Activity: Hike

Show Me the Horse Trail

The Show Me the Horse Trail was discovered by Helena’s mountain bikers in the 90s. The original trail ran through a horse corral. The trail’s name is a combination of the famous “Show me the money!” phrase from Jerry Maguire and the local livestock. From the trailhead, climb 1.5 miles to Mount Helena Ridge and […]

Backside Loop

From the Dump Gulch Trailhead, climb the McKelvey Trail to the spectacular Helena Ridge. After soaking in the well-deserved views, loop back to the trailhead along West End, Backside Trail, Prospect Shafts, Hanging Draw, and McKelvey. In mid-May, the Backside Loop features an impressive Arrowleaf Balsamroot bloom. Note: at the intersection between Hanging Draw and […]

Prairie and Ambrose Loop

From the Mt. Helena Trailhead, explore the northern flank of Helena’s namesake peak by heading west on Prairie Trail and returning on Ambrose Trail. This mostly flat loop features beautiful views of the Helena Valley and the South Hills.

Westside Loop

From West Le Grande Cannon Blvd and Silverette St., explore the enchanting and quiet nature of the west side of Mt. Helena. There are many trail options here. For a quick introduction to the area, try hiking Charlies, Andys, O.G.R., and La Petit Pass, before ultimately meeting Le Grande Cannon to return to the trailhead. […]

Spring Meadow Lake State Park

Located in west Helena, Spring Meadow Lake State Park is an urban park popular for swimming, fishing, and birdwatching. The park features a 0.8-mile nature trail. The flat path around Spring Meadow Lake is accessible year-round. From April 15 to October 15, a no-dog policy protects wildlife.

Scratchgravel South Loop

The Scratchgravel Hills feature 50 miles of multiuse trails for hiking, running, mountain biking, and horseback riding north of Helena. From Head Lane Trailhead, visitors can explore the arid hills and pine forests on this 1.5-mile loop. Head west for .2 mile on the Horse Biscuit Trail and then turn left on the South Loop […]

Centennial Park Loop

Centennial Park is located in central Helena between Carroll College and N. Last Chance Gulch. The park offers a 1.25-mile paved loop, playgrounds, and a dog park. This family-friendly park is a great place to enjoy dramatic views of Mt. Helena and Mt. Ascension.

Tenmile Creek Park

Tenmile Creek Park is Prickly Pear Land Trust’s foremost community conservation project. This 180-acre grassland was acquired in 2016 in partnership with Fort Harrison in order to preserve the open space for the community. Tenmile Creek Park provides seasonally-accessible walking paths, a wheelchair charging station, and the only urban access to Tenmile Creek. Visitors can […]

Nob Hill Loop

Nob Hill Park is a small open space in south Helena near I-15. With views of Mount Ascension and the Helena Valley, this is the ideal loop for anyone looking for a short, scenic walk or bike ride. Lucky visitors can also catch sight of local bluebirds. 

Prickly Pear Park

Located in East Helena, Prickly Pear Park transforms the Asarco industrial site to its natural state as a haven for wildlife and people. The park features wetlands along Prickly Pear Creek, grasslands, and a towering cottonwood and aspen grove. It’s visited by beavers, sandhill cranes, moose, bear, and deer. Enjoy a stroll around on two […]