Southwesterly Views

The Outer Mount Helena loop offers a fantastic mountain biking experience, winding through a dynamic landscape of tight coniferous forests and expansive open meadows. You'll be treated to panoramic views of Helena and the distant Little Belt Mountains, especially from spots like the Mount Helena Trail Junction. The terrain varies from smooth singletrack to sections with a bit more challenge, making it an engaging ride for those who appreciate diverse scenery and a good workout.

This easy 4.6-mile (7.4 km) mountain bike route includes 952 feet (290 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 54 minutes. While the Mount Helena area is highly accessible from the city, it's always wise to plan your visit during warmer months to enjoy the abundant wildflowers. Be sure to carry enough water, as some sections can be exposed to the sun.

Helena's trail system, recognized as a bronze-level IMBA Ride Center, provides world-class mountain biking right on the city's doorstep. This loop is a great way to tap into that extensive network, offering a blend of urban proximity and natural beauty. It's a perfect choice if you're looking for a relatively quick ride that still delivers on scenery and a sense of accomplishment.

The Helena Ridge Trail – Southwesterly Views loop offers an engaging mountain biking experience, traversing open grassy hillsides and high meadows that deliver extensive 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You'll find excellent singletrack with roller-coaster sections that pop in and out of pine stands, making for a dynamic ride. This challenging 15.0-mile (24.1 km) mountain bike loop features 1956 feet (596 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours and 29 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride on the Helena Ridge Trail is straightforward, with access from the Mount Helena Ridge Trailhead. A unique feature is the free "Trail Rider" shuttle service available from downtown Helena, which can take you directly to the trailhead and help you bypass the initial steep climb. For the best experience, consider visiting in late spring when the open slopes are vibrant with wildflowers like yellow arrowleaf balsamroot and wild sunflowers.

This route is a local favorite and serves as a centerpiece of Helena's South Hills trail network, recognized as a National Recreation Trail. Its high-quality singletrack is a major draw for mountain bikers, and you have the option to extend your adventure by incorporating exhilarating descents like Emmett's Trail or Show Me the Horse into your ride.