Prickly Pear Park

Prickly Pear Park

Open To The Public In Spring 2025!

Enjoy a stroll around Prickly Pear Creek, marvel at the Elkhorn Mountains, or watch for migrating birds in the wetlands. The slag pile south of the park is the last sign that this valley was an industrial site for over a century. Today, the wetlands, creek, and aspen grove provide abundant wildlife habitat. Beavers, sandhill cranes, moose, and deer are frequent visitors. Dogs are prohibited year-round to protect wildlife. 

History

The American Smelting and Refining Company operated for over 100 years in this valley and was an important part of East Helena’s culture and history. In 2011, East Helena asked PPLT to help establish parks on the former ASARCO land. After remediation and restoration, the Montana Environmental Trust Group transferred ownership of two future park sites to PPLT. These lands are now open to the public forever.

Park Rules

  • Hours: 6am – 10pm
  • Stay on trails. 
  • Non-motorized use only, except for motorized adaptive equipment. Class 1 E-bikes are allowed.
  • Dogs are prohibited year-round to protect wildlife. Please visit The Grove or JFK Park with your leashed pets.
  • Fishing is allowed – follow Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regulations.
  • Horses, hunting, firearms, camping, fires, smoking, fireworks, and alcohol are prohibited.

Do you have questions or comments? Contact Parks Coordinator Lucas Orth at [email protected] or call the PPLT office at (406) 442-0490.

Project Facts

Size

230 acres

Features

Handicap-accessible vault toilet
Prickly Pear Creek
Views of the Elkhorn Mountains
Seasonally accessible loop trails
Singletrack trails
Aspen grove
Wildlife viewing
Interpretive signs

Activities

Walking
Running
Biking
Fishing
Wildlife viewing

Trails

The Loop
Out & Back Trail

Completed

2025

Open Views Blog

South Hills recreator helena parks and trails prickly pear land trust

Happy Trails or Twisted Paths?

Friends Tim Davis, Dave Stergar, and Mary Hollow, executive director of PPLT, wrap up the evening with smiles.

Harvest Moon Magic

Chainsaw work on trail

Landmark Trail Season Near The Continental Divide