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Bluebird Preserve Trailhead
4.3 ★★★★☆ 30 Google reviews · Running trail in Missoula, Montana · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Bluebird Preserve 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 Bluebird Preserve Trailhead
“Not the most scenic of nearby trails, but is a good compromise in terms of trail traffic, length, and proximity to the shops on the Reserve St strip.”
“A nice, easy trail with a nice and gradual elevation gain that leads to a very nice scenic view overlooking Missoula.”
Beautiful and well-maintained trail right in the city of Missoula, near the hotels and businesses, and across from the paved river trail. Some good elevation gain in the first mile. Be watchful for dogs off leash. I suppose there could be bears and coyotes here, too, but I didn’t see evidence of any.
It's a beautiful trail. Although I think it should be called the meadowlark trail. You can almost always hear the meadowlarks singing. Google fit says that the loop is 3 and 1/4 mi if you go up to the scenic overlook and then come down on the red tail trail.
360° Scenic Overlook (mostly uphill) is about a 30 minute hike to the highest part. Big rocks at the top where you can sit and enjoy BEAUTIFUL Missoula and snack on a lunch.
More of a view of the city but still a fun trail 30-45 minutes round trip, and the dogs love it!
Trail conditions & character
“Not the most scenic of nearby trails, but is a good compromise in terms of trail traffic, length, and proximity to the shops on the Reserve St strip.”
“More of a view of the city but still a fun trail 30-45 minutes round trip, and the dogs love it!”
“A nice, easy trail with a nice and gradual elevation gain that leads to a very nice scenic view overlooking Missoula.”
“Google fit says that the loop is 3 and 1/4 mi if you go up to the scenic overlook and then come down on the red tail trail.”
“Big gravel parking lot next to a gas station”
Plan your run at Bluebird Preserve Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- 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.
- Websiteengagemissoula.com
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.
