The best walks and hikes around Helena Valley Southeast

Yes, there are several options suitable for families. A great choice is the Spring Meadow Lake loop — Spring Meadow State Park. It's a very flat, 1.1-mile (1.8 km) walk around the lake that's perfect for all ages and abilities.

Most trails in the Helena National Forest and the South Hills Trail System are dog-friendly. However, it's important to keep your dog under control at all times. Regulations often require dogs to be leashed, especially in popular areas and near wildlife. Always check trailhead signage for specific rules.

The area has many excellent loop trails. For a moderately challenging option with great views, consider the Devil's Kitchen – Mount Helena loop from Last Chance Gulch. This route offers a varied experience through forested sections and open hillsides.

Yes, the region has some beautiful waterfall hikes. A notable one is the trail to Crow Creek Falls in the Elkhorn Mountains, which leads to the largest waterfall in the Helena National Forest. Another option is the hike to the more secluded Paradise Falls, a 15-foot cascade.

For a more strenuous adventure, head to the Big Belt or Elkhorn Mountains. The hike to the summit of Mount Edith (9,504 ft) in the Big Belts is a rewarding challenge with stunning views and a chance to see mountain goats. The Elkhorn Mountains offer rugged trails through steep gulches and glacially carved canyons.

The most popular access point for the Mount Ascension trail system is the Beattie Street Trailhead, located at Mount Ascension Park. It's a well-established starting point with facilities and provides direct access to a variety of trails on the mountain.

The diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife. In the South Hills, it's common to see deer. In the higher elevations of the Elkhorn and Big Belt Mountains, you might spot elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. The shores of Canyon Ferry Lake are great for viewing pronghorn antelope and numerous bird species.

The trails around Helena Valley Southeast are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the incredible accessibility of the trail systems, like the South Hills, which feel like a wilderness escape right on the edge of the city. The variety, from gentle lakeside paths to rugged mountain peaks, is also frequently mentioned.

There are over a dozen designated hiking routes in the immediate area on komoot, but this is just a starting point. The region is home to an extensive 80-mile singletrack trail system in the South Hills alone, plus countless more trails in the nearby Elkhorn and Big Belt Mountains.

Summer offers dry trails and is ideal for reaching high-elevation peaks. Spring brings wildflowers but also potential mud and snow at higher altitudes. Autumn provides cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. In winter, lower-elevation trails in the South Hills are often accessible for hiking or snowshoeing, while mountain trails will be snow-covered and may require specialized gear.

Yes, some of the most popular hiking areas are very close to Helena. Two local favorites are:

Mount Ascension Park: A highly-regarded starting point for an extensive trail system offering routes for all abilities.

Mount Helena: Features multiple trails leading to a summit with fantastic 360-degree views, limestone cliffs, and beautiful wildflowers.

The Elkhorn Mountains have a rich silver-mining history from the 19th century. You can still see remnants of this past in the ghost town of Elkhorn. For more detailed historical and geological information about this unique volcanic range, you can consult the Elkhorn Mountains Wikipedia page.