The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Posts Tagged ‘Mount Jumbo’

Winter Wildlife Closures on Mt. Jumbo, Mt. Dean Stone Begin Dec. 1st

Missoula Parks and Recreation reminds hikers and bikers that some City open space areas are closed in the winter months to protect wildlife.... more

Mount Jump South Zone Closure Extended

In consultation with state wildlife biologists, Parks and Recreation has extended the Mount Jumbo South Zone winter wildlife closure beyond the scheduled March 15 opening date.... more

Sheep Return to City Open Space, Some Areas Temporarily Closed to Dogs

The City of Missoula’s wooliest employees are back this summer to help with noxious weed control on City Open Space.... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Opens to the Public March 23

Mount Jumbo’s South Zone, which includes the Lincoln Hills Trailhead and all points south of the Saddle Road, will reopen to the public at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23.... more

Avalanche Danger on Mount Jumbo!

Avalanche danger is present on Mount Jumbo, public urged to stay off the mountain.... more

Mount JumboNorth Zone to Remain Closed until May 15

By BECKY GOODRICH - Parks and Recreation, in consultation with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, has extended the winter wildlife closure for Mount Jumbo’s North Zone.... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Opens Friday, March 30

By BECKY GOODRICH - Mount Jumbo’s South Zone will reopen to public use on Friday, March 30, bringing the area’s annual winter wildlife closure to a close.... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Re-Opens March 22

Mount Jumbo’s South Zone, including the Saddle Road and all points south of the road, re-opens to the public on Tuesday, March 22.... more

Mount Jumbo Wildlife Closure Begins December 1

By BECKY GOODRICH-Most of Mount Jumbo closes to recreational use during the winter months to protect wintering elk. Read more about the closures areas.... more

Citizens Urged to Call 911 to Report Mount Jumbo Trespassers

Parks & Rec Reminder: Mount Jumbo is closed for the winter and with the new snowfall Avalanche Danger is HIGH. Cititzens are urged to call 911 to report Trespassers.... more

Mount Jumbo Wildlife Closure Begins December 1

Mount Jumbo's North Zone is closed from December 1 until May 1. Trespassing during the wildlife closure is prohibited and violators may be fined up to $500. ... more

Stage I Fire Restrictions to Begin Thursday

The City of Missoula will join other West Central Montana fire agencies in enacting Stage I fire restrictions early Thursday morning August 7.... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Closure Extended to April 7

To protect wintering elk, most of Mount Jumbo’s south zone will remain closed through Sunday, April 6. However, the “L” trail will re-open to the public on Tuesday, April 1. ... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Closure Extended Through March 31

FYI - Mount Jumbo’s South Zone, including the "L" trail, the US West road and the Backbone Trail will remain closed through Monday, March 31.... more

Heightened Avalanche Danger on Mount Jumbo For Next 48 Hours

Police officers are visiting homes in certain Missoula neighborhoods to let residents know of heightened avalanche danger on Mount Jumbo and Mount Sentinel for at least the next 48 hours. ... more

My Unique Situation in Missoula, Montana

By DAN SAXTON - So far, Missoula has been an awesome place to get to know. However, as someone with a hearing disability, I do face some unique challenges as I settle down here.... more

My First Impressions of Missoula, Montana

By Dan Saxton - I'd made the decision to Move to Missoula, MT. What would be my first impression of the Garden City? Was its beauty real or or simply ordinary--it's people hospitable and friendly?... more

City Requires Owners to Leash Dogs Near Grazing Sheep on Open Space

The City’s woolliest employees will be back at work this Sunday helping Missoulians rid the North Hills of noxious weeds. Please help protect the herd from off-leash dogs.... more

Mount Jumbo North Zone Re-Opens May 1

FYI - Mount Jumbo’s North Zone, including the 3.8-mile North Loop, re-opens to public use on Wednesday, May 1. The North Zone includes all areas north of Jumbo’s Saddle Road.... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Re-Opened March 15

F.Y.I. - To protect wintering elk and mule deer, much of Mount Jumbo is closed to recreational use during winter months. The Saddle Road and all points south of the road re-opened to the public on Friday, March... more

Multimedia: The Sights of Spring in Missoula

By JEN SLAYDEN - I get a little weary during spring, wanting Mother Nature to hurry up and let the sun shine. While we wait, here are a few early Missoula spring sights.... more

Photo Gallery | Gratitude as Mount Jumbo’s South Zone Reopens

By PAUL QUENEAU - Today, Mount Jumbo's south zone reopens to people after its winter hibernation so that the elk and mule deer could range in peace. ... more

An Elegy for a Tree

By JEN SLAYDEN - Like many Missoulians, I take to the trails to alleviate my stress. Recently, I was sad to find that my favorite lone tree on Mount Jumbo was chopped down.... more