





+ 20
Rattlesnake Canyon - Full Fenceline
Mountain Biking Trail
Moderate
8.95 mi
1,504 ft
An exceptional ride in a beautiful wilderness area
Sitting remarkably close to Missoula is the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area, an area which (being an official Wilderness Area) can only be accessed by non-motorised forms of transport. Fortunately for us, the boundary of the Wilderness Area doesn't quite extend to cover this ride, so riders can get a feel for the Rattlesnake's wonders but still be on 2 wheels instead of on foot.
N.B. Be conscious that bears pay no attention to boundaries and are just as common around the bike trails as they are in the Wilderness Area itself. Be "bear aware" and heed the numerous warning signs explaining how prevalent bear sightings are in this area.
Having parked up at the large Rattlesnake parking lot, follow the beautifully sculpted and easy-feeling uptrack which climbs through dense forests towards where the descent trail begins. The ascent on this route is one of the best examples of sensible trail building, and proves how easy going up can be if the track is well built! There aren't many views on the way up so just enjoy the forests and long grasses all around you.
Once riding down the trail is just mile after mile of wonderful, smooth track. There are occasional rocks and roots but nothing truly technical to think about. Enjoy the long and always-fun ride as it winds down through forests, meadows and - finally - an almost-flat trail back to the parking lot. Written by Charlie Boscoe
Sitting remarkably close to Missoula is the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area, an area which (being an official Wilderness Area) can only be accessed by non-motorised forms of transport. Fortunately for us, the boundary of the Wilderness Area doesn't quite extend to cover this ride, so riders can get a feel for the Rattlesnake's wonders but still be on 2 wheels instead of on foot.
N.B. Be conscious that bears pay no attention to boundaries and are just as common around the bike trails as they are in the Wilderness Area itself. Be "bear aware" and heed the numerous warning signs explaining how prevalent bear sightings are in this area.
Having parked up at the large Rattlesnake parking lot, follow the beautifully sculpted and easy-feeling uptrack which climbs through dense forests towards where the descent trail begins. The ascent on this route is one of the best examples of sensible trail building, and proves how easy going up can be if the track is well built! There aren't many views on the way up so just enjoy the forests and long grasses all around you.
Once riding down the trail is just mile after mile of wonderful, smooth track. There are occasional rocks and roots but nothing truly technical to think about. Enjoy the long and always-fun ride as it winds down through forests, meadows and - finally - an almost-flat trail back to the parking lot. Written by Charlie Boscoe
Route and Elevation
Segments
Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
---|---|---|---|
Curry Gulch - Right Fork | 3.49 mi | 1,188 ft | 6.4% |
Balance Beam | 0.68 mi | 167 ft | 4.6% |
Curry Gulch | 1.76 mi | 686 ft | 7.4% |
Middle Curry | 1.35 mi | 600 ft | 8.4% |
Sawmill Gulch Rd Climb | 0.77 mi | 315 ft | 7.7% |
End of Curry | 0.40 mi | 115 ft | 5.4% |
Second Rattle Climb | 1.31 mi | 459 ft | 6.5% |
Right Fork | 0.95 mi | 325 ft | 6.5% |
fenceline top to bottom | 3.24 mi | -922 ft | -5.2% |
Upper Fence Line | 1.29 mi | -692 ft | -10.2% |
Bomber #1 | 1.13 mi | -495 ft | -8.2% |
Official Fencline | 3.32 mi | -932 ft | -5.3% |
Ready, Set, Shred | 0.72 mi | -377 ft | -9.9% |
Upper Fenceline | 1.44 mi | -568 ft | -7.2% |
Bomber #2 | 0.55 mi | -230 ft | -7.9% |
Full lower fenceline | 1.37 mi | -381 ft | -5.2% |
Flashlight | 0.23 mi | -82 ft | -6.4% |
Bomber #3.1 | 0.96 mi | -341 ft | -6.7% |
Who's The Boss | 0.76 mi | -253 ft | -6.2% |
Benson & Hedges | 0.25 mi | -92 ft | -6.9% |
Armada Latina | 0.66 mi | -223 ft | -6.3% |
Ewok Trail | 0.77 mi | -207 ft | -5.0% |
Ewok to Parking Lot | 1.17 mi | -302 ft | -4.9% |
Official Ewok (fun part only) | 0.66 mi | -164 ft | -4.7% |