Even putting aside my boring adulation of Western Montana, I'm gob-smacked that anyone would consider Bozeman's climate better than Missoula's. We shall agree to disagree and the curious can look up the data and watch the weather maps (hint: this region is known as the 'banana belt' of MT ).

As for biking to the backcountry... The Rattlesnake Recreation Area (which buffers the Wilderness Area) is truly just outside Missoula's city limits and one could walk or ride from campus with ease. At the entrance is a bike/hike path leading into the Wilderness Area itself where bikes are prohibited.

There are another half-dozen or so WA's within an hour's drive of Missoula.

You can't go wrong with Bozeman...it was a close second to my choice of home. Each town has it's own advantages and I'm envious of Bozeman's easier access to Yellowstone. But as with the UM, I don't know a thing about MSU's math department...

FB