The lower trailhead, located a half mile north on Blue Mountain Road #559, provides horse facilities and room for trailers. Note that biking is not allowed north of Forest Service Road #365 or along the Maclay Flats Interpretive Trail.Īll hiking trails, other then the Maclay Flats Interpretive Trail, are open to horseback riding.
The Deadman Ridge: This soft, rolling grassy knoll, in the south of the recreation area, is one of the first to dry off in the spring, making it an ideal place for mountain bikers who are itching to hit the trail.A great place to build stamina while practicing and refining your techniques. Blue Mountain's gentle grade provide for intense uphill rides, with extremely technical downhills. Don't worry about bringing a picnic blanket, someone thought ahead and set up a picnic table for all to use.Ī lot of the hiking trails also allow biking. About a third of a mile down the trail you will find a lovely picnic spot next to the river. As if the sheer beauty wasn't enough, 16 interpretive signs explain the river ecology, wildlife and vegetation of the area.
The trail winds through meadows, takes you along the banks of the Bitterroot River and under Ponderosa Pine canopies. This interpretive trail offers you the option of a 1.25 mile or 1.8 mile loop, both handicap accessible. Beware of bikers and ATV riders as this trail is popular with both. Deadman Point: This beautiful 5.6 mile loop with a mere 600 ft elevation gain is the perfect nature stroll.Climb the 50ft tower and take in the view of the valley below. Blue Mountain Saddle to Blue Mountain Lookout: Following the last mile of the 8-mile Blue Mountain National Recreation Trail will lead you to the working fire tower.The trails are heavily used and well maintained, and the trailheads offer great maps of the area, so you don't have to worry about getting lost. With 41 miles of trail, there is plenty to explore. The soft incline of Blue Mountain won't make for the most strenuous hikes, but it will get your heart pumping. Take Blue Mountain Lookout Road for a sight at some of the amazing vistas or experience the handicapped accessible Maclay Flats Interpretive Trail. The Blue Mountain Recreation Area has it all. Found at local stores or with the forest service. In addition, the “Blue Mountain Brochures” and the “Missoula Trails Brochure” contain trail and usage information. For information regarding trails, regulations, permits, or maps contact the Lolo National Forest, the Missoula Ranger District, or if you are in Missoula, check out a one of the local gear shops. The Blue Mountain Recreation Area lies in the Lolo National Forest. Maclay Flats is almost two miles up Blue Mountain Road from Hwy 93 south.This will lead you to the Nature Trail, Motorcycle Trailhead, and the Lookout. Turn left off Blue Mountain Road onto Forest Road #365 roughly a mile and a half from Hwy 93.The lower trailhead, with horse facilities, is located half a mile north on Blue Mountain Road #559.There are three different access points from here. To get there take Hwy 93 south to Blue Mountain Road. You don't have to go far to reach Blue Mountain, its only two miles from downtown Missoula. The mixed use trails are designated in classes so that outdoor enthusiasts of all types can play together in the Blue Mountain Recreation Area.
The 4,900 preserved acres provide trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, motor vehicle sports, winter activities, and even disc golf.įrom the top of Blue Mountain look out on Missoula Valley or turn south and take in the majestic Sapphire and Bitterroot Mountains. There is literally something for every outdoor enthusiast. Blue Mountain Recreation Area is the quintessential spot for recreation.
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