By BECKY GOODRICH
Fast Facts:
- All areas on Mount Jumbo. north of Saddle Road will re-open to the public on Sunday, May 1.
- Mount Jumbo’s South Zone was re-opened in March of this year.
- Dogs must be under strict voice and sight control and may not chase or harass wildlife and livestock.
- Jumbo’s North Zone is accessible via the trailhead at Upper Lincoln Hills Drive.
Parks and Recreation, in consultation with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, will re-open Mount Jumbo’s North Zone to the public on Sunday, May 1. The North Zone includes all areas north of Jumbo’s Saddle Road and is accessible via the trailhead at Upper Lincoln Hills Drive.
The Glacial Lake Missoula high water marker on Mount Jumbo. Photo by K.P. Nichols.
The winter closure protects the elk from human and canine disturbance, allowing them to stay close to their food supply and conserve their energy during the calving season. The closure also helps prevent the elk from becoming habituated to people and dogs and altering their natural behaviors.
Mount Jumbo’s South Zone, including the Backbone Trail and trails near the “L”, re-opened on in March. For a complete map of Mount Jumbo and all City open space, purchase the Parks, Trails and Open Space map at Currents Aquatics Center for $4.
Dogs must be under strict voice and sight control on Mount Jumbo, and leashed where posted. Pet owners are asked to respect conservation lands, adjacent private property, other park visitors and wildlife by controlling their dogs at all times and removing their pet’s waste. Pet owners may not allow their dogs to chase, attack or harass wildlife or livestock on City open space. Free Mutt Mitts and loaner leashes are provided at trailheads.
For more information, call 721-PARK or visit the Parks and Recreation website at www.missoulaparks.org.