The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Archive for the ‘Hiking and Backpacking’ Category

Exploring the Unique Blend of Urban and Outdoor Living in Western Montana

Western Montana offers a remarkable combination of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure.... more

Montana Road Trip: Exploring the Beauty of Big Sky Country

Buckle up and get ready to experience the captivating allure of Montana on an unforgettable road trip adventure.... more

FWP Reminder: Be Bear Aware When Recreating Outdoors

Remove or secure food attractants and keep a clean campsite As spring weather approaches, we’re all anxious to head outdoors, and bears are leaving their winter dens. This time of year, bears are waking up f... more

How Proper Gear Can Improve Your Hiking Experience

When properly equipped, the wilderness transforms into a majestic wonderland calling adventurers deeper into its sanctuary.... more

Putting Missoula on the Flight Map

Let's take a look at just what's brought about this surge in popularity and the options for tourists looking to fly into Missoula.... more

September is Bear Aware Month

Being outdoors means being with wildlife. Here's some simple advice for staying safe while exploring the outdoors and in bear country.... more

Mount Jump South Zone Closure Extended

In consultation with state wildlife biologists, Parks and Recreation has extended the Mount Jumbo South Zone winter wildlife closure beyond the scheduled March 15 opening date.... more

Top 8 Things to Do Near Missoula

In this guide, we will share some of the best activities you should do near Missoula, so click to know about these interesting activities. ... more

How to Survive in the Wilderness – 2023

Every person who got lost in the woods had no plans of doing so. In this guide, we cover the basic things you need to do to survive in the wilderness. ... more

Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Missoula: The Best Things to Do in the City

In the Montana metropolis of Missoula, there is something for everyone. The city offers numerous undiscovered jewels, from outdoor activities to cultural events, just waiting to be found and experienced.... more

6 Interesting Things To Do In Missoula

Missoula is a great place to live and visit. Find out six interesting things to do while in the city. ... more

Why Consider Caregiver Jobs in Missoula Montana

If you are currently in the health care field (or hope to be) and you want to offer your services in a caring community set within the Northern Rockies, come to Missoula.... more

Main Reasons to Travel to Missoula as a Student

Do you want to visit Missoula and have a good time enjoying your holiday? Here are the main reasons why this city is suitable for any student.... more

5 Tips for Visiting National Parks With Children

Our national parks can feel intimidating when you're watching out for little ones. Here are some useful tips for managing:... more

5 Things to Consider Before Taking Your Dog to the Mountains With You

Make sure you've considered the following five points to ensure your dog's safety while in the mountains with you.... more

Outdoor Activities you Do With Your Pet in Missoula

Tucked away into a peaceful corner of the Rockies, the pet-friendly city of Missoula offers plenty of outdoor activities you can do with your pet. ... more

Things to Do in College Instead of Partying

Check out this list for a few activities you might consider adding to your college schedule.... more

Public Invited to Marshall Mountain Celebration September 12

Missoula Parks and Recreation invites residents to tour the new Marshall Mountain Park on Sunday, September 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.... more

Wildlife Officials, Blackfoot Community Work Together on Fatal Bear Attack Details and Next Steps

Wildlife officials and the local Blackfoot Valley community are working together to wrap up details of the July 6 fatal grizzly bear attack of a camper in Ovando.... more

Best Entertainment Places in Missoula

There's something available for everyone when you visit Missoula! Here are just a few: ... more

Do You Want To Take Up A New Hobby? Climbing Just Might Be The Thing For You

Hiking has many benefits, which makes it worth trying. Here are some of them that will inspire you to try it out.... more

Must-Visit States in the Western U.S. for Every Type of Traveler

In this article we take a look at four specific Western locations that both tourists and even local Americans must visit at least once.... more

Hiking VS Camping – Why Not Both?

Today we’ll talk about the differences and similarities of camping and hiking, as well as the reasons why you can do both in one run.... more

Be Bear Aware When Recreating Outdoors

Bears are emerging from dens with the onset of spring, and people are reminded to “Be Bear Aware.”... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Closure Extended to March 22

In consultation with wildlife biologists at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Parks and Recreation has extended the Mt. Jumbo South Zone winter wildlife closure to March 22.... more

Going Rock Climbing? Here Are The Essential Items You Should Get

To make the job easier for you, we’ve picked out the most important items that you should get before going rock climbing. ... more

Useful Items You’ll Need When You Go Outdoors For A Hike

Here are some of the things you should bring with you on a hike.... more

Expert Survival Tips for Hikers and Campers

If you are looking to leave everything behind and enjoy a few days of nature's raw beauty, here are a few expert survival tips for hikers and campers.... more

Great Activities for Students in Missoula

Planning to visit Missoula but don't know how to have fun? The city has many interesting locations. Here are great activities for students in Missoula.... more

How to Make Your Outdoor Activities Extra Special

Keep reading to know more about guides and a common question for your exciting venture.... more

Top Five Entertaining Things to do While in Missoula

There are many entertaining activities anyone can indulge in while visiting Missoula, and here’s a list of some of the top five:... more

5 Insanely Creative and Fun Things to do in Missoula

From local farmer's markets to natural hot springs, we've compiled a list of the top-rated places to check out in The Garden City.... more

Man Injured in Grizzly Bear Attack on Sun River

A man was attacked by a female grizzly bear on Sunday morning near the Sun River. The attack left the man with non-life-threatening injuries.... more

Beartooth Wildlife Management Area Opens May 15 to Day-Use Only

To coordinate with local and federal partners, Beartooth WMA opens May 15 to day-use only; other WMAs open as usual with social distancing protocols in place.... more

FWP Announces Updates to COVID-19-Related Closures and Suspensions

People looking to get outside and enjoy spring will continue to have ample opportunities with Gov. Steve Bullock's phased approach to re-opening the state.... more

Common Hiking Aches & Pains

Make sure you understand what the different aches and pains are that you can get from hiking, and this will help you deal with them in the best possible way.... more

State Lands Remain Open For Day Use

Fish Wildlife and Parks adjusts facility management in response to COVID-19; and state lands remain open for day use. ... more

6 Reasons to Visit a National Park

There are many great reasons why you should definitely have a national park at the top of your to-do travel list!... more

Top 10 Hikes Around Missoula

By JEFF JONES - An insider's perspective of the top 10 hikes in and around Missoula, Montana.... more

Local Snowmobile Store to Host Annual Avalanche Training Event

Gull Boats & RV will host a free annual avalanche traiing event at Big Sky Brewing on October 30 at 6pm featuring instructor Mike Duffy from the American Avalanche Association.... more

Tourism and Innovation. How Montana is Trying to Get Ahead

One of the most northerly of the U.S states, Montana is widely appreciated for its numerous outdoor opportunities, tourist attractions and local culture. ... more

10 Heavenly Montana Hikes West of the Continental Divide

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - Nothing inspires like a heart-pounding hike into Montana's high country. Put these ten picks for memorable hikes on your Montana bucket list!... more

Mount Jumbo North Zone Opens May 1

By BECKY GOODRICH - All areas on Mount Jumbo. north of Saddle Road will re-open to the public on Sunday, May 1.... more

Is Spring Early or Late?

By BRUCE AUCHLY - The warm weather of February and early March could lead one to believe in an early spring, which feels nice but is not necessarily a good thing.... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Re-Opens March 22

Mount Jumbo’s South Zone, including the Saddle Road and all points south of the road, re-opens to the public on Tuesday, March 22.... more

Mount Jumbo Wildlife Closure Begins December 1

By BECKY GOODRICH-Most of Mount Jumbo closes to recreational use during the winter months to protect wintering elk. Read more about the closures areas.... more

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Summer Workshop August 7-9

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' popular Becoming an Outdoors-Woman summer workshop is set for Aug. 7-9 at Lubrecht Forest, east of Missoula.... more

Public Invited to Grant Creek Trail Grand Opening This Thursday

FREE icecream for the first 100 people at the grand opening of the Grant Creek Trail--Missoula's newest bicycle-pedestrian trail. The Celebration will be at 5:30 pm , Thursday July 9.... more

Manners Matter – How to Share Western Montana Rivers

By JOLEEN TADEJ - It's still easy to have a great summer experience on Montana's rivers. The key is river etiquette, a mix of common sense, courtesy, and respect.... more

Park Service to Open Iconic Sun Road On Glacier’s West Side

By DILLON TABISH - Summer is Here! The National Park Service announced Wednesday that the Going-to-the-Sun Road, is expected to fully open on the west side on Thurs., June 11.... more