Mt. Sentinel

Sentinel is indeed the sentinel for Missoula – a stark open peak rising 2,000 feet of the valley floor, a backdrop for most photos of the city and a much-loved open space and recreation area. This is where Missoulians come to mountain bike in the morning, hike in the afternoon, and star-gaze at night. The peak itself is accessible by trails which start from the campus of the University of Montana, at the east end of South Avenue, from the Kim Williams Trail along the Clark Fork, and from two trailheads in Pattee Canyon. Yes – it’s steep. Plan on a heart-pounding hike, but in reality most trails get you to the top in just about an hour.