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A ridge traverse with moderate climbing, sweet singletrack and amazing views. A classic.


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Map Key

7.9

Miles

12.7

KM

100%

Singletrack

5,821' 1,774 m

High

4,356' 1,328 m

Low

874' 266 m

Up

1,706' 520 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

Mt Helena Ridge is one of a handful of must-do rides in the Captial City of Montana. Moderate climbing, sweet singletrack and amazing views make this a classic.

Mt Helena Ridge ride is accessed at its namesake trailhead on Prospector Gulch Rd, 5.5 miles from downtown Helena. You can either pedal from town or utilize a shuttle system.

In summer the Trail Rider, a free shuttle from downtown is a great way to access the trail for a point-to-point ride. Check Bike Helena for shuttle status.

Need to Know

Mt Helena Ridge is high and exposed. Be prepared to descend quickly when weather approaches. There are multiple intersecting trails that provide options for descending.

Since the route is easily accessed from town, be prepared for a variety of other trail users (hikers and trail runners). The heaviest trail traffic is found from the east end in Mt Helena City Park.

Description

From the trailhead, the route climbs straight up initially and then settles into steady pedaling across open slopes towards the first taste of the ridge. After a punchy and loose climb to reach the top, the route drops into and across a saddle.

From here Mt Helena Ridge jumps in and out of pine stands as it starts its first descent. The grade is mellow at first and then transitions to steep and loose. As the grade rolls flat, you'll pass the intersection for Mini-Ridge and Emmet's and then continue on through the trees.

The route rolls on the contour for a bit, uphill at first and then descending. After breaking out into the open briefly, the trail dives back into the trees, down a quick, steep rocky descent and screams across a hidden meadow. It will seem like you'll be in for another steep grunt up the other side; luckily the route bangs right and takes up contouring again.

The next section traverses an open grassy hillside with amazing views all around. Carving left, notice the route below, as the ridge drops so will you.

Before a long open straightaway, pass the junction for Show Me the Horse, a great option for descending the ridge before getting into Mt Helena City Park.

At the end of the flat run, duck left into the trees and then pop out again for yet another high meadow. From here it's mostly open and a bit more rocky until the intersection with South Dump Gulch.

Stay left here and at the next intersection to connect to West End. Turn right and pedal a moderately technical connector with a few rocky, root-bound challenges.

Take another right at Backside to climb steadily around the southwest side of Mt Helena. The trail is somewhat rocky, but very rideable. At the next junction you'll be ready for the final bit of the ride.

Stay right to tackle, Prospect Shafts, a steep route down Mt Helena.
Very loose and rocky at first, the trail is wide and runs down an open face. The grade eventually lessens and the trail becomes more narrow as it traverses towards the Mt Helena trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 13 votes

#1199

Overall
  4.4 from 13 votes
5 Star
54%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#9

in Montana

#1,199

Overall
9 Views Last Month
11,412 Since Aug 4, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
11%
67%
11%
11%
0%

Photos

Enjoy the wild flowers as you climb the south flank of Mt. Helena.
Jul 16, 2018 near Helena…, MT
The Mt Helena Ridge has many high meadow sections with amazing views
Aug 4, 2013 near Helena…, MT
First quick meadow traverse after getting to the top of the initial climb to Mt Helena Ridge
Aug 4, 2013 near Helena…, MT
Across the big sky on a long open run on Mt Helena Ridge
Aug 4, 2013 near Helena…, MT
The initial climb up the Mt Helena Ridge trail.
Aug 4, 2013 near Helena…, MT
Singletrack through the trees on Mt. Helena Ridge
May 28, 2016 near Helena…, MT
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Current Trail Conditions

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