Neighbors Connecting Neighbors
A group of concerned Grant Creek residents had a vision to build a nonmotorized trail that would safely connect valley neighborhoods for users of all abilities and ages. In 2007, Grant Creek Trails Association, Inc., formally organized as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit.
Ever since, the Grant Creek Trails Association volunteer board has been advocating for nonmotorized trails and cooperating with local and state organizations in planning, design, construction and maintenance of trails in and around the Grant Creek area in Missoula, Montana.
| Bert Lindler, President | Kim Birck |
| Karen Sippy, VP/Treasurer | Adam Johnson |
| Wendell Beardsley, Secretary |
GCTA played the leading advocacy role in establishing the scenic 3-mile Grant Creek Trail, which currently runs from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to Mellot Lane, with partners Missoula Parks & Recreation and Missoula County Parks, Trails and Open Space.
GCTA strives to provide as many community members as possible with access to safe, nonmotorized trails for outdoor exercise, recreation and commuting.
The scenic 3-mile Grant Creek Trail currently runs from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to Mellot Lane, serving both city and county residents.
Prior to construction of the Grant Creek Trail, the only option to safely travel between valley neighborhoods or to commute was by using a vehicle. The area community lacked a public park facility that would provide a safe place to recreate, as well.
As soon as construction began in summer 2014, the community response was overwhelming. People were using the trail before it was even paved and completed; and now, trail users of all types and ages are represented nearly every day. Children are learning to walk or ride their bikes while the elderly are using their walkers and wheelchairs.
The Grant Creek Trail was made possible through donated land easements, city funds, federal grants and private donations. GCTA extends a special thank you to those generous donors who contributed to the trail.
Land Easement Donors Grant Creek Trail DonorsGCTA continues to advocate for expanding the trail to connect more neighborhoods within the Grant Creek valley and beyond.
For more specifics, download the Proposed Trail Map
GCTA has been advocating for nonmotorized trails and operating solely by volunteers since 2007. As advocacy continues for more trail construction to connect more neighborhoods and to provide many more Missoulians access to recreation opportunities, normal, necessary operating costs are incurred. GCTA relies on the generosity of private donations for support.
The city of Missoula maintains both city and county sections of the Grant Creek Trail by keeping it mowed and swept. Currently, however, there is no budget for staff or equipment to cover snow removal or to manage noxious weeds along the trail.
Since the Grant Creek Trail has been constructed, all user types have been using and enjoying the trail year-round in sun, rain and snow — with people using the trail daily even in freezing, snowy and icy conditions.
To keep the trail clear from snow and noxious weeds, GCTA has agreed to supplement funding for snow plowing and weed mitigation with partnering HOA neighborhood associations, the city of Missoula and Missoula County. Donations will help ensure the trail is plowed during the winter seasons, allowing community members continued access to a clean and safe trail, and will help prevent weed infestation onto adjoining private and public lands.
To support GCTA’s efforts and the trail,
write a check and mail to:
GCTA
PO Box 16922
Missoula, MT 59808
Thank you!
Q: What is the Grant Creek Trails Association?
A: Grant Creek Trails Association, Inc. became a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit in 2007. GCTA is a nonmember organization of volunteers made up of Grant Creek, city and county residents who support the trail.
Q: Is my donation tax deductible?
A: GCTA is a charitable nonprofit 501(c)(3). Your donation is deductible to the fullest extent allowed, and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Please consult with your tax professional for more information.
Q: How are donations to GCTA used?
A: GCTA is a completely volunteer organization. All donations go directly toward normal, necessary operating costs of a charitable nonprofit. Donations also help supplement the trail maintenance costs of snow plowing and weed mitigation.
Q: How can I make a donation?
A: Mail a check to: GCTA
PO Box 16922
Missoula, MT 59808
Q: Does GCTA need help?
A: GCTA’s volunteer board is always looking for community members interested in advocating for the trail and its expansion to more neighborhoods within the valley and beyond. For more information, please email info@grantcreektrails.org.
Q: Where is the Grant Creek Trail?
A: The Grant Creek Trail is located on the west side of Grant Creek Road beginning at the north end of the trail at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The trail crosses Grant Creek as it makes its way north, joins Old Grant Creek Road through the Creekside neighborhood and winds its way up to Mellot Lane. The Grant Creek Trail is special in that it daily serves both city and county residents.
Please respect other trail users and adjacent property owners by complying with trail rules. Trail Rules
Q: Is there parking for the trail?
A: Grant Creek Trail has no official parking. There is on-street parking on Creekstone Drive; please use caution and use the crosswalk at Grant Creek Rd. and Creekstone Dr. to access the trail. There is no parking at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. In addition, Snowbowl graciously allows trail users to park in its southern parking lot on the east side of Grant Creek Road just north of Town Pump. Again, please use caution crossing the roadway to the trailhead.
Q: How was the trail funded?
A: The Grant Creek Trail was made possible through city and county funds, federal grants and private donations. GCTA extends a special thank you to those generous donors who contributed to the trail.
Grant Creek Trail Donors
The Grant Creek Trail was also made possible through the generous donations of easements. GCTA extends its deep appreciation to these easement donors. Land Easement Donors
Q: Who is responsible for maintaining the trail?
A: The trail is a city-owned and -operated facility. As such, the city maintains the trail. Additionally, the city has agreed to maintain the county portion of the trail. The trail is swept in the spring and mowed throughout the summer. Currently, city and county budgets do not allow for snow plowing or weed mitigation.
Q: Are dogs allowed on the trail?
A: Dogs are allowed on the trail when they are on leash. Mutt mitt stations are provided along the trail for disposing of pet waste.
Trail Rules
Q: Are there plans to expand the trail?
A: Yes. GCTA continues to advocate for extending the Grant Creek Trail north to Snow Bowl Road; to ensure that the trail connects through and is included in the I-90 / Grant Creek Road / Reserve MDT improvements; to connect the trail to the neighborhoods west of Reserve Street and to the N. Reserve / Scott Street URD proposed trail.
