FATMAP by Strava

Rattlesnake Trail

A long journey into one of the state's finest wilderness area

Hiking Moderate

Distance
22 km
Ascent
567 m
Descent
112 m
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
1.1 km
High Point
1.6 km
Gradient
Rattlesnake Trail Map

Just to the north of Missoula is the Rattlesnake Wilderness area, a vast expanse of mountains, forests and barren valleys which are full of potential adventures.

Description

The area is easily accessed from Missoula, but the trips within it are anything but easy! One classic is the trip up Stuart Peak, and you can also get a taste for the area (but not actually enter the official wilderness area) by biking the classic Full Fenceline ride.

The journey up the Rattlesnake Trail is technically easy, but it's a long and wild trip. It can be done either on foot or bike, but the fact that it goes up a gravel road and is never steep means that it's easier on the latter.

We've drawn it as a one way route because at the end of it there are so many options that we're reluctant to specify just one. It's safe to say that once you reach the end of the line drawn here you are in truly wild country, and surrounded by a lifetime's worth of adventures!

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between May and October

Features

  • Wildlife
  • Picturesque

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area