Cover photo courtesy of Destination Missoula
Cycling is more than a mode of transportation. In Missoula, Mont., it’s a way of life. This time of year, locals and visitors alike can feel the energy and anticipation thrumming throughout the valley. The rivers begin to swell with fresh snowmelt, the sun dips below the horizon later in the evening each day and something in the air signals that a new season is on the way. The trees are greening, the trails are the perfect amount of tacky and Missoulians take to paved, gravel and dirt roads in droves to embrace the long-awaited warmth.
Trails That Welcome All Wheels (and Abilities)
Riders of all disciplines enjoy cycling in this bike-forward community, but Missoula is particularly well-known for its accessible mountain biking—even ranked among the top 10 beginner mountain biking destinations in the nation by Bike Mag. With trails for little ones getting on the bike for the first time, adaptive riders looking for an accessible adrenaline rush and experienced bikers who enjoy sending it among beautiful scenery, there’s a ride for you here.
From getting around town on Missoula’s accessible, well-connected trails within city limits to riding a downhill trail in the backcountry, you can get there by bike. In this community of riders, you can be sure your day of riding—whether it be between the pines or in the bike lane—will be met with the Missoula charm that brought you here in the first place.
Marshall Mountain Park
With 480 acres for recreation, Marshall Mountain offers mountain biking trails, backcountry skiing access, hiking, youth activities and more. Here, riders will find road and uphill-specific climbs that link to some of the best flow and downhill trails in the area.
Adaptive Mountain Biking—Mission to MARS
Completed in 2025, this trail was designed by Radius Trail Solutions with input from Missoula Adaptive Recreation & Sports (MARS) and Dovetail Trail Consulting to provide an exciting downhill bike trail that is suitable for adaptive equipment. The trail is 1.65 feet wide with banked corners and large rollers and follows 573 feet of vertical decline through gorgeous ponderosa forest, making it a great ride for bikers of all abilities.
Surface Type: Machine groomed
Trail Length: 1.6 miles
Trail Elevation: 4,451-4,087 feet (573-foot vertical decline)
The Mission to MARS trail was ranked as the best adaptive trail in North America by Singletracks in 2025.
Intermediate Mountain Biking—Hello, Kitty
With 1.5 miles of berms, rollers and intermediate jumps, as well as incredible views of the valley, this trail is great for riders with a little more experience.
Technical Mountain Biking—Bjorn Again
If you’re looking to spice things up, this trail offers multiple drops, jumps and rocks that will keep your adrenaline pumping the whole way down. Bjorn Again is Missoula’s first bike-specific, downhill-only trail.
Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
Located less than 15 minutes from downtown Missoula, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is nestled in the forested cover of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. With the recreation area’s 28,000 acres—and 33,000 adjacent acres of designated wilderness—it’s easy to forget you’re just outside the city.
Adaptive Mountain Biking—The Rattlesnake Main Trail
This trail is well-groomed for the first mile before the terrain turns into a Forest Service road—while still being accessible for most wheelchairs and adaptive equipment. The trail features a walking bridge over the creek, and venturing farther leads to a meadow with scenic mountain views.
Surface Type: Main trail is flat and stable for approximately 1 mile before the surface becomes gravel.
Trail Length: 5 miles
Trail Elevation: 3,585-3,920 feet (365-foot vertical ascent)
Intermediate Mountain Biking—Ewok
Ewok is a fun and fast downhill trail that links back to the main Rattlesnake trailhead. This is a multiuse trail and can see high traffic during busy seasons, so keep an eye out for other trail users coming from both directions.
Technical Mountain Biking—Fenceline
A smooth but stout climb is followed by a fast downhill flow trail on the newly rebuilt Fenceline trail. This fun descent with a few short climbs alternates between fast, open meadow sections and quick, wooded sections. At just under 10 miles, this loop is a popular one among local riders.
Blue Mountain Recreation Area
With an extensive trail system and breathtaking views of the valley, Blue Mountain offers miles of multipurpose terrain for all kinds of year-round recreation.
Adaptive Mountain Biking—Blue National Recreation Trail #3.01
Starting in the main trailhead parking lot, this trail is wide, well-packed and suitable for wheels of all types. A slow and steady climb eventually gives way to sweeping views.
Surface Type: Dirt
Trail Length: 1.3 miles
Trail Elevation: 3,211-3,339 feet (150-foot vertical ascent)
Intermediate Mountain Biking—Hayes Creek
With exciting berms, water bars and a flowy descent, Hayes Creek is equal parts fast and fun.
Technical Mountain Biking—Orchard
From Blue Mountain’s main trail, connect to Orchard for an exciting single-track route that transitions to a steep and rocky downhill with options for several different kinds of drops along the way.
Missoula’s biking culture is active and vibrant. From youth bike clubs to monthly rides for members of the LGBTQ+ community and women’s riding groups, there’s a vibrant network of riders to welcome you with open arms. MARS frequently offers events for riders of all physical abilities, and with a well-established nexus of accessible trails throughout the valley, there are truly no bounds to who’s able to enjoy Missoula’s trails.
No matter where you ride, what you ride or how you ride, Missoula has a trail for you. Experience riding where accessibility, adventure and community are all in our nature against a backdrop of unforgettable scenery. Start planning your trip and enjoy the rides of a lifetime.
Find more information on planning your trip to Missoula, Mont., at Destinationmissoula.org.
