The M in Missoula

Moderate hike up to absolutely gorgeous view of the valley. If you’re from out of town like we were (“low landers”then the altitude can make it a bit challenging so bring water and give yourself plenty of breaks along the way. There’s benches to stop off at on the way up and take in more views!

If youre in decent shape then this hike should not be missed. Although its not very difficult Id recommend going when it is cooler out. Its Less than half hour to the M with plenty of places to rest along the way. Wondeful views and worth the effort.

We had a good time hiking this M as well as the L on the next hill. For the M trailhead pull up near the Montana University dormitories next to the M Hill and youll see an outside restroom theres visitor parking there and theyre six parking spots that are designated for hill hiking where you do not need any University of Montana parking permit.

The trail is nice and the view is very worth the hike. Several benches are placed asking the trail for resting on the way up.

Best place to take a sunrise or sunset walk. Great views of missoula. Can’t beat it.

Excellent hike with smooth gradual switchbacks family friendly wonderful views of Missoula

Beautiful Hike as always! Ive done it hundreds of time. It Can get busy at times, you can hike to the top of the mountain past the M if you want a great hike in as well!!

A good solid hill climbSort with many switchbacks

693 feet elevation gain / .85 miles to get to the M. Took me about 30 mins to get there and 20 mins to get back down. Beautiful views!!

The M trail is a Missoula classic. Its got just enough incline to really feel like a workout and you can get up to the M and back in less than an hour.

Took the long way up pretty easy hike

It took me two and a half years to build up the confidence to try the M trail, and today I did it. This review is not for the 20-somethings jogging their way up and back in 15 minutes. This is for the closer-to-60-year-olds, maybe also from the midwest, who look up at the M with a mixture of fear and longing. Im here to tell you, you can do this. Hiking poles helped. Go early. Wear a hat. Bring water. The first section is one of the hardest, so dont get discouraged. Take your time. Use the benches. Elicit pep talks from friendly hikers if you need to (I did). You can do it. That view is for you, too.

The fencing looks terrible from the ground. Remove it please. The same goal could be accomplished by some wire flags invisible from the ground. You stained our green spring hill! Now fix it!

Definitely a challenge if youre not in shape, but so worth it for the view at the top! 13 switchbacks total, a nice short hike and a great way to introduce yourself to Missoula if youre new around here :)

The wife and I are getting up there in age a bit, but we try to keep healthy as best we can with a bit of cardio. The path to the Missoula M has been a great way of doing just that. It zigzags as you go up, so it isnt super strenuous on the heart, but it does make you feel it. We try to make our way up at least twice a week. I highly recommend it to those who want to a solid, but not secluded trail to get some exercise on.

INCREDIBLE VIEW, SCENERY, And Relaxing! Highly recommend this for anyone. The exercise, the air, the sense of freedom, and you get a great view of the Montana Grizzlies stadium. So , come on what are you waiting for? Get off the couch , put down the Game system and treat yourself to a experience you will never forget! Many trails to choose from as well!

Beautiful views. Parking $2.50 an hour. Not overly strenuous, hit 150 BPM.

Nice and easy hike of about 1 mile up to M. Nice view from the top down to valley and city. Youll be seeing lot of kids, dogs and runners(yes people really running up top and downand casual walkers. Easy access.

Great view of Missoula MT. Just wish all the turns had benches, few missing. Few of the stairs corners could use repair.

This is a great, semi strenuous hike up to the iconic M on the side of Mt. Sentinel bordering the east side of the Univ. of Montana campus. Multiple switch backs and a tiring shorter 30-45 minutes hike. You can go on up to the top of Mt. Sentinel but should allot 3 hours? Free parking at the bottom. 8 minutes off of I 90.

We went all the way to the top of Mount Sentinel. Go the M and keep following the trail, and choose the option that takes you straight up. It took us 56 minutes with a few breaks. Its tough, intermediate, but very doable for an average hiker.

This is a relatively short hike with many trailhead options. The trail goes up the side of a hill with numerous switchbacks. The climb is really nice in the warm months, but it ices over in winter. The view from the top is really pretty - you can see the city of Missoula in the valley with mountains all around it - especially around sunrise and sunset.

When up to the top of Mt. Sentinel where large letter M is located. Can see whole city and highways. And whole football stadium. 🌞😊👍

An intensive uphill hike. The views are great.

Nice hike starting at a lovey peony garden. Plan for around an hours worth to get up and down. Parking is limited during the week but much more open on weekends and evenings. Prepare to get dirty and be careful after it rains/is cold as the ice or mud could make it near impossible to climb

It is not too difficult making it a great hike for people of all ages and fitness levels. Several trails lead up to the M allowing hikers to personalize the experience and preventing the hike from getting dull or monotonous. The view from the M is beautiful with a city scape of Missoula surrounded by majestic mountains. The atmosphere on the trail is also extremely friendly due to cheery faces and excited energy. Wildlife can also be spotted near the M making the trip even more enjoyable.

Nice and steady zig zag incline. Pay parking or with a university permit. If you get to the “M” and it’s not challenging enough then continue to the top of the mountain. There’s several different ways you can go and they’re marked on Google maps. Bring water and a snack to enjoy the beautiful view.

In the 20+ years of hiking around Montana. Never have I trekked across a trail that felt almost Malevolent. That Hated people. I do not reccomend this trail. There are other, better trails that offer a more scenic view.

Really fun hike but a lot steeper then what it looks like on camera. Great view of the school and surrounding area.

This is my favorite place in all of Western Montana. I love catching sunrises almost as watching the sunset. When it fades to dark and the lights of Missoula come to life it is an experience that you will never forget. My Stepdaughter is 8 and she made it about %82 of the way up it in sandals on her first try ever ever ever......I am so proud of her. In the fall old 2002 I was lucky enough to see Pearl Jam at the U of M stadium and I remember a lot of people just packed on the trail. It was an amazing sight.

Quick hike with a great view (usually takes us 20 mins to reach the M. Almost always see deer on the mountainside, sometimes very close to the trail.

Great hike, beautiful view of Missoula, but its definitely a tough hike, bring snacks and plenty of water! Be safe, stay hydrated, and dont push yourself too hard!

Fairly strenuous hike with about a 600 elevation change from the bottom to the M.

Love this hike! Its not hard but it will get your heart rate up! Great view of Missoula throughout the whole hike. Wont disappoint!

A must do hike in missoula. Be sure to bring a good pair of shoes as it does get a little steep. The trail is well trafficked and well maintained. There are benches up there you can rest at or take pictures from. Park at the base and make sure to bring some water too. Such a good spot to share an amazing view of an awesome place.

Quintessential Missoula Experience. Bring your camera and a water bottle. A nice pair of hiking shoes or boots might help too. Parking may cost money but I havent received a citation yet...

Great hike. Especially if you want to see all of Missoula.

Went hiking here with my friend who lives in Missoula - awesome hike to see all of the city! Definitely a good work out too!

Great slow day hike with switchbacks and benches. From the base at the University of Montana to the top of the "M" great views any time of day. Also great cardio run!

Not too long a trail to see the M but it sure is interesting. Be prepared to do a deep pull on your leg muscles and lungs for a while. If you can go past the M and make it to the top, you can get some of the most special views of all time: the Rattlesnake Wilderness.

Go to the right for switch backs. My husband and I went to the left and went straight up and the trail is not easy. Came back down the switch back way and it was a breeze. Beautiful up there and around!

Short hike, just over a mile round trip if you take the longer switchback route. Beautiful views of Missoula!

I have hiked the M Over ten times and still doesnt get old. Each time still gives me that spiritual awaking that I can only get from nature. It may look intimidating but once you get to the M and look back, you know the hike was worth the wait.

Great early morning walk or jog. The trail is relatively smooth. Hiking boots and loud soles arent required. There are several benches on the way up. Good views of Missoula from the M. I understand that you can continue the hike to the summit of Sentinel.

Great place for hiking and trail running with some of the best views of Missoula you can get.First time visitors should be aware the trail is very steep and fairly rugged, without much in the way of cover. There are benches placed at irregular intervals, but expect this hike to be more difficult than its proximity to town would make you think.Parking can be a trick here. The lot is small and mostly inaccessible during the school year. To avoid the hassle and $1/hour parking fee I recommend parking across the river at the shopping center and walking over. That way you save some money and warm-up your legs before the trail.

Loved the hike, might make it a daily thing

My biggest tip is to always go before sunset. Its so gorgeous and always worth it!

A lovely hike that takes you less than half an hour to complete. The trail is situated just behind the University, weekends you can park for free.Leash the puppies as there are plenty of dogs and kiddos on the trail for lots of fun interaction.Bring some water and a little will power and the hike will pay off in a great view of Missoula.

This is one of those iconic Missoula sites that can be seen from all over town. It looks like its going to be a simple walk up a hill, but dont let looks fool you - this trail will get your blood pumping. Its steep switchbacks all the way up.Youre rewarded at the top with a beautiful view, and its a must do if youre in the area. Just be prepared if youre not in good shape youre gonna have a bad time.Im not in amazing shape, but I hike a bit and I can do this with my 3 year old in a pack on my back, but my calves complained a bit.

This is a hike that gives a good view of the Missoula valley. Its pretty popular on nice days as most people can do the whole hike in 40-60 minutes depending on fitness level. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash.