The Helena Ridge features a National Recreation Trail on wild public lands with expansive views. From the trailhead, climb steeply to the ridge and then head north towards Mount Helena. The intersection with Emmett’s Trail at 2.8 miles is the perfect turnaround for a 6-mile out-and-back. To hike the whole ridge, continue to the junction with South Dump Gulch at 7 miles. From there, you can return the way you came, summit Mount Helena, or descend into town and take a shuttle back to the trailhead. Mountain bikers often descend on Emmett’s Trail or Show Me the Horse.