The 1906 is almost certainly Helena’s most well used trail. At 1.5 miles long (2.4k) with about 1,100 ft of elevation (335m) from parking lot to summit, it is a lovely way to get to the top of Mount Helena. The trail is a nearly continuous climb with a few level spots to catch your breath, generally shaded with several openings that afford terrific views of the valley, and has very little bike traffic. Dozens of species of wildflowers bloom along the trail from April through September. Lots of birds in the spring and fall, with a few hardy species hanging out through the winter months. Sunrises and sunsets are great from the trail or the top. Headlamps can be seen on the 1906 from town during the darker months.
Main access point: Mount Helena Trailhead above Reeder’s Village.
Cross trails: Bitterroot Way; Ambrose; Powerline; Prairie; West End; Powerline Alternate; Hogback.
Trailhead location: ///today.vegetarian.differently
From the Mount Helena trailhead there are (generally) three ways to the top. The 1906 is the more gentle, shaded way to get there. Each year, in May, several local schools take their 4th graders to the top to eat lunch and enjoy a great view of the valley. The 1906 is also the trail to the Mount Helena Climbing site, a ‘cave’ locally known as Devil’s Kitchen, and up close views of the cliffs that punctuate Helana’s skyline at the southern edge of town.
The other two ways to the summit from this trailhead are Powerline and Prospect Shafts+Hogback. Powerline is a .75 mile (1.2k) steep, simple, straightline trail to the saddle just below the summit. Prospect Shafts+Hogback is less of a straightline, 1.5 miles (2.4k) and more strenuous than 1906, but less strenuous than Powerline. The views from Prospect+Hogback are worth the effort.
