Mount Sentinel M Trail in Missoula
Friday, September 8, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm/3:00pm
Level 2: Moderate
Time: 1-1.5 hours round trip to the M and 3-3.5 hours round trip to Mount Sentinel
Distance: 1.5 miles to the M roundtrip and 3.1 miles to Mount Sentinel round trip
Elevation gain: 1,958 feet
Meet at Trailhead
Bring water, good hiking shoes and snacks if you need it.
Leader: Amanda
About the M Trail
Mount Sentinel, originally known as "Mount Woody" is a small mountain located immediately east of the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. At a height of 1,958 feet and an elevation of 5,158 feet, Mount Sentinel also features the hillside letter "M", a large concrete structure 620 feet up its western face of Mount Sentinel. It has been a Missoula landmark since 1908, when the Forestry Club members forged a zigzag trail up the mountain and students carried up stones to shape the symbol of the University of Montana. The current M was installed in 1968 and is 125 feet long and 100 feet high. There are 13 switchbacks and there is a panoramic view of the entire Missoula Valley.
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Access to the trail starts at the parking lot across from Aber Hall on Campus Drive at the University of Montana. Taking the trail to the right takes you up the traditional route up the front side of Mount Sentinel.
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If you are interested in hiking this trail, please meet at the stated time at the trailhead. We do not provide transportation to the trailheads. You can walk or uber. Put the name of the trailhead in your phone for directions. Here are directions from the Elks to the Trailhead. There is also a scenic cement path on either side of the Clark Fork River with easy access from downtown if you are unable to make this hike. Enjoy your hike!
