M Trail

Well, University of Montana and Montana State University fans can argue ad infinitum about whose school has a better “M” trail, but the best way to make friends is simply to hike them both. Actually, both trails are similar in distance (.5 to 1.5 miles each way, depending on the trail) and vertical rise (850 for Bozeman, a bit less for Missoula). The main difference is that the Missoula trail starts right in town and has full views of the Missoula Valley the entire time, while the Bozeman trail starts several miles from town and only has a good view at the end. Bozeman’s M sits at the mouth of Bridger Canyon at a well-signed trailhead.