Sheep Mountain Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This specific loop starts and finishes at the Duncan Drive Rattlesnake Trailhead. Enjoy the early miles as you follow the Rattlesnake Corridor, high mountain views atop Sheep Mountain, and fun ridge running as you bomb down towards Blue Point, descending back into town finishing off the loop with a stroll through Lincoln Hills.

Lots of spots for water filtering during the first half of the route, but sparse water options on the back half of the route.

Starting at the Duncan Drive Rattlesnake Trailhead, hop on the corridor trail heading towards the main Rattlesnake Trailhead. Once on the main Rattlesnake Corridor trail, follow Rattlesnake Creek for a while until you cross the creek for the final time at Franklin Bridge, roughly 9 miles in.

After passing Franklin Bridge, begin to look for the trail intersection on the east side of the corridor. You'll eventually parallel the East Fork of the Rattlesnake towards Mineral Peak. Stay on the East Fork Rattlesnake Trail after the Mineral Peak intersection towards Twin Creek wrapping up the east face of Sheep Mountain. Climb to the top of Sheep Mountain, where you'll find the remains of a rock-framed structure.

Upon leaving the Sheep Mountain summit, you'll head west back towards Blue Point and Missoula. Follow the ridge for a while until you find yourself back in the North Lincoln Hills area. From here, there are many trail options you could take. For this version of the loop, we finished the fun day off with a stroll on the North Hills trail and out to the Lincoln Hills Trail. At the Lincoln Hills Trail, head southwest through the trees and eventually across Rattlesnake Dr back to the Duncan Drive Trailhead completing the loop.