Overview
Sheriffs Flat is the Blue Mountain Recreation Area's benchmark loop, a 5-mile circuit on the open bench south of Missoula with views of the Clark Fork Valley and the surrounding ranges. Located in Montana just south of the city in the Lolo National Forest, the loop runs through open ponderosa pine savanna characteristic of lower-elevation fire-maintained Montana forests, offering a distinctly different experience from the closed-canopy cedar and fir drainages of the northern Lolo.
The south-facing terrain on Blue Mountain opens early in spring and extends the season into late November in most years. This, combined with the proximity to Missoula and the gentle grade, makes Sheriffs Flat one of the most used trails in the forest's front-country system. Mountain bikes share the loop with hikers, which keeps pace and awareness important.
The Route
Trailhead and Loop Entry (0 to 0.5 miles)
The loop begins at the Blue Mountain Trailhead parking area and quickly enters open ponderosa terrain on a well-maintained gravel-surfaced trail. The first views of Missoula and the Clark Fork Valley appear within the first quarter mile. Multiple junction signs are clear and well-marked for the main loop.
East Bench Traverse (0.5 to 2.5 miles)
The trail traverses the bench heading east with the valley visible below and the Blue Mountain ridge above. The ponderosa savannas on this section have an open, park-like character with grassy understory and good sight lines. Deer and wild turkey are commonly seen in early morning.
Upper Loop Connection (2.5 to 3.5 miles)
The trail climbs to the upper bench and connects with additional trail network options. The main loop continues on a ridge-top section with filtered views north toward Missoula. The forest is denser on the upper section.
Return Leg (3.5 to 5.0 miles)
The final section descends on the west-facing return leg through denser ponderosa and Douglas fir before rejoining the trailhead area. The return leg has slightly more elevation variation than the outbound traverse.
When to Hike
April through November is the primary season. The south-facing terrain typically clears snow by early April and remains accessible into late November or even December in low-snow years.
Early morning on summer weekdays provides the best wildlife encounters and the least trail-sharing complexity with mountain bikers.
Winter conditions vary. In light-snow years the trail is hikeable year-round, which makes it a consistent option when other Lolo trails are buried.
What to Bring
No water source exists on this trail. Many hikers carry 1 to 2 liters from the trailhead. The open ponderosa terrain provides no shade in the middle sections of the loop, so sun protection is important on hot summer days.
The loop is suitable for trail runners and mountain bikers as well as hikers, so yield awareness matters. Hikers yield to horses, cyclists yield to hikers per standard trail etiquette.
Trailhead Access
The Sheriffs Flat / Blue Mountain Trailhead is on Blue Mountain Road, accessible from South Avenue or Reserve Street south of Missoula. The access road is partially paved. No fee or permit is required (as of 2026). A vault restroom is present at the main trailhead. Parking for approximately 20 vehicles.
Dogs are welcome and common. The open terrain allows easy sight lines for recalling dogs when other users approach.
Nearby
Sheriffs Flat is one of several Missoula-adjacent loops in the Lolo. Pattee Canyon Trail to the east provides a forested canyon alternative. Rattlesnake Creek Trail to the north offers creek-side walking with wilderness access. For those ready to move beyond the front-country, Marshall Mountain Trail adds elevation and views.
Check current trail conditions on the USFS site and follow Leave No Trace principles on this high-traffic community trail.