Missoula’s Mt. Jumbo South Zone Closure Extended

When walking dogs around Missoula as the winter weather starts to change to spring, you can count on a few things with certainty, icy spots, slush, and mud. Lots of mud.

There are a few places around Missoula in the winter that are off-limits to hikers and their pets. One place that closes down in the winter is most of the trails around Mount Jumbo.

The reason for the closure is the elk population that spends the season in the area. Hikers and their animals can put undue stress on the animals. The "L" Trail and the US West road stay open all year round, but require all dogs to be leashed.

Mount Jumbo South Zone Closure Extended

When the weather starts to warm up, like now, the elk herds start to make their way off the mountain and the trails can then open for recreation. According to a press release from the Missoula Parks Department, after consulting with state wildlife biologists, they have decided to extend the closure of the South Zone of Mount Jumbo until further notice. Closure updates will be posted next week, the week of the 17th. For closure updates visit the Missoula Parks website.

The North Zone will continue to be closed at least until May 1. Depending on the status of the elk herds, it could remain closed after that date.

In the meantime there are plenty of other hills, trails, and mud for you to take your pets. A friendly reminder that if an area requires your pets to be on a leash, please have them on a leash.