Home › Montana › Missoula › Blue Mountain Trailhead
Blue Mountain Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 341 Google reviews · Running trail in Missoula, Montana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 6 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Blue Mountain Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Blue Mountain Trailhead
“Beautiful hiking trail with a great view at the top overlooking the bitterroot valley.”
“Very well marked and easy to navigate.”
“It is dog friendly, and has spectacular views of the Missoula Valley.”
I love this spot! There are several different trails to follow and “get lost in Montana “. The views are amazing and the wildlife, busy. Warning though, most everyone allows their dogs off leashes. If you’re allergic or afraid of dogs, this place is probably not for you.
Hiking Trail Review Blue Mountain Rocky Top Loop - 4.5 Miles Trailhead is easy to find and access. Very large parking lot with plenty of parking spaces. The lot was loaded with cars (not hard to find a spot though) although the trail is very desolate.
Lots to explore with some beautiful spots. In the heat of the summer, the area leading to and from the parking lot will roast you a bit - shade is at least half a mile from the lot. Seems to be the consensus area for walking dogs off leash. The dogs love it and I've never seen any problem.
Blue Mountain Trailhead is a perfect option for any kind of hike, run, bike, or horseback ride. There's always enough parking and always the right amount of people. It's never overcrowded but enough people are enjoying these trails on a daily basis. It has beautiful scenery and is close by to anywhere in town.
Trail conditions & character
“Fantastic place to hike with the dogs and kiddos, not to mention the spectacular views.”
“Fantastic place to hike with the dogs and kiddos, not to mention the spectacular views.”
“In the heat of the summer, the area leading to and from the parking lot will roast you a bit - shade is at least half a mile from the lot.”
“Breathtaking views and decent steady elevation gain.”
“Hiking Trail Review Blue Mountain Rocky Top Loop - 4.”
“Hiking Trail Review Blue Mountain Rocky Top Loop - 4.”
“5 miles in the heat of the day and it was fun.”
Plan your run at Blue Mountain Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance6 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Missoula
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
