Trail, often referred to as the “M” trail, sits behind the University of Montana on its namesake, Mount Sentinel. Nothing special in way of nature but a great bit of exercise and a lovely view of a sweet little valley community. The "M" Trail is a switchback trail that runs from the base of Mount Sentinel at the University of Montana campus up to the famous "M". Jogging Trail Other Facilities. Owned by the city of Missoula and open to the public, this road runs from the end of the Mo Z Trail up to the "M… Mount Sentinel (The "M" Hike) One of Missoula's most popular trails, this hike packs a punch with quick elevation gain up a set of switchbacks. The parking lot is located on the University of Montana's campus and requires a small parking fee. There are bathrooms in the parking lot. If you’re looking for even more of a challenge, then head to Mount Sentinel for the M Trail. Definitely not a trail you can bring a stroller or bikes on. The trailhead is located on the University of Montana campus. Natural area Multiple use trails Back to top. Check out the latest Montana updates on COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The trail is steep and narrow with lots of rocks, and where there were wooden steps, they were high for a shorter person (me). 411 likes. Overall, a good challenge for us. I ran into an old copper mine after the M and a beautiful grove of spruce that provided sun relief. Beehive Basin Trail, Big SkyNot far from the chairlifts of Big Sky Resort—one of the best ski resorts … Here in Missoula, we’ve talked with folks in local parks and at Rattlesnake, Waterworks Hill, the M Trail, Snow Bowl and even Brennan’s Wave. Jogging Trail Other Facilities. The trail is rated as moderate and is primarily used for hiking and running. Climbing 620 feet, 3/4 mile to the "M" and 1 3/4 miles to the top of Mount Sentinel. Miles: 3/4 mile to “M”; 1 3/4 miles to top of Mount Sentinel. What to do in Missoula on a budget Hiking to the M. The M trail is a very nice hike located just on the outskirts of the city right next to the Football stadium and the university. but again, beautiful views from the top, and not an incredibly long hike overall. The L is on Mount Jumbo, just to the north. Top Missoula Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Missoula, Montana on Tripadvisor. A hike to the "M" is a favorite Missoula outing for people of all ages. Great trail offering both an easy and difficult route. Owned by the city of Missoula and open to the public, this road runs from the end of the Mo Z Trail up to the "M… Carousel for Missoula & Dragon Hollow. Mount Sentinel: The "M" Trail. Riverfront Walking Trail. Start planning your vacation. The M Trail is one of Missoula's most popular trails, if not the most popular. But trust us, the view from the "M" is worth the trek. The M trail is a short one, just about 3/4 mile long, but it’s a steep hike and strenuous. :). The views of the campus and the rest of the town are amazing. The M trail in Missoula is an iconic landmark in town offering spectacular views of the city and a relatively quick source of strenuous exercise. The story behind the "M" The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. I took the switchbacks all the way up and the steeper path down which provided its own challenge. Meetings. 435 Ryman St. Missoula, MT 59802 Phone: 406-552-6000 | TTY: 406-552-6131 Quick Links. Elevation … as someone from Illinois, this was pretty difficult, but so worth it! MISSOULA — UPDATE: April 11, 2020 - 7:50 a.m. A series of assaults shut down Missoula's popular M Trail on Friday and sent two people to the hospital. Licenses & Permits. Originally made of whitewashed rocks and only measuring 25 feet by 25 feet, the very first ““M”” was poorly constructed and ultimately replaced by a wooden “M” in 1912. Contact Us. I measured 1.2mi total, but it is definitely challenging. If you’re looking for an uphill hike with great views of Missoula, you have your choice of two letters: L and M. The M is on a hill above the University of Montana. You’ll hike 2/3 of a mile up to the “L” on a trail that is less … No excuses. Parks & Recreation. Order Now. Contact Us. Steepish climb up switchbacks, friendly trail-goers and pups and lots of nice views and benches to stop and take a breather along the way. Bring bug spray - got a few bites. The trail is rated as moderate and is primarily used for hiking and running. Meetings. It’s a great short switchback hike right on the outskirts of Missoula and close to the university if you’re looking to take in some great views. The M Trail was established in 1908 when UM students built the original M out of whitewashed rocks. First constructed in 1908 by university students, Missoula’s hillside “M” has evolved over the years to become what many consider to be the most recognizable landmark in Missoula. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. Missoula is located at the crossroads of Interstate 90 and US 93. Soon after, the trail begins an intense series of about 14 switchbacks that lead you to the "M," about 750 vertical feet above you. The "M" Trail is a 1.9 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Missoula, Montana that offers scenic views. If you would like to support UM’s efforts to work with the broader Missoula community in providing stewardship and maintenance of Mt Sentinel’s much-loved and much-used trails, please consider making a donation in any amount to the Friends of the ‘M’ Trail. The Sentinel Fire Road is also a popular trail for hikers and walkers. 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