Mount Helena Trailhead — Attraction in Helena

Hiked May 2025 We didn't see a sign that stated the incline, but it is steep. Really steep. We took 1906 trail to the summit and then Powerline trail on the way down. Took us about 1.5 hours total (round trip), and that included a few brief stops on the way up lto catch our breath and pn the way down to give our shaky legs a rest and, of course, several minutes at the summit for scenic views and rest. If you have asthma, take your rescue inhaler. I am not asthmatic but would have been grateful for a rescue inhaler! If you have bad knees, just don't do it. The hike up was intense. The steep incline caused muscles in me to come alive that I didn'teven know I had 😁! Surprise to me haha! My legs were so shaky on the way down after that trip up which made the trip even more exhaustive. We believe that Powerline seemed steeper. Not positive on that but it certainly FELT steeper. Bring water. Even if you don't want to carry anything else--carry water. We wore jackets but didn't need them as we sweated a lot from the exertion. The view is worth it for sure!...

The good: Well, it has all kinds of trails leading to all the beautiful scenic views, you just have to pause, take a fresh deep breath, and enjoy the beauty of 360°. You can see wildlife prancing around like I just did (1st time after a week of hiking, saw a bamby hopping through the trails). Not only can you hike but you can also climb. See the "H" and the cave just not far past the "H"(... has some cave people art 🙄). You can walk with your doggo unleashed (assuming it knows how to behave). You can ride your bicycles; some have restricted areas for electric bikes... but people are people and not all respect the rules. There are 2 handicap parking spots, and 2 unisex restrooms (no hand sanitizers or a place to wash hands)... oh, in all the times I used it, never smelled vile.

The bad... I know I know... the parking lot is too small... oh and people still not picking up crap from their pets 🙄

The other bad is that no water source or bathroom as you hike, I wondered many times if it was OK just to pick a tree to give it some extra...

Several trails spread from this spot - we went toward the summit of Mount Helena. Lovely views above town and most of the trail is inside the treeline. Near the summit the trail becomes much more difficult, thinner and harder to traverse. We turned back because it was just too windy but overall this was a lovely afternoon. We are very slow hikers and this only took 3 hours up...