Montana · Mountain biking · Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

15.6 mi
distance
3,200 ft
climb
Singletrack
surface
Jul–Oct
best months

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is a mountain biking network in the Rattlesnake Wilderness area of Montana, managed by the Lolo National Forest and located about 3 miles from East Missoula. The area covers a range of terrain, from easy valley bottom rides to challenging mountain climbs, and offers access to pristine wilderness and excellent wildlife viewing. The route is rated hard, with a total elevation gain of 3,200 feet over a distance of about 15.6 miles. That makes it a serious ride for anyone looking to tackle the high ground of the Rattlesnake. Summer is the most comfortable time to ride. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Missoula show July and August highs around 84 to 85°F with lows near 50°F and only about seven wet days a month. Winter is cold and snowy, with January highs around 34°F and snow on about 10 days. Several trails start close by. The Missoula Rattlesnake hike and the Son of Sidewinder mountain biking route are each about 0.4 miles away, and the Sidewinder and Sheep Mountain hike are within a mile. For an overnight stay, Pattee Canyon Picnic Area is about 7 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Oct

    Best time to visit Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

    Best months: July–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      34° / 20°

      14 wet · 10 snow

    2. Feb

      39° / 22°

      11 wet · 8 snow

    3. Mar

      49° / 27°

      13 wet · 6 snow

    4. Apr

      57° / 33°

      12 wet · 2 snow

    5. May

      67° / 41°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      73° / 47°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 52°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 51°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      73° / 44°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      56° / 34°

      10 wet · 1 snow

    11. Nov

      41° / 26°

      12 wet · 6 snow

    12. Dec

      33° / 20°

      14 wet · 10 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Missoula 2 Ne, MT, 1.1 mi away at 3,420 ft. We don't have this place's elevation, so higher spots nearby can run cooler. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Keep exploring — more rides worth the drive

Sawmill Gulch CutoffPhoto: nklette, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Sawmill Gulch Cutoff

~2 min drive

0.08-mile trail in Montana's Rattlesnake Trailhead system

Ewok TrailPhoto: nklette, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Ewok Trail

~3 min drive

0.78-mile trail in Rattlesnake Trailhead system, 279 ft elevation gain

Curry GulchPhoto: nklette, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Curry Gulch

~4 min drive

Curry Gulch is a 1.42-mile trail in the Rattlesnake Trailhead system.

FencelinePhoto: nklette, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Fenceline

~5 min drive

3.66-mile trail at Rattlesnake Trailhead with 905 ft of elevation gain

Curry CutoffPhoto: nklette, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Curry Cutoff

~5 min drive

0.44-mile trail in Rattlesnake Trailhead system, 230 ft elevation gain

CurryPhoto: nklette, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Curry

~5 min drive

1.89-mile trail in Rattlesnake Trailhead system, 1,259 ft elevation gain

Sawmill Gulch Cutoff BPhoto: nklette, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Sawmill Gulch Cutoff B

~5 min drive

0.98-mile trail in Montana's Rattlesnake Trailhead system, 739 ft elevation gain

Fish LadderPhoto: nklette, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Fish Ladder

~5 min drive

0.93-mile trail at Rattlesnake Trailhead with 602 ft elevation gain

RIDE

Son of Sidewinder

Next door

0.62-mile trail at Rattlesnake Trailhead with 515 ft gain

RIDE

Missoula Rattlesnake

~1 min drive

0.65-mile trail in Montana's Rattlesnake Trailhead system with 129 ft elevation gain.