Missoula, MT – The City of Missoula announced that Mt. Jumbo’s South Zone, including all areas south of Saddle Road, reopened on Friday, March 13.
The reopening follows winter closures designed to protect the elk herd that overwinters on the mountain’s southern face.
Officials reminded visitors that elk are still present in the South Zone and encouraged responsible recreation, including keeping dogs leashed to prevent conflicts with wildlife.
The North Zone, north of Saddle Road, remains closed until at least May 1, with barricades and signs clearly marking the restricted areas. Trails such as the “L” and US West remain open year-round.
City Parks and Recreation staff monitor elk presence through the Elk Spotters Program and track vegetation growth to determine safe reopening dates.
This year, monitoring in early March indicated sufficient forage growth in the South Zone, allowing for an earlier reopening than some previous years.
Visitors are thanked for respecting closures and are encouraged to enjoy the South Zone trails while continuing to protect local wildlife.
