The best gravel rides in Missoula County

Missoula County offers a diverse range of gravel biking terrain. You'll find everything from rail-grade double-track and class IV double-track to old mining roads. Some routes may even include sections of singletrack, so be prepared for varied surfaces and potentially robust tires.

Yes, Missoula County has options for easier rides. Pattee Canyon is known for more accessible gravel. While the Kim Williams Trail – McCormick Park loop from Hellgate High School is rated moderate, sections of the Kim Williams Trail itself feature mixed paved and dirt paths that can be suitable for those newer to gravel biking. Another moderate option is the Kim Williams Trail – Jacob's Island loop from Hellgate High School, which follows the scenic Clark Fork River.

For a more challenging experience, consider routes that venture towards the Rattlesnake Wilderness and Marshall Canyon Road. The Kim Williams Trail – Deer Creek Sneak Trail loop from Hellgate High School is rated difficult and incorporates sections of the popular Kim Williams Trail. Another demanding option is the Ninemile Road loop from Longpre Dam, which takes you through expansive forests and remote country over a significant distance.

Missoula County's gravel routes offer stunning mountain vistas, expansive forests, and winding rivers. You can enjoy views of the Clark Fork River on routes like the Kim Williams Trail – Jacob's Island loop. The region is nestled amidst five mountain ranges, including the Rattlesnake Wilderness and Bitterroot Range, providing dramatic backdrops. You might also encounter the vast Lolo National Forest. For specific landmarks, consider exploring the The M Trail on Mount Sentinel, which offers stunning city and valley views, or the Kim Williams Trail itself.

Yes, many gravel routes in Missoula County are designed as loops, offering a continuous cycling experience. Examples include the Kim Williams Trail – Deer Creek Sneak Trail loop from Hellgate High School, the Kim Williams Trail – Jacob's Island loop from Hellgate High School, and the extensive Ninemile Road loop from Longpre Dam.

Missoula County offers great gravel biking opportunities across multiple seasons. Early season rides are possible on routes like Petty Creek Road. Generally, spring through fall provides excellent conditions to enjoy the diverse landscapes, from lush forests to mountain peaks. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from rail-grade double-track to challenging old mining roads, and the stunning natural beauty, including mountain vistas, expansive forests, and winding rivers like the Clark Fork.

While many routes are rated moderate to difficult, sections of the Kim Williams Trail offer smoother, mixed-surface paths that can be more accessible for families. The Kim Williams Trail – McCormick Park loop from Hellgate High School is a moderate option that might be suitable for families with some biking experience.

Absolutely. Missoula County's gravel routes often follow major rivers like the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot. The Kim Williams Trail – Jacob's Island loop from Hellgate High School, for instance, follows the Clark Fork River. The region also features several beautiful lakes, such as Holland Lake, Cold Lake, and Heart Lake, though specific gravel routes directly to all of them may vary.

Yes, Missoula County offers routes that take you into remote country. The Deer Creek Sneak Trail – Kim Williams Trail loop from Lincoln Rd & Heritage Way, for example, is a difficult and lengthy ride that explores more secluded areas. Routes like 'No Man's Land (Gold Creek)' are known for taking riders along forgotten gravel roads centered around the Blackfoot River, offering a true wilderness experience.

There are at least 10 gravel bike routes detailed in this guide for Missoula County, offering a range of difficulties from moderate to difficult. The komoot community has mapped many more, providing ample choice for your next adventure.

Yes, for a more challenging experience, gravel bikers can venture towards the Rattlesnake Wilderness. The Clark Fork River – Rattlesnake Trail loop from Hellgate High School is a moderate route that includes sections near the Rattlesnake Trail, offering a taste of this rugged area.