Interactive Trail Map
Click around for information and descriptions of trails! Toggle different boxes for different kinds of trails and trail experiences! Check out recommended routes for ideas for short family adventures or all-day pursuits! There is something new for everyone to find with PPLT’s interactive trail map.
South Hills Trail Map
The South Hills Trails are an icon for Helena, MT. To buy our newest South Hills Trail Map, stop by the PPLT office, The Base Camp, Great Divide Cyclery, Big Sky Cyclery, or Capitol Sports. There is also a link to download our FREE Avenza map for all mobile devices!
Tenmile Creek Park Trail Map
As part of our community conservation efforts, Tenmile Creek Park has been developed over the last few years and added to our local trails system. With the help of our partnering agencies and a variety of funders, the 180 acre park has 3 looped miles of wide, flat and accessible trails.
Since Prickly Pear Land Trust’s founding, public access to the outdoors has been a major driver of PPLT’s conservation work. Expanding public lands and establishing recreational corridors for multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, dog walking, and family picnics is key in fulfilling PPLT’s mission. Creating and maintaining a cohesive, sustainable, accessible and Happy Trails system on these lands is something we continue to work on every day, so that all may have a genuine outdoor experience.
In Helena’s South Hills, PPLT has been the lead trail builder and maintenance provider on behalf of the City of Helena since 2001 and for the Forest Service since 2006. The Land Trust and its supporters are heavily invested in the South Hills trail system, having devoted a great deal of effort in funding, acquiring, and transferring these open lands to both the City and Helena Ranger District. We are committed to ensuring both the lands and the 70+ miles of trail are stewarded and maintained to deliver high quality recreational experiences. We are likewise dedicated to preserving the natural value and character of these iconic spaces for all future generations.
Things to keep in mind:
The Trails are Popular: According to a 2017 trail study, the South Hills Trails see over 60,000 users each year, and that number is growing! With its easy access from town, it is not uncommon to see many Helenans and visitors alike out enjoying the trails. The front sides of Mt. Helena and Mt. Ascension see the most traffic while you’re more likely to find solitude farther from the City Center.
Trails are Multi-Use: Helena has been awarded Silver-Medal Ride Center status by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). We are proud of that designation, but please note that this system is almost entirely multi-use. Normal yielding practices apply, so bikes yield to pedestrians. Bike riders should be aware that families, runners, other bikers, dogs and hikers may be around the next corner. Ride in control, slow down when you see others and always yield with a smile!
The Hills are Wild: Although you may start your adventure right in the middle of town, please keep in mind that the South Hills can be rugged and are home to a variety of wild species. Proper preparation and precautions can help keep you and the critters safe. Always bring water, a map, and your cell phone (with the trail map downloaded).
Eddye East Trail Update:
Trail access has been forever secured on Eddye McClure East.This easement completes protection of the final third of the trail after years of permissive use. We appreciate the Dowling, Kamerzel, and Umsted family for working with PPLT to permanently secure non-motorized access to the Eddye McClure East Trail on Martinez Gulch Road. To accommodate landowner needs the trail has been rerouted, expertly designed and dug by Montana Conservation Corps and Phat Trak Trail Company. Due to the necessary retroute the former parking area has been discontinued, there is no designated parking and the trail must be accessed by foot or non-motorized equipment. Please enjoy and stay on the (new) trail because respecting private ownership is key to PPLT’s ability to secure and manage public access. If you share our passion for protecting places we care about, visit our Get Involved page to find out how you can help us continue to connect land and people.
South Hills trail that closed in July reopens with permanent easement
Trail Projects
Trail and Stewardship Updates
Ever wonder what exactly PPLT coordinates in the off season and accomplishes during trail season? Here is a comprised list of what we’ve been working on!
PPLT's Trail Tips
How to Keep the Trails Happy
PPLT collaborated with local artist, Mel Griffin, for some a fun twist on trail etiquette reminders to maintain our Happy Trails!
Become a Trail Volunteer
Get your hands dirty!
PPLT volunteers accomplish a diverse set of trail tasks each year. Learn what trail work days we have set for this project season!
South Hills trail that closed in July reopens with permanent easement
After closing to the public in July, Montana City’s primary access to the South Hills Trail System has reopened with an easement that will keep it public forever.
Greenway FAQ #2
Many of you have asked and PPLT has answered! Here are some responses to frequently asked questions regarding the Prickly Pear Creek Greenway project.
Land Transfer Launches East Helena Project
The transfer of two properties, totalling 323 acres along Prickly Pear Creek begins the multi-Year Greenway and parkland project. Green space is a part of a bright East Helena future.
Greenway Project gains 322 acres
Helena Independent Record Coverage: The East Helena Greenway Project took a big step to becoming reality as officials said Thursday 322 acres of former ASARCO property has been transferred to Prickly Pear Land Trust.
Our Scratchgravel Stance—PPLT Submits Balanced-Use Suggestion in BLM Recreation Area
Where there’s recreation and conservation, PPLT makes your voice heard. As the BLM looks to streamline management in the Scratchgravel Hills, PPLT outlines our goal - excerpt from fall 2020 newsletter.
Helena takes ownership of 54-acre Prickly Pear Land Trust donation
Helena Independent Record Coverage: PPLT’s most recent Upper LeGrande Acquisition adds 54 acres of in-tact habitat to city open space on Mt. Helena.
The nitty gritty of what we do:
Provide maintenance:
Each year, we recruit hundreds of volunteers to perform necessary improvements and mitigate the damage caused by weather and frequent use. PPLT does this on its own property at Tenmile Creek Park and on behalf of our partners at the City of Helena and Helena Ranger District in the South Hills. The trails program focuses on balancing the quality of the natural resources with that of the user experience. Fencing, weed removal, gravel resurfacing, drainage improvements, brushing, trail retreading, and signage installation are just a few of our annual tasks.
Engage in outreach:
Our vision for the trail system prioritizes not only access, but positive trail experiences for our entire community. Trail maps, the Trail Steward program, trail etiquette campaign and other Community Programming are all important to ensure Happy Trails for all in this community.
Build:
PPLT is the primary partner of the City of Helena and Helena Ranger District in implementing priority trail projects. On top of performing maintenance and enhancement projects, we are experienced in trail building. After land management authorities have performed the required environmental analysis, weighed public comment, and made the decision to pursue a new trail, PPLT partners with the land manager to execute the plan. We provide all types of support for trail builds, from fundraising and grant writing to directing on-the-ground work with contractors and volunteer labor.
You Make the incredible trail system possible
Every PPLT project, conserved piece of land, and well maintained trail is made possible through the generous donations of our community members and business partners.
