Mount Jumbo Hiking Guide
Mount Jumbo is the big, grassy mountain on the east side of Missoula, across the Clark Fork from Mount Sentinel. Its slopes are open space bought from private owners in 1996, and every winter they belong to the elk: roughly 120 animals winter here, and the city closes much of the mountain to people to give them room. The rest of the year, a steep loop past the concrete L offers some of the best views in town.
The Loop
Mapping apps list a loop via the L Trail, Jumbo Backbone and the South Face at about 4.5 miles with roughly 1,500 feet of gain, starting from the Cherry Street trailhead. The L Trail alone is shorter, about half a mile to the L with around 500 feet of gain. Going all the way to the summit, at about 4,768 feet, is a longer out-and-back of about 6.5 miles. The slopes are steep and have little shade.
Winter Elk Closure
Under Missoula Municipal Code, Mount Jumbo's North Zone, north of the Saddle Road, is closed to all recreation from December 1 to May 1, and the South Zone from December 1 to March 15. The closures, in place since 1997, protect wintering elk and reduce avalanche risk; fines can reach $500, and the city can extend them in some years. The L Trail and a few short sections stay open year-round, with dogs leashed and no off-trail travel during the closure.
The L
The concrete L on Jumbo's lower slope stands for Loyola Sacred Heart High School. The short climb to it is popular year-round and stays open during the elk closure. It makes a good quick outing when the rest of the mountain is closed.
Dogs
Mount Jumbo is City of Missoula conservation land. Dogs must be leashed in parking areas and within 200 yards of trailheads, and elsewhere must be under voice control within 75 feet. During the winter closure, dogs must be leashed on the open sections of Jumbo.
Practicalities
There is no fee. The open slopes are hot in summer, so hike early or in the evening and bring water. Spring and early summer bring wildflowers once the South Zone reopens in mid-March. Check the City of Missoula conservation-lands closures page for the current status before any winter or spring visit.
Hiking tips for Mount Jumbo
- Check the city's closure dates — the North Zone is closed December 1 to May 1, the South Zone December 1 to March 15.
- Use the L Trail in winter; it stays open during the elk closure.
- Leash dogs within 200 yards of trailheads, and everywhere on Jumbo during the closure.
- Hike early or late in summer; the grassy slopes have little shade.
- Give elk plenty of room — the closure exists to protect them.
Nearby trails to explore
- Mount Sentinel M Trail
- Waterworks Hill
- Bozeman M Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Mount Jumbo is Missoula's big in-town climb when the elk aren't using it. Use TrailMates to find Missoula hikers for a spring or summer loop. Download the TrailMates app to connect.