Visit Helena for your next mountain biking trip
Historic charm and rugged riding! Explore 130 miles of trails in Montana's capital city.
Helena is the capital of Montana, located in the western part of the state. It's a city with a rich history, evident in its well-preserved Victorian architecture. The city is surrounded by mountains and offers access to outdoor recreation. The area is popular for hiking, fishing, and exploring the scenic landscapes of Montana.
The area has a semi-arid climate with warm summers and cold winters. The best time for mountain biking is generally spring through fall, when the weather is milder. Summer can be hot and dry, so it's important to bring plenty of water. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and check trail conditions before riding.
The Helena area offers 130 miles of a growing network of mountain biking trails, providing a mix of flowy singletrack, technical challenges, and scenic views. The trails wind through the forests and hills surrounding the city.
- IMBA Ride Center: Helena is recognized as an IMBA Silver-Level Ride Center, thanks to its extensive and accessible South Hills Trail System, strong community involvement, and the quality of the riding experience, including the IMBA Epic Mount Helena Ridge Trail.
- South Hills Trail System: An extensive network of over 75 miles of trails directly accessible from town, stretching into the Helena National Forest.
- Mount Helena Ridge Trail (IMBA Epic): A classic, must-do ride with fantastic views and a fun, engaging singletrack experience.
- Wakina Sky Trail: A popular and scenic trail, often ridden as a loop with other trails.
- Entertainment Trail: A fun, flowy descent.
- Rodney Ridge Trail: Offers more technical riding.
- Scratchgravel Hills: Another trail system near Helena offering more mileage and varied terrain.
- MacDonald Pass (Continental Divide Trail): Provides access to high-alpine, challenging sections of the CDT, often requiring shuttles or big climbs.
