Mount Jumbo elk closure in effect for North Zone
Posted on Dec. 1

MISSOULA - The return of winter will bring Mount Jumbo’s elk herd back to its traditional winter range.

That means seasonal closures of critical areas of the mountain to all recreational use.

The North Zone, from the Saddle Trail to the north, is closed from today until May 1.

The South Zone, from the Saddle Trail above Lincoln Hills Drive and south to I-90, is typically closed from Dec. 1 to March 15. However, due to an unseasonably warm and dry winter the South Zone will stay open until Dec. 8.

Several trails on Mount Jumbo are open all year, including the U.S. West road above I-90 and the “L” trail, both of which are accessible at the Cherry Street trailhead.

Dogs must be leashed on the “L” trail and U.S. West road during the winter closure. The road linking Upper Lincoln Hills Drive with Tamarack Street and the 40 acres below the road also are open all year.

When winter snows deplete forage at higher elevations, about 75 elk move to lower elevations on the slopes of Mt. Jumbo to feed. The closures are designed to help increase the elk herd’s chance for winter survival.

Mt. Jumbo makes up about two-thirds of the elk herd's winter range. The remaining range is too small to support the entire herd. The elk migrate from points north in the Lolo National Forest to Mt. Jumbo.

Winter hikers and their dogs can enjoy the numerous trails, scenic views and varied terrain on the North Hills, Mount Sentinel and Rattlesnake Greenway, and in the Rattlesnake, Pattee Canyon and Blue Mountain recreation areas.

For more information about winter walking and hiking opportunities, phone 721-PARK.

For more information about the Mount Jumbo management plan, visit http://www.missoulaparks.org or phone conservation lands manager Morgan Valliant at 552-6263.

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