Nestled in a valley surrounded by five mountain ranges, Missoula is a pedal paradise for cyclists of all calibers. Whether you’re looking for high-adrenaline mountain biking, scenic road rides, or casual cruises along the river, biking is a readily-available and easily-accessible activity in Missoula. With a strong bike culture, well-marked trails, and breathtaking landscapes, Missoula is the perfect place to explore on two wheels no matter the season.
Missoula is consistently ranked as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States. The League of American Bicyclists has bestowed the Gold level Bicycle Friendly Community to Missoula, and the city features extensive bike lanes, regular parking racks, 22 miles of off street trails, free public transportation with access to bike racks, and a strong cycling community. Visitors can rent bikes from local outfitters, join group rides, or even attend cycling events and races throughout the year. Even in the winter, fat biking has become increasingly popular. Cyclists switch out to all-terrain tires or add snow chains, allowing riders the chance to access snow-packed trails and to enjoy Missoula’s outdoor beauty no matter the season.
For those who crave dirt trails and rugged terrain, Missoula delivers. With the changing seasons, mountain biking in Missoula never gets old—spring brings wildflowers, summer offers long days and dry trails, fall paints the mountainsides in gold, and in winter, some fat bike trails stay open for year-round adventure. Blue Mountain Recreation Area is a popular destination for mountain biking in town. Just minutes from downtown, this trail system offers options for beginners and seasoned riders. Expect rolling single-track, technical sections, and wide-open views of the valley. Another popular mountain-biking destination is Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, located just north of town. The Rattlesnake is local favorite and features trails winding through lush forests and lovely meadows. Riders can choose from short loops or longer adventures. A mix of forested trails perfect for intermediate riders, Pattee Canyon is a great option. Pattee offers shaded paths that make summer rides comfortable and has great scenic views in the autumn months as well.
If paved roads are more your style, Missoula has plenty of scenic options. With trails that wind through the city and bike-friendly roads, Missoula is both a cycling hub and a great starting point for exploring Western Montana by bike. The Bitterroot Trail is a 50-mile paved path runs from Missoula to Hamilton, offering cyclists a safe, car-free ride with stunning views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Take advantage of the charming small towns along the route, offering plenty of Western Montana charm! For in-town trail options, Missoula has both the Milwaukee Trail and Riverfront Trail. Following the Clark Fork River and winding in and out of shopping districts, these trail systems is perfect for a leisurely ride to coffee shops, breweries, shops, or local parks. The Kim Williams Trail, whose start is connected to the Riverfront Trail system and runs approximately 4 miles east of town along the Clark Fork River, is asphalt at the beginning, turning into gravel and dirt as it continues onward. This flat and scenic trail is perfect for naturalists or folks looking to spot animals along the river. For road cyclists seeking long-distance routes, Highway 200 or Highway 12 provide challenging climbs and sweeping Montana vistas. Please prepare for interactions with cars along these highways (recommended for experienced cyclists only).
No bike? No problem! For those who are visiting and unable to provide their own ride, or those who are looking to try out a new form of biking, there are many rental options in town that will have everything you need to hit the trail safely and in style.
The Bicycle Hangar
1801 Brooks St, Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 728‑9537
www.bicycle-hangar.com
Spotted Dog Cycles
738 S 1st St W, Missoula, MT
406‑529‑0668
www.spotteddogcycles.com
Missoula Bicycle Works
708 S. Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 721‑6525
www.missoulabicycleworks.com
Big Sky Bikes
809 E Front St, Missoula, MT 59802
(406) 830‑3195
www.bigskybike.com
Missoula Bike Source
1509 S Russell St, Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 926‑2674
www.missoulabikesource.com
University of Montana Bike Rentals
UM Campus, Missoula, MT
(406) 243‑6132 (Transportation & Parking Services) / (406) 243‑4599 (UDASH Bikes)
www.umt.edu/transportation-parking-services/bike/rentals/bike-pricing.php
