Helena boasts over 100 miles of readily accessible trails, inviting everyone to explore its natural beauty. With trailheads scattered throughout the area, a little research opens the door to countless outdoor adventures. Mount Helena, Mount Ascension, Rodney Ridge, and Wakina Sky offer particularly stunning experiences, thanks to the combined efforts of Helena Parks and Recreation, Prickly Pear Land Trust, and the U.S. Forest Service. Prickly Pear Land Trust’s tireless work in expanding and enhancing the south hills trail system has been invaluable, creating a true gem for the community. We extend our sincere gratitude to PPLT, USFS, and Helena Parks and Rec for their exceptional partnership.
Accessible Trails
Helena has at least 15 miles of nearly flat trails that are typically surfaced with weathered granite, or in some cases, paved.
Mount Helena
From a short walk at lunch, to a half-day ramble along the Mount Helena Ridge Trail, Mount Helena’s 33 (53k) miles of trails are the ‘Crown Jewel’ of the Helena Parks program.
Mount Ascension
At the south edge of town, just a bit east of the Rodney rise area lies Mount Ascension. At least 21 miles (33k) of trails wind around and across this park.
Rodney Ridge
This trail complex is at the southern edge of town nestled between Wakina Sky and Mount Ascension. About 10 miles (17k) of trails wind through a wide variety of habitats – from a lovely meadow to rocky trails – which makes this area very popular.
Wakina Sky
This trail complex is at the southern edge of town nestled between Mount Helena and Rodney Ridge. Access to Wakina Sky is quite limited, but with some effort it can be found on either Grizzly or Oro Fino Gulch Roads. Eight trails make up about 8 miles (13k) of very nice walking- but this is a very popular biking area, too. Great views of Mount Helena, Rodney Ridge, Mount Ascension, and the Helena Valley.
Eastside Trails
The east side of Helena has a few pockets of trails with decent parking for visitors to the area. Bompart Hill’s trails offer great views and abundant bird and wildflower activity. This area is very popular with walkers from the nearby neighborhoods. Bompart provides access to Mount Ascension’s trails for a longer walk. Far East, Nob Hill, and The Eastside Folf Course Trail are smaller trails, but worth expolring.
Scratchgravel Hills
Just NW of the city limits lie the Scratchgravel Hills. A mix of BLM and private property, lots of old roads across the BLM land make for easy, enjoyable trail access. The tallest of the hills rises to 5233 feet, about 1300 feet above the valley.
Tenmile and Spring Meadow Parks
West of town you will find the Tenmile Park and Spring Meadow State Park. Together, these two parks provide 4+ miles of flat, weathered granite trails with great views of the surrounding hills. The lake and tenmile creek also provide some great bird habitat.
Helena Valley Trails
The Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir is a popular place to walk or use kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards. Boats with electric motors are allowed and there is a no wake rule. The main purpose of the reservoir is to provide irrigation and drinking water to the Helena valley. At over 500 acres, this reservoir attracts lots of birds year round. A short Overlook trail can be found at Black Sandy State Park, and Upper Prickly Pear Fishing Access Site also offers a pleasant loop.
Helena National Forest Trails
The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest manages hundreds of miles of Day Hiking and Backpacking trails. It also managers dozens of campgrounds and cabins that can be rented for a longer excursion into nature.
Henry David Thoreau
“An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day”
