The best traffic-free bike rides around Missoula

Missoula offers a fantastic selection of car-free touring cycling routes. Our guide features over 20 routes, ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every cyclist looking to explore the region without vehicle traffic.

Yes, Missoula has several excellent options for families. The initial sections of the Kim Williams Trail, which follows the Clark Fork River, are paved and relatively flat, making them ideal for a relaxed family ride. The Riverfront Trail and Milwaukee Trail also offer extensive off-street paths suitable for all ages.

The prime season for touring cycling in Missoula is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, and trails are clear of snow. Summer offers warm, sunny days perfect for long rides, while spring and fall provide cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage.

Many trails in and around Missoula are dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles. Areas like the Kim Williams Trail are popular with dog walkers. Always check specific trail regulations before heading out, especially in wildlife management areas where rules might be stricter.

Absolutely! Missoula boasts several scenic loop routes. Consider the University Mountain loop via Kim Williams Trail for a mix of river views and mountain ascents. Another great option is the challenging Mount Jumbo Wildlife Management Area loop via Marshall Grade, offering significant elevation gain and rewarding views.

For breathtaking scenery, the Kim Williams Trail along the Clark Fork River offers stunning river vistas and passes through Hellgate Canyon. The Bitterroot Trail, extending south from Missoula, provides expansive views of the Bitterroot Mountains. For panoramic views of the entire valley, routes around Mount Sentinel, such as the University Mountain loop, are highly recommended.

Yes, beginners can enjoy several easy, car-free routes. The paved sections of the Riverfront Trail and Milwaukee Trail within Missoula are perfect for gentle rides. The initial parts of the Kim Williams Trail are also very accessible, offering a smooth ride along the river without significant elevation changes.

Missoula's no-traffic routes offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find smooth paved paths along the Riverfront and Bitterroot Trails, transitioning to gravel and dirt sections on trails like the Kim Williams Trail further east. Mountain areas like Mount Jumbo and Blue Mountain Recreation Area feature double-track trails and fire roads, often with significant elevation changes, suitable for more robust touring bikes.

Many routes offer access to notable landmarks. The Kim Williams Trail is easily accessible from downtown Missoula and passes by McCormick Park. The iconic 'M' Trail on Mount Sentinel, offering panoramic views, is also close to several cycling paths. The confluence of the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot Rivers provides beautiful natural features to explore.

The routes vary significantly in length to suit different preferences. You can find shorter, easy rides of a few miles on the paved city trails. More adventurous routes like the Deer Creek Sneak Loop can be over 20 miles, while the Bitterroot Trail extends for 50 miles one-way, offering options for longer excursions.

Missoula is a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community with a strong commitment to cycling infrastructure, including over 22 miles of off-street trails. Its location at the confluence of three rivers and surrounded by mountain ranges provides diverse, scenic landscapes. The presence of the Adventure Cycling Association headquarters further solidifies its reputation as a premier cycling destination, offering extensive car-free options for touring cyclists.