Willard Creek, Trail 301, and East Fork Loop

Mount Ascension is a popular trail in Helena. It's used for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. It can be accessed year-round, but can get icy and slippery during the winter.  The path for Mount Ascension is a network of trails that that can be done as an out-and-back, or a lollipop trail. A lollipop trail is where the first and last parts of the trail will be the same, but you loop up ...

With it's easy access from Rodney Street, Rodney Ridge Trail is a locals favorite. The trail heads up the ridge and provides fantastic views of Helena below.  The trail is rated as moderate, and is used primarily for mountain biking and hiking. Dogs are allowed, so, you'll most like encounter a 4-legged furry friend on the trail.  From Rodney Ridge Trail, you can link up to a whole bunch of oth...

Located just outside of Helena, the 1906 Trail starts at the Mt Helena Parking Lot. The path is wide enough to share with hikers, trail runners, or mountain bikers. Note: this is an uphill-only trail for mountain biking. It's a very popular trail due to its wide trail and awesome views from the top of Mount Helena. The 1906 is an out-and-back trail. It's approximately 1.5 miles to the top with ...

The Prospect Shaft Trail is a lightly used trail used to reach the summit of Mt Helena. The trail is rated as a 'moderate' trail due to its steep, loose, rocky surface. Due to these characteristics, it's rarely used for mountain biking and primarily used for hiking and trail running.  The views are incredible. Hiking up in the morning and you can catch an epic sunrise over Helena. Due to the ro...

Known as one of the most serene climbing areas in Montana, as well as some of the best sport climbing in the state, if you're a climber, Hellgate Gulch is worth the visit. Within 30 miles of Helena, you'll be climbing on limestone's funky pockets. There are plenty of climbing options, and most of them are sport climbs (which means they're bolted). Bring trad gear if you have it though as some c...

The CDT trail is a popular trail with thru-hikers, and is considered one of the three Crown Jewels. The Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail being the other two.  This section of the Continental Divide Trail starts 25-minutes to the West of Helena just off Highway 12 at the CDNST Trailhead at MacDonald Pass. This section of trail heads north and consists of an access trail and double t...