mount helena

This super mountain is used daily by locals; biking, hiking, walking dogs, etc. Tons of different trails, grade, difficulty, length, etc. Fun snowshoeing in the winter-time, cool rocks/caves to explore, outstanding views from all sides of the peak. Pretty sure more Helenan's use this as their main 'gym' than commercial indoor ones. Oh, and please keep dogs on a leash & curb them.

The entire mountain is a park, transversed by many hiking trails. The view from the top is well worth the extra effort it takes to get to the summit.

They have several different trail options which all eventually lead to the top. One goes directly up the hill to the top, one winds around a bit but then goes straight up, one is somewhat average elevation gain going by a cave and one winds around a bit more with more switchbacks with a more gradual climb. The view from the top is spectacular. In the off season there are no bathroom facilities. In the summer months there are. The contrast between the rock cliffs and the trees, as winding river valley beyond to the north and west make for some nice photos.

I hiked up to Mount Helena on a Saturday morning in August. I hiked the 1906 Trail up, and the Prospector Shafts Trail down. The 1906 Trail is about 3 miles, with some steep and rocky places. There are some great views along the way. It gains about 1000 ft. It goes by some cool limestone cliff with a cave-like opening in the rock. The top of the trail is a little hard to locate, but keep climbing and you will get there. This trail is probably too difficult for younger children unless you are prepared to carry them. The Prospector Shafts Trail had more mountain bike traffic. It's about 2 miles long It has a lot of loose gravel, so open toed shoes aren't a good idea. Hiking poles help considerably.

Outstanding area to hike, well makred trails and nice views of Helena. After a hike, go visit Park Avenue Bakery for a great slice of home made pizza

This is not just a casual walk up the hillside. The hike provides great views of the Helena valley and is good exercise for an afternoon jaunt.

Beautiful hike. The view at the top is breathtaking. Took the kids, and dog. Those storm clouds sneak up on you fast though. Check weather report before heading up.

I'm up and down Mt. Helena 2-3 times a week on average. In the winter I wear ice spikes or snow shoes. You'll meet people on the more popular trails, but there are lots of less used trails where you can go 3 hours in solitude. When people ask for my health & beauty secret, I point to the mountain and say, "DO IT!" I've gone up with visiting family & friends, co-workers, boyfriends, dogs, kids, business acquaintances, etc., but mostly I go by myself because everyone else is SO SLOW!!!

Mt. Helena sits just outside the town of Helena and is a city park. Joggers, mountain bikers, dog walkers and hikers love the place. I went there in August of 2014 to see the sunset. A hike of medium difficulty took me to the west side of the mountain. It was a great place to see the sunset over the distant mountains and a great place to look back and see the city.

Best way to see the Queen City of the Rockies ! It's an easy walk to the top and the view is magical. It takes 90 minutes and it's free!

This was a nice spot in town to take a good walk with vistas of Helena below but the views were slightly disappointing and did not live up to many other hikes we've taken. Still, it was a convenient place to access a short hike and I enjoyed the exercise.

Loved this in town location for a quick hike. Exercise outdoors in a convenient location. Parking was a bit of an issue, but I'm from a big city so didn't bother me as much as the locals I was with. What a gem this mountain is.

There are multiple trails that hikers can utilize. Some offer a pretty good workout. I personally prefer the Prairie Trail, which winds around behind Mt Helena before ascending via switchbacks in a forested area of the mountain. The 1906 trail is nice too, but a little more strenuous to climb. I've seen deer several times while climbing the mountain and the view from the top is fantastic. Definitely recommend it.

Close to town, great exercise, super view of city, but getting very crowded, parking is a bit crazy on the weekend....but its worth it!

Wide open spaces, incredible views, beautiful wild flowers, plentiful mule deer, dozens of trails, peace and quiet. What's not to love?