Mt. Jumbo South Zone Reopens to Missoula Hikers Friday

Hikers have been getting busted for scaling Mt. Jumbo this winter. Here's a friendly reminder that they close off Mt. Jumbo for preservation beginning December 1.

Don't be like these people:

Good news for hikers, part of Mt. Jumbo reopened to the public for the spring and summer.

Mt. Jumbo Opens South Zone

"Mount Jumbo’s South Zone, which includes the Saddle Trail and all points south, will reopen to the public at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 13." Lori Hart with Missoula Parks & Recreation via email.

The view of East Missoula from Mt. Jumbo. Credit: Ace Sauerwein

Keep in mind that the North Zone will remain closed until May 1.

If you need a visual, check out the City's maps via its website here.

Why Does Mt. Jumbo Close?

Every year, the city closes Mt. Jumbo to the public to protect wildlife.

"Most of Mount Jumbo is closed each year starting December 1 to protect wintering wildlife. The closure provides critical habitat for the approximately 120 elk and other wildlife that rely on the lower elevations of Mount Jumbo for food and cover during the winter and early spring," said Hart.

It helps elk migrate across Mt. Jumbo to find food during the winter months.

The City of Missoula doesn't mess around with trespassers either. We tagged the article above where the Missoula Police were looking for trespassers, but Hart's email said, "Report wildlife closure violations by calling 911."

Whoa.