Missoula rides on the forested slopes above the Clark Fork, with trails minutes from downtown. The Rattlesnake, Blue Mountain, and Pattee Canyon networks climb through ponderosa and larch on soils that drain well, while Marshall Mountain adds flow trails. Snow lingers up high, so the season builds from the valley trails in spring to the ridgelines in summer.
159 featured mountain bike trailselevation 3,146–7,628 ft
Is it muddy in Missoula right now?
Right now about 156 of 156 featured Missoula trails are riding well. Conditions change daily with rain and snowmelt, so the list below shows the live read for each trail, and the chart shows which day ahead is your best bet.
Done. We'll email you the day Missoula flips to good.
Best time of year to ride Missoula
Typical riding conditions by month, blending heat and trail conditions from 10 years of local climate data — so you can plan a trip for the right window.
The best time to ride Missoula is March through October, when daytime highs sit in the 46–86°F range and the dirt is typically dry. The high country is usually snowbound January through February and December. Planning a trip? Those are your safest bets — and for this week, the live forecast below shows exactly which days are riding well (right now 156 of 156 featured trails are good to go).
PrimeColdSnowbound
Bar height = our ride-friendliness score for a typical year; colour = the main limiting factor; the number under each month is the average daytime high. Based on 2014–2023 climate normals (ERA5). This year's live conditions are below.
Best Missoula mountain bike trails to ride right now
What are the best mountain bike trails to ride near Missoula right now?
Today the trails riding best near Missoula are Deadmans Ridge, North O'Brien Loop and Sheep Mountain Trail. The full list below is sorted by today's real conditions, best first, and refreshes every morning, so the top of the list is always your best bet right now. See live conditions →
When will the mountain bike trails in Missoula dry out?
It depends on recent rain and each trail's soil. The 10-day outlook on this page shows how many Missoula trails are expected to be riding well each day, with rain markers, so you can pick the right day instead of guessing. See the 10-day outlook →
Is it too muddy to ride in Missoula after rain?
Right now 0 of 156 featured Missoula trails are reading soft or too muddy to ride. Missoula is mostly loam soil, which drains at a moderate pace, so after a storm some trails firm up within a day while others stay greasy. Riding wet, soft dirt damages trails and leaves ruts, so check the live mud reading on each trail before you head out. Check the live mud reading →
How many mountain bike trails are in Missoula?
Missoula has 159 featured mountain bike trails tracked here for conditions, with more searchable on the live map.
How high are the Missoula trails?
Missoula trails run from about 3,146–7,628 ft. Higher trails hold snow later into spring and dry out later than the lower ones, so conditions can vary a lot across the same area on the same day.
When is the best time to ride mountain bikes in Missoula?
The best time to ride Missoula is March through October, when daytime highs are in the 46–86°F range and the trails are typically dry. The high country is usually snowbound January through February and December. This is based on 10 years of local climate data; check the live conditions on this page for how the trails are actually riding today.
What months can you mountain bike in Missoula?
The main riding season in Missoula is roughly March through November; the high trails are usually snowbound January through February and December and melt out through spring. This page tracks snow coverage and melt-out daily so you can time the high country.
Local resources near Missoula
The people who build and protect these trails, plus where to get local beta. If you ride here, support your local trail org.