Recreation area · Trailhead · Trail

Bluebird Preserve

In 2019, Five Valleys Land Trust worked with private landowners to conserve the 124-acre Bluebird Preserve, directly to the west of the landfill, and transfer ownership of the parcel to the City of Missoula. The City built more than two miles of trails on the Bluebird Preserve, connecting it to the landfill’s conservation easement.

Listed under Hiking trails · Walking & running paths · Horseback riding trails · Recreation areas

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Hiking trail in snow — Photo from wildmontana.org

About this place

Perched above Grant Creek and overlooking the Missoula valley from the north sits Missoula's newest addition to our Conservation Lands system, the Bluebird Preserve. The 124-acre Preserve will add much-needed open space and recreational access to the Grant Creek, Captain John Mullan, Westside, and Northside neighborhoods.

Practical information

Address: 5650 Grant Creek Rd
Arrival: The trailhead is on the east side of Grant Creek Road, between Expo Parkway and Stonebridge Rd., at the north end of the Snowbowl carpool lot.
Parking: At the north end of the Snowbowl carpool lot.
Distance: 2 miles
Route surface: Adopted construction standard: native or imported materials; smooth with few obstacles, occasional protrusions 2–3 inches.
Difficulty: Trails built with moderate grades and appropriate widths to accommodate a wide variety of users
Hours: The Preserve is open to year-round pedestrian access, but bicycle use is not permitted at this time. Equestrian use is permitted from April 1 to September 30.
Dogs: Dogs must be leashed within 200 yards of the trailhead and where posted, and owners must remove pet waste.
Use rules: On the adjoining Republic Services–Five Valleys Land Trust easement trails, users must stay on designated trails; these trails close seasonally.
Managed by: City
Phone: (406) 552-6691
Email: gicklhornj@ci.missoula.mt.us