more stats
3.6 miles
Distance
-1,407 ft
Descent
00:14:48
Avg time
-1,409 ft
Altitude change
3,631 ft
Altitude min
5,040 ft
Altitude max
5,040 ft
Altitude start
3,632 ft
Altitude end
-7.3%
Grade
-34.3%
Grade max
1.7%
Grade min
233 ft
Distance climb
4 miles
Distance down
374 ft
Distance flat
00:14:48
Avg time

Spring Gulch Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
    • Snowshoe
    • Backcountry Ski
  • Riding Area
    The Rattlesnake
    Missoula, Montana
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Local Popularity
    75 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 50 in Trail Running
    • 75 in Hiking
    • 5 in Horseback
    • 100 in Snowshoeing
    • 5 in Backcountry Skiing
  • Global Ranking
    #78609 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #117920 in Trail Running
    • #83447 in Hiking
  • Hiking SAC Scale
    T1 Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Snow Grooming
    Backcountry
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Downhill Primary
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Season
    May - October
  • Family Friendly
    Yes
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Land Owner
    USFS

Probably the best descent in the main Rattlesnake. After riding the overlook trail, you wind up and down through the woods for a little, before the trail gets steep, rooty and and fun. To avoid the smooth part at the end take a sharp left at the sign for Wallman, and head up for another fun descent

Trail Supporters

  • USFS
    Land Manager
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 11 rides
  • 20 miles avg distance
All
  • 181 rides
  • Last: Jul 8, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Spring Gulch Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
May 2, 2026 @ 9:47am (America/Denver)
May 2, 2026
Apr 5, 2026 @ 6:30pm (America/Denver)
Apr 5, 2026
 Biked and hiked up with chainsaw, trees are cleared, trail is in good shape.
Mar 24, 2026 @ 5:18pm (America/Denver)
Mar 24, 2026
 I went up to the lookout hoping it would clear on the way down. It did not. Lots of snow and downed trees.
Mar 20, 2026 @ 3:28pm (America/Denver)
Mar 20, 2026
Nov 11, 2025 @ 10:18am (America/Denver)
Nov 11, 2025
more »
Status:
on May 2, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 3.99 (10 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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The intended direction a trail should be ridden.
  • Downhill Only
  • Downhill Primary
  • Both Directions
  • Uphill Primary
  • Uphill Only
  • One Direction
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  • Description & Photos
  • Videos
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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 spring-gulch trailhead (46.973640, -113.964780)

        Photos

        16 more »
        29 |
        Apr 30, 2026 @ 8:48pm
        Apr 30, 2026
        45 |
        Aug 10, 2025 @ 7:16pm
        Aug 10, 2025
        59 |
        Jun 18, 2023 @ 8:16pm
        Jun 18, 2023
        184 |
        Aug 23, 2020 @ 8:30pm
        Aug 23, 2020

        Videos

        1 more »
        youtuber Spring Gulch - The Rattlesnake - Missoula, MT
        11:11 | 275 | Sep 27, 2022 , Missoula

        Technical Trail Features (TTF)

        Routes with this trail

        62
        MTBM - Fenceline - Rattlesnake - Blue
        ★ 3.4 • 9 miles • 1,478 ft • 7 • Loop •
        MTB Missoula's recommended blue route in the Rattlesnake Trail system. A smooth but fairly stout climb...
        64
        MTBM - Overlook - Rattlesnake - Blue
        13 miles • 2,579 ft • 8 •
        A longer classic loop in the Rattlesnake. Ride time 2-3 hours with long climbs, technical descending, and...
        84
        Snowbowl Overlook Loop
        ★ 2.5 • 10 miles • 1,934 ft • 11 • Loop •
        Climb up to the and then descend back to the parking lot.

        6 Reviews & Comments


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        Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Gulch

        ▼ Where is Spring Gulch located?
        Spring Gulch is located in The Rattlesnake, Missoula, Montana, United States. It is part of the The Rattlesnake trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 46.97364, -113.96478.
        ▼ How hard is Spring Gulch?
        Spring Gulch is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 7.3%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Spring Gulch?
        The trail has 1,407 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 3,631 ft to 5,040 ft.
        ▼ Is Spring Gulch a point to point trail?
        Spring Gulch is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is singletrack.

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