more stats
1.2 miles
Distance
1,887 ft
Climb
00:36:51
Avg time
1,887 ft
Altitude change
3,241 ft
Altitude min
5,128 ft
Altitude max
3,241 ft
Altitude start
5,128 ft
Altitude end
29.026%
Grade
6.732%
Grade max
46.637%
Grade min
1 mile
Distance climb
20 ft
Distance down
29 ft
Distance flat
00:36:51
Avg time

Hellgate Ridgeline Details

  • Activities
    • Hike
    • Winter Fat Bike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Pattee Canyon
    Missoula, Montana
  • AKA
    N Trail
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    100 in Hiking [+]
    • 100 in Trail Running
  • Global Ranking
    #4896 in Hiking [+]
    • #2879 in Trail Running
  • Hiking SAC Scale
    T3 Demanding Mountain Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • Trail Visibility
    Sometimes hard to follow
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Land Owner
    University of Montana

The Hellgate Ridgeline trail is a steep and rocky route directly up the ridge to the summit of Mount Sentinel. In the first section up to the "M" there are several paths that spur off to the left. It's generally better to stay to the right. Above the "M" the trail intersects with the Sentinel Fire Road and the gentler Sentinel Summit Trail on the way to the top. The grade slackens as the trail approaches the wide flat summit of Mount Sentinel and the views open up in all directions.

Access Info

Parking is available at the "M" lot. There are a few parking spots designated for hikers. During the day when school is in session the rest of the lot requires are parking permit. The lot is occasionally used for pay parking during sporting events. Generally in the evenings and on weekends it is easy to get a parking spot.

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
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6 Months
  • 4 rides
  • 4 miles avg distance
All
  • 18 rides
  •  
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Hellgate Ridgeline Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jul 21, 2026 @ 6:28am (America/Denver)
Jul 21, 2026
Jun 26, 2026 @ 7:20am (America/Denver)
Jun 26, 2026
Apr 25, 2026 @ 7:47am (America/Denver)
Apr 25, 2026
Mar 17, 2026 @ 10:09am (America/Denver)
Mar 17, 2026
 Patches of ice down low snow on top.
Feb 11, 2026 @ 7:20am (America/Denver)
Feb 11, 2026
 Dirt on the bottom, ice in the middle, snow on top.
more »
Status:
on Jul 21, 2026
Dry
Avg: 4.5 (2 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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Slope Aspect
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Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to hellgate-ridgeline trailhead (46.862150, -113.980110)
        View on Discover Map

        Photos

        2 more »
        hike
        55 |
        Aug 9, 2019 @ 5:51pm
        Aug 9, 2019
        mtb
        53 |
        Jun 20, 2023 @ 8:06am
        Jun 20, 2023

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        4.5 ★★★★★
        2 Ratings
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        Nearby Trails

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        Frequently Asked Questions About Hellgate Ridgeline

        ▼ Where is Hellgate Ridgeline located?
        Hellgate Ridgeline is located in Pattee Canyon, Missoula, Montana, United States. It is part of the Pattee Canyon trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 46.86215, -113.98011.
        ▼ How hard is Hellgate Ridgeline?
        Hellgate Ridgeline is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 29.026%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Hellgate Ridgeline?
        Hellgate Ridgeline has 1,887 ft of elevation gain. The elevation ranges from 3,241 ft to 5,128 ft.
        ▼ Is Hellgate Ridgeline a point to point trail?
        Hellgate Ridgeline is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
        ▼ How long is Hellgate Ridgeline?
        Hellgate Ridgeline is 1.2 miles long. The trail type is singletrack.
        ▼ Are dogs allowed on Hellgate Ridgeline?
        Yes, dogs are allowed on Hellgate Ridgeline. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
        ▼ When is the best time of year to hike Hellgate Ridgeline?
        Based on activity log data, the most popular months to hike Hellgate Ridgeline are:
        • May (2 activities)
        • August (1 activities)
        • October (1 activities)
        Check the reports page for current trail conditions.
        ▼ How do I access Hellgate Ridgeline? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
        The closest parking and trailhead locations to Hellgate Ridgeline are: View all parking locations in the area.
        ▼ How long does it take to hike Hellgate Ridgeline?
        Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 51 minutes to hike Hellgate Ridgeline. The trail is 1.2 miles long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
        ▼ How busy is Hellgate Ridgeline?
        Hellgate Ridgeline is a very popular trail. There have been 1,156 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 1,302 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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