Trail FAQs

SPECIFICATIONS

Q: Where does the trail begin and end?
A: The Southern terminus of the trail is located 2.5 miles south of Hamilton, Montana near Angler’s Roost Campground. The Northern terminus of the trail is located at the intersection of the Milwaukee Road Trail in the Old Sawmill District of Missoula, Montana.
Q: How long is the trail?
A: 44 miles total. The trail cuts southwest across Missoula before reaching US-12/US-93, or the intersection of Brooks and Reserve Streets. The remainder of the trail parallels Highway 93 through the towns of Lolo, Florence, Stevensville, Victor, and Hamilton.
Q: How wide is the trail?
A: 10 feet wide.
Q: What is the surface material of the trail?
A: Highway-grade pavement.
Q: How steep is the trail?
A: The trail is mainly flat with a few low-grade hills. Overall, the trail loses elevation from Hamilton to Missoula. A rider who rode the entire trail from Hamilton to Missoula would have descended about 400 vertical feet.

Elevation profile of the trail, Hamilton - Missoula

Q: What use is permitted on the trail?
A: The trail is open to non-motorized use such as cyclists and walkers with the exception of motorized wheelchairs or other accessibility motorized vehicles.

TRAILSIDE AMENITIES

Q: Are there public bathrooms and potable water sources along the trail?
A: There are several public restrooms available along the trail, though access may vary by location. The interactive trail map is the best resource for finding rest stops, facilities, and other points of interest. While some gas stations and grocery stores along the route offer restrooms and water, they may require you to be a paying customer. Below is a list of confirmed public locations with access to both bathrooms and water.

Missoula:

Southgate Mall, about 2 miles south of the Northern terminus
Public portatoilet provided by Missoula County in between Missoula and Lolo, just passed Deadman’s Gulch (46°48'05.0"N 114°05'49.0"W)

Lolo:

Travelers’ Rest State Park, .5 miles west of the trail, off of HWY 12

Florence:

Public Porta-toilet @ Haas Country Market (Maybe only open Saturdays) 5189 US-93, Florence, MT 59833

Victor:

Victor Park, 170 S Tudor St, Victor, MT 59875

Hamilton:

Blodgett Park, 676 Blodgett Park Rd, Hamilton, MT 59840
Ravalli County Fairgrounds Bike-Pedestrian Rest Area, east of the trail near the intersection of Fairgrounds and Old Corvallis Roads

TRAIL MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE

The Bitterroot Trail is maintained through a collaborative effort involving local city and county governments, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and the trail community. This shared stewardship ensures the trail remains safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.

While on the trail, please pack in, pack out, and help keep it clean. If you see trash, consider picking it up. Let’s all work together to leave the trail better than we found it.

Report Trail Maintenance Issues

If you notice a blockage, hazard, or something that needs attention, we rely on trail users like you to report it. Help us keep the trail safe and welcoming for all.

Report here