FATMAP by Strava

High, Wide and Handsome Bike

This is a wonderful, moderate ride with views and flow trail aplenty!

Mountain Biking Moderate

Distance
18 km
Ascent
666 m
Descent
666 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
1.2 km
High Point
1.8 km
Gradient
High, Wide and Handsome Bike Map

Starting and finishing in one of Missoula's most affluent neighbourhoods, this is a fabulous trip. The trail can be done on either foot or bike, and ascends and descends the same way, so be aware of other users on the way up and down.

Description

The climb up High, Wide and Handsome (which is named after a slogan often used to describe Montana, and an accompanying book) is long but relatively easy, with no overly steep sections. There are great views from many points on the ascent, and these provide some wonderful distractions from the effort of climbing.

After countless switchbacks the trail begins to flatten, and leads to the wonderful loop around the summit of Mount Dean Stone. The summit tower itself is on private land (and inaccessible as a result) but the loop around it is only about 3km, easy and wonderfully scenic. The flowers, trees and vistas would each make the loop worth it on their own - combined they make it irresistible.

When you've completed the loop and are ready to descend, get ready for a treat! The corners aren't really banked in the top half of the descent so you have to take them slowly, but the trail's corners get more berm-ed lower down and you can start to throw the bike into them a bit more.

Virtually all of the ride is on smooth singletrack and there aren't really distinct cruxes, so keeping on rolling and keep on grinning! Having ridden up the trail you should be able to just keep riding without having to consult the map much - enjoy the ride!

Difficulty

Moderate

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability, with unavoidable obstacles 8in/20cm tall or less. Other obstacles such as rock gullies and steep sections may exist. Ideal for lower intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

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

Best time to visit

between April and October

Features

  • Flow
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area