New Trails on Sentinel

Tell us what you think!

The University of Montana and the City of Missoula Parks and Recreation are partnering to develop new trails on SW Mt. Sentinel and improve the existing trails. This is Phase 1 of a larger partnership, and they're looking for input from the community on the proposed trails and upgrades. Here's a basic map of the idea:

This proposed trail work includes:

1. A new trail from the University Greenhouse parking lot up to the intersection with Maurice Ave (Mt. Sentinel Fire Road). The trail would average 7% grade for comfortable bidirectional walking and mountain biking with bike friendly climbing turns. Trail width would be 48” and allow for safe bi-directional use. Length: 2,616 feet.  Trail would be machine built with a natural surface.

2. A new trail from the Maurice trailhead linking to trail 1 above. This trail will provide a moderate grade access to the intersection with upper Maurice instead of the current Golf Course trail which has grades up to 36%. The trail would average 7% grade for comfortable bidirectional walking and mountain biking. Trail width would be 48” and allow for safe bi-directional use. Length: 1,430 feet. Trail would be machine built with a natural surface.

3. A New bike flow trail descent from MoZ to UM Greenhouse trailhead. ~60" width, 7% average grade, bermed turns with rollers and tabletop jumps. Estimated distance 3262 ft. Machine built.

4. Existing Golf Course trail would remain with minor tread redesigns to reduce erosion.

5. Existing steep route from greenhouse parking lot to top of hill would remain with realignment on the bottom 1/3^rd to allow for intersection of flow trail and new bi-direction trails.

These new trails will improve access for all, reduce erosion and improve safety. The new trails will also reduce the use of Upper Maurice Ave.

Cost for the project will be covered through grants, donations, and volunteer work. No public or University funds will be required. Once grants are secured, fundraising will be available through MMBC.

If you would like to leave a comment, please send your thoughts and ideas to: MTrailVolunteer@gmail.com