Skip to main content
National Forest Trail Lolo Peak Trail
Overview Service & Activities
Overview Service & Activities
About Distance: 5.5 miles to North Summit or 6.5 miles to Lolo Peak Trailhead: Lolo Peak Trail 1311 Trail Ends: Along Carlton Ridge Lolo Peak Trail (1311) is a popular hiking trail to Lolo Peak just outside of Missoula. It takes hikers to the top of Carlton Ridge which makes up part of the cirque which contains Carlton Lake. As you hike you will see the North Summit. It is the magnificent mountain towering above the Missoula Valley to the southwest. It is often mistaken for Lolo Peak which is behind it but not visible from some parts of the valley. Either of these peaks is a good destination if you want to get into the high country around Missoula. Plan for a strenuous, all-day trip. Depending on whether you head for the North Summit or Lolo Peak, it is a 2,900 or 3,300 foot climb. The trail is steep, with an average grade of 23 per cent and 30 to 40 percent grades along some sections. You will be rewarded with a spectacular view into the adjacent Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the Missoula Valley. At about 4 miles, you'll come to Carlton Ridge, elevation 8,252 feet. Carlton Lake, North Summit, and Lolo Peak are visible from here. Carlton Lake, below the two peaks, is a good place to take a rest or set up camp for the night. There are no developed trails to either Lolo Peak or North Summit Peak. However, the country is quite open and it won't be difficult to find your way to either. Depending on your route, it's about 1.5 miles to North Summit and 2.5 miles to Lolo Peak. You'll be scrambling over rocks for much of this distance. As you gain elevation during your hike, notice that the vegetation is changing from lodgepole pine and alpine fir to alpine larch. This species of larch is unique to high elevations in the northwest, and this is the only place it is found in the Lolo Forest's Missoula Ranger District. This is also a popular early winter, late spring ski trip for many backcountry skiers and lately, snowboarders. Usually, the trail isn't clear of snow until early July. Area Map: Lolo Forest Visitors Map USGS Map: Carlton Peak
Contact
MAILING ADDRESS 24 Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, MT 59804
CONTACT 406-329-3814
FAX 406-329-1049
Details
SEASON July - October
SPECIAL DIRECTIONS From Highway 12, south of Lolo, about 3 miles, take the Mormon Peak Road 612. 8.5 miles up the road there's a switchback with parking for 3 cars and a trail sign for Lolo Peak and Mill Creek Trails.
SERVICES Trail
ACTIVITIES Backcountry Camping Bird Watching Cross-Country Skiing Fishing Hiking Horseback Riding Hunting Wildlife Viewing

See what's nearby

Filter:
Show All
Where To Stay
Things To Do
Food And Drink
Grid View
List View

102 on Catlin

Condominium
Missoula, MT

5th Street Guest House

Vacation Home
Missoula

8th Floor Wilma Condo

Condominium
Missoula, MT

A Carousel for Missoula

Amusement
Missoula, MT

Adventure Cycling Association

Bike Guide
Missoula, MT

Adventure Missoula

Whitewater Rafting Guide
Alberton, MT

Alamo/National Car Rental

Car Rental
Missoula, MT

Albert Point Trail

National Forest Trail
Huson

Alberton Farmer’s Market

Farmers Market
Alberton, MT