If you’re an outdoor enthusiast—and let’s face it, you probably are if you’re in Missoula—then staying indoors can be downright painful. But you don’t have to forgo fresh air altogether, just make sure to maintain a minimum of 6 feet away from others at all times. Lucky for us, Missoula has the trail systems and wide open spaces to accommodate social distancing best practices. While you’ll have to make a little extra effort to keep your distance on popular routes like our Riverfront Trail, spots like Blue Mountain Recreation Area and Pattee Canyon offer more room to explore responsibly. For more ideas on where to hike when you start to go a little stir crazy, check out Destination Missoula blogs such as A Day Hike for Everyone.
Current Status of Montana Parks, Public Lands and More
Current Status of All Montana State Park Facilities
UPDATE 6.11.20—As Montana moves through Phase 2 of reopening Big Sky Country, the Missoula Parks & Recreation Department has been able to reopen nearly all outdoor facilities including playgrounds, picnic areas, and restrooms. In addition to practicing social distancing, the Missoula Parks & Recreation Department encourages people to bring their own products such as water bottles, hand sanitizer, picnic cloth, etc. when enjoying public parks and recreation areas.
A statement from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recommends the following:
In places where there are no restrictions on the use of local parks, trails and open spaces, we encourage all users to follow these recommendations:
+Refrain from using parks or trails if they are exhibiting symptoms.
+Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
+Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains.
+While on trails, warn other users of their presence and as they pass, and step aside to let others pass.
+Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size of social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts, and maintain proper physical distance at all times.
+Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.
+Consult their local and state ordinances and guidelines for the most up to date recommendations on park and trail use.
Blue Mountain Recreation Area — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Missoula City Parks and Playgrounds — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Mount Sentinel, Mount Jumbo, and Waterworks Trails — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Pattee Canyon Recreation Area — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Rattlesnake Recreation Area — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Riverfront, Kim Williams, Grant Creek and Milwaukee Trails — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Beavertail Hill State Park — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Council Grove State Park — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Frenchtown Pond State Park — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Garnet Ghost Town — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Grey Wolf Peak Casino — CLOSED
Waiting for Tribal Council to ok reopening.
Holt Heritage Museum — OPEN
Open by appointment only. 406-273-6743
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Milltown State Park — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Miracle of America Museum — OPEN
Everyday 9am – 5pm
National Bison Range — CLOSED
Placid Lake State Park — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Salmon Lake State Park — OPEN
Social distancing and CDC guidelines in effect. Amenities and facilities may be limited.
Travelers Rest State Park — OPEN
Visitor Center Closed. Park gates are open 9am -5 pm.
Glacier National Park — OPEN
West Gate open. Going-to-the-Sun road is open to cars up to Avalanche campground and Hiker/Biker access allowed up to Logan Pass – not recommended after Logan Creek. McDonald Lake Lodge and Village Inn Hotel open to overnight guests only. No front or backcountry camping – permits may become available as of June 26th. East entrance of the park still closed.
Yellowstone National Park — OPEN
All gates open. Only cabin-style accommodations will be available, lodge accommodations are closed for summer 2020. Campgrounds and visitor centers remain closed.