Mount Jumbo via the Tivoli Trail

The Tivoli Trailhead can be found off of Tivoli Way in the Lincoln Hills neighborhood off of Rattlesnake Drive in Missoula. The Tivoli Trail zigzags on and off of the Saddle Trail, both leading up to the summit of Mount Jumbo. It is easy to go from one trail to the other when hiking Mount Jumbo, but the key way you will know if you are on the Tivoli Trail is if you are following the narrower path on your hike. The trail begins with steeper terrain and up a field of grass, gaining about half of the elevation gain in only a half mile. Once you hit the one and only trail marker that directs you 1.2 more miles to the summit, you will have a more gradual climb up through the trees. Be sure to look for occasional views of downtown Missoula.

This is a great hike to watch the sunset because there are spots to bring a blanket and a few drinks to enjoy the remainder of the day. There will be a point that acts as a false summit, and the Tivoli Trail merges into the Saddle Trail to bring you to the summit of Mount Jumbo. If the weather is clear you will get to take in 360-degree views of the Bitterroot Mountains, the Sapphire Range, the Garnet Range, the Rattlesnake Mountains, and the Reservation Divide. You might also get the chance to see some local paragliders using the heat from Missoula's inversion to cruise down the side of the mountain. Mount Jumbo is also home to a famous elk herd that spends its winters here.