The Rattlesnake trailhead serves as the starting point for the best mountain bike riding in Missoula. There is an extensive network of trails which allows for a multitude of loops which can cater to bikers of all skill levels. The largest drainage is the main corridor of the Rattlesnake. There is a wide doubletrack dirt road that follows the creek. Three gulches feed into the main Rattlesnake each of which has its own system of trails. From South to North, these are Sawmill Gulch, Curry Gulch and Spring Gulch. These gulches are all connected to each other.
From Missoula, head north on Van Buren. Van Buren becomes Rattlesnake. At a 4 way junction (2.2 miles north of Broadway on Van Buren/Rattlesnake), turn right to remain on Rattlesnake. After another 1.8 miles, go left on Sawmill Gulch road (right is Woods Gulch Road). Go 0.3 miles and look for the large trailhead on the right. There is also a smaller trailhead 1.2 miles further up the road for the Sawmill Gulch drainage.
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