Missoula Churches Plan Mountain Worship, Downtown Caras Park Event This Sunday

MISSOULA — Churches across Missoula are taking worship to new heights this Sunday, inviting the community to join them on mountaintops and trails surrounding the city for a coordinated prayer and worship event.

“Shout Jesus from the Mountains!” will begin at 4 p.m. this Sunday, with participants gathering at six different locations to pray and worship overlooking Missoula. The event is open to all community members, regardless of their church affiliation.

“Together, the churches of Missoula will gather at the top of select trails and mountains surrounding Missoula at 4pm to pray & worship over our city,” organizers said. “All are welcome!”

The locations range from easy access drive-up spots to short hikes with moderate elevation gains. Each site is hosted by a local church or worship leader, but participants can choose any location that suits their preferences or abilities.

Worship Locations

Lincoln Hills (1.1 miles, 248 feet elevation gain) will be hosted by River of Life church. Participants will hike the Sound of Music Trail to Jumbo Saddle Road, ending at an overlook of East Missoula.

Black Cat Gulch, hosted by Outdoorsmen Church, requires no hiking as it’s a drive-up location near Frenchtown. The spot provides views of western Missoula and Frenchtown via Mill Creek Road and Forest Service Road 5426.

Patty Canyon (1.4 miles, 819 feet elevation gain) will be hosted by Anchor Church. The hike follows the Barmeyer Trail to Barmeyer Overlook, offering expansive views of Missoula from the Patty Canyon area. Organizers warn participants to expect steep sections with switchbacks and potentially windy conditions at the top.

South Hills, hosted by Missoula Alliance Church, is another drive-up location in the lower parking lot of the church, providing overlook views of Missoula from the South Hills.

Snowbowl, hosted by Engaging Heaven, offers a unique option using the Montana Snowbowl chairlift to reach the summit. Participants can purchase lift tickets for $8 per person at a group rate. The 30-minute ride leads to a Forest Service chalet overlooking the valley. Advanced registration is required for lift tickets.

Bluebird Preserve (0.8 miles, 350 feet elevation gain), also hosted by River of Life, takes participants to Bluebird Overlook with views of the Grant Creek and Captain John Mullan neighborhoods. The trailhead is located across from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation on Reserve Street.

Parking is available at all trailheads, and song lists for each location are still being determined.

Evening Worship Event

Following the mountain worship, participants are invited to continue the celebration in downtown Missoula. Sean Feucht will bring his bus and crew to Caras Park at 7 p.m. for what organizers describe as “a powerful evening of celebrating King Jesus in the heart of our city.”

The coordinated effort represents a collaboration between multiple Missoula churches, including River of Life, Outdoorsmen Church, Anchor Church, Missoula Alliance Church, and Engaging Heaven.

All worship sessions begin promptly at 4 p.m. across the various mountain locations, with participants encouraged to choose the site that best fits their hiking ability and location preference.