See a brief description, image and map of each named trail on Mount Ascension
Mount Ascension rises to a total height of 5,282 feet (1609m). The summit is about 1,320 feet (402m) above the Helena Valley. There are at least 21 miles (33k) of trails spread out across the 25 named trails that run across, around, and away from the Mount Ascension.
Mount Ascension has access points spread all around its base. Some of the trailheads are nestled in neighborhoods, and a few require driving around the back and driving for quite a distance. All are well used by walkers, runners, and bikers. e-Bikes are prohibited on Mount Ascension, as is overnight camping.
Beattie Trailhead
This is the main access point for the Mount Ascension complex of trails. From here, you can choose to go up Prickly Pear or Pay Dirt pretty quickly from the parking lot, and Meatloaf is an easy ramble to the east off of Prickly Pear. Pay Dirt takes you up the Malfunction Junction- an intersection of five trails that allow you go anywhere in the Mount Ascension Trail Complex. We recommend that you take a trail map the first few walks in the Mount Ascension complex. The Prickly Pear trail takes you over to Bompart Hill.
Old Shooting Range Trailhead
The Mount Ascension trail complex is across Davis Gulch Rd. where the Entertainment and Archery Range Trails begin. Midway through the third switchback, Entertainment Trail heads uphill and off to the right. Another .7 miles (1.1k) along Archery Range and you reach a fork- Easy Rider is the trail to the right. If you stick with Archery Range for another half mile (.8k) you will pass Ridge Rider, and then get to Malfunction Junction. This is my term for the intersection of Archery Range, Eagle Scout, Little Moab, Pay Dirt, and another section of Easy Rider. Bring a map and enjoy the trails.
Arrowroot Trailhead
This is a less well known trailhead for access to the upper Ascension trail complex. From here, you can choose to go to either or both of Mount Ascension’s summits, and connect up with Entertainment, Ascension Loop, Eddye McClure – West, and Ascension Ridge trails. The two trails that lead off from this trailhead are the Arrowroot Connector, and the 2006 Trail. These two make a rather nice 1.75 mile (2.8k) loop.
DeFord Trailhead
This is another main access point for the Mount Ascension complex. The DeFord and Eagle Scout trails rise from this trailhead. DeFord is a wide trail with a gentle slope that leads up the the Old Shooting Range trailhead. Lots of bike traffic, but an easy 1.25 mile (2k) walk.
Eagle Scout rises quickly through a series of about 8 short switchbacks and then straightens for a bit and ends up at the intersection we call Malfunction Junction about .6 miles (.95k) up. Take a map on Mount Ascension until you’re comfortable with this trail complex.
Little Moab Trailhead
Little Moab is a stealth trailhead on Rodney St. For the first couple hundred meters, it seems like you are walking in someone’s driveway. Then it makes a noticeable change to crossing a rocky outcrop as it wends its way along the back of a privately-owned parcel of land with an old quarry on it. Be respectful of the private property as opinions can change and this trail could be closed to through traffic. Lots of wonderful flowers in the springtime on the rocky, lower to mid-section of the trail. This trail ends, like several others, at Malfunction Junction and you can continue in virtually any direction. Please, bring a map.
Entertainment Trail, part of Mount Ascension Park, is most easily accessed from the Old Shooting Range trailhead.
Bompart Hill, part of Mount Ascension Park, is listed as a separate trail system here.
Mount Ascension summit: ///proved.worldwide.crate