Home › Montana › Missoula › North Loop Trail
North Loop Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 52 Google reviews · Running trail in Missoula, Montana · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from North Loop Trail'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 North Loop Trail
“Was glad to get some exercise after being in a car for so long, and I would highly recommend enjoying the trails and beautiful scenic views here.”
“Great rolling hills for running.”
went in July, this is about a 3 mile loop without exploring other trails. mostly sunny but some portions are shaded. has a moderate but tolerable elevation gain. the last half mile you end up on the jumbo saddle trail back to parking. beware of small portions of the trail that has swarms of locusts.
About a five mile trail with some deep grades but not difficult. Spectacular treat are the views of North Hills and Rattlesnake Valley. Closes in a couple of days but wakes up in the Spring for glorious hikes with a wide variety of spring wild flowers.
This double-track trail takes you around the Mount Jumbo saddle and intersects with a handful of single-track trails.
The Arrow Leaf Balsam Root is amazing this time of year. Great hike or bike!
Trail conditions & character
“Was glad to get some exercise after being in a car for so long, and I would highly recommend enjoying the trails and beautiful scenic views here.”
“There are low angle and steeper trail options from the Lincoln Hills trailhead.”
“This double-track trail takes you around the Mount Jumbo saddle and intersects with a handful of single-track trails.”
“went in July, this is about a 3 mile loop without exploring other trails.”
Plan your run at North Loop Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
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.
