Top 5 Hiking Trails in Helena, Montana
Summiting Mount Helena!
I am amazed that I could find hiking trails in a capital city, like Helena in Montana. When I think of a capital city, I think of high rises with plenty of offices, lots of traffic, cement sidewalks, eateries and retail. But, boy, do they have mountains! Not the typical hills like in other states, such as Arizona (I am from Arizona), but I mean a part of the magnificent Rockies. Yes, I LOVE the Rockies as they are awe-inspiring, peaceful, gorgeous, and something that is meant to be shared.
And there is even cacti!!
I wonder how cacti live in such a COLD environment? Sure, the summers are warm, but the winters, brrr, I could not even bear. Just a few scattered here and there, perhaps a seed flew in its dwelling place and somehow survives the brutal winters and spring for in the warmer part of the year. Though, there are plenty of green grasses, as long as it rains, and pine trees to invigorate your senses, blue skies with white puffy clouds and the ever present rain that comes when ever it wants to, which is quite a bit.
Which brings me to the surprisingly amazing hiking trails in Helena, Montana! Since we are spending time in Helena with work and play, hiking comes to mind as it is a great exercise, however hard or easy you want to go, spend time in nature, and especially feel better about yourself. Here are some trails we have gone on and some thoughts to them:
Nice, dirt trail going up and down Mt. Helena.
1906 Trail: Funny how a trail has a year, like 1906, as part of the name. Historical Helena has been around for a long time, and there are photos of women dressed in long dresses with equally long sleeves and boots - can you imagine hiking on a mountain with a dress? Well, this trail is not as easy walking on, especially with a long dress! But it is beautiful. A moderate trail, as you walk up Mount Helena, ascending to the top at the end. Sometimes you will have shade courtesy of the pine trees and sometimes the beautiful sun, with plenty of scenic views of the town of Helena and plenty of landscape with mountains everywhere you look. Plenty of trails to hike on Mount Helena. Highly recommend if you can handle the heavy breathing going up and the exposure on top. Lots of room to walk around the top and peaceful as you sit back and relax on your challenging climb. Don’t forget to bring a snack so you can congratulate yourself on making it to the top!
Length: 2. 9 miles
Elevation gain: 1023 feet
Type of trail: Out and back (you walk to the top, walk around the loop and go back the same way you came).
Level: Moderate
Such beautiful green hills early in the spring!
John G. Mine Trail: These are pretty green hills (if it has rained) with lots of grass and some trees. You will quickly realize that when in Helena, you go up and up. Some parts were a little steep, but this trail was well marked, peaceful and a fun trail. Once you get to the top, you are mesmerized with views of Helena and beyond. It can get a bit windy on top or a little buggy if no wind. Make sure to walk around on the top to get the best photos of the amazing landscape surrounding you.
Length: 2.0 miles
Elevation gain: 711 feet
Type of trail Out and back
Level: Moderate
Spring Meadow Park with a lake for paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing.
Spring Meadow and William Gruber Loop: A very easy trail, relatively flat with excellent views of the lake. We actually rode our electric bikes on this trail as it was recommended, but I would not recommend any bike on this trail. It is a narrow trail with some exposure and sometimes you have bushes or trees for shade. Not too terribly busy, a family friendly trail. There is a $8.00 fee for day use of the park - the envelopes are posted on a sign near the entrance. Make sure to bring cash or a check as it is only the envelope system. This lake is also popular for fishing, kayaks and paddleboards. No engine boats here! Located in town, this is a nice area if you want to walk without any elevation climbing or descending.
Length: 3.5 miles
Elevation gain: 72 feet
Type of trail: Loop
Level: Easy
Hiking is always about the views!
Eddye McClure West Trail: This trail was HARD to find as our GPS led us to another trail. But a delightful and easy trail, with plenty of trees and some exposure as you ascend. Depending on when you go you can find plenty of stunning green carpets blanketing the mountains, some wildflowers and the ever present dramatic clouds, thinking about downpouring or traveling across the sky.
Length: 2.9 miles
Elevation gain: 482 feet
Type of trail: Out and back
Level: Easy
Overlooking north Helena.
BLM Trails: These are trails that we just happened to find while staying in Helena. It is part of the Scratchgravel Hills, and this particular one is off of Norris Road and Green Meadow Drive. So we will call it Norris trailhead. There is a trail marker at the trailhead that will help you plus the trail starts right there. As you start off, there will be plenty of sun, but eventually you will get into the trees, and that is where the real climbing starts. We saw trees with woodpecker markings and an old, abandoned shaft. Not a hard trail, but make sure you can go to the top. The views are spectacular! There are offshoot trails to extend your hiking if you want.
I will have more to add as time goes on, but for now, here is a great start to hiking in Helena, Montana! As always, be bear aware as this is bear country. But I will say we have not encountered any bears, at least not yet and hopefully never. Summer is a great time to find a hiking trail in Helena as the snow and chilly temps are gone and you might see beautiful wildflowers!