Things to Do around East Helena
East Helena, a region in Montana, is situated within the Helena Valley, offering diverse landscapes for outdoor pursuits. The area is characterized by its proximity to the Big Belt, Elkhorn, and Boulder mountain ranges, as well as major waterways like the Missouri River and the Chain Lakes, including Canyon Ferry Lake. This varied terrain provides a setting for several sports like mountain biking, hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and more.
Things to Do in East Helena
Outdoor enthusiasts will find numerous…
40
Routes
4.3
(8)
Average rating
239
People visited
5
hikers
10.3km
03:05
340m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4
hikers
10.5km
02:40
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
4.13km
01:14
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.54km
00:55
250m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
10
riders
9.85km
01:08
350m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5
riders
11.3km
01:12
350m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3
riders
8.50km
01:03
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
1
riders
4.99km
00:42
290m
290m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
14.8km
00:58
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
26.0km
02:21
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
2
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
8
riders
71.6km
06:24
1,540m
1,540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
71.6km
05:57
1,300m
1,300m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
3.0
(1)
8
runners
12.3km
01:34
360m
360m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
7
runners
13.3km
01:36
360m
360m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
runners
6.31km
00:46
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
31.8km
04:19
1,150m
1,150m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Most popular attractions in East Helena
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in East Helena?
East Helena offers a variety of outdoor activities including mountain biking, hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and gravel biking. The region provides diverse landscapes from mountain ranges to major waterways like the Missouri River and Chain Lakes. Over 400 visitors have rated activities in the area with an average of 4.35 out of 5 stars.
Where are the main mountain biking trails in East Helena?
Mountain biking opportunities are available in areas like Helena's South Hills, which features over 80 miles of singletrack trails. The Eastern Helena National Forest also provides 14 miles of trails, including intermediate and difficult options. Prickly Pear Park has trails suitable for biking. For more details, refer to the MTB Trails around East Helena guide.
Are there hiking trails in East Helena suitable for different skill levels?
Hiking options include the peaceful Prickly Pear Creek trail system and the new walking trail at Prickly Pear Park. Mount Helena, standing at 5,468 feet, offers multiple trail loops to its summit with varying difficulties. The Big Belt Mountains also provide an extensive system of trails. Explore more with the Hiking around East Helena guide.
What cycling routes are available for touring in East Helena?
Touring cycling routes around East Helena vary in difficulty, from easy loops like the "Helena City loop" to more challenging rides such as the "Helena – Mansion District loop." The region is also located along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Find more information in the Cycling around East Helena guide.
Are there family-friendly outdoor options in East Helena?
Yes, family-friendly options include the Prickly Pear Creek trail system, which is ideal for strolling and jogging. John F. Kennedy (JFK) Park provides additional spaces for outdoor activities within East Helena. Prickly Pear Park also features a new walking trail suitable for walks, jogs, or bike rides.
What are some notable natural landmarks or features near East Helena?
Notable natural features include the Missouri River and the "Chain Lakes" (Holter, Hauser, and Canyon Ferry Lakes), which offer extensive recreation opportunities. The Big Belt Mountains to the east and the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness to the north provide dramatic landscapes and unique exploration opportunities.
Are e-bikes permitted on trails in East Helena?
Class 1 e-bikes are permitted in Prickly Pear Park and The Grove. However, e-bikes are generally not permitted on singletrack trails within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.
What komoot guides are available for East Helena?
Komoot offers several guides for East Helena, including MTB Trails around East Helena, Hiking around East Helena, Easy hikes around East Helena, Cycling around East Helena, Running Trails around East Helena, and Gravel biking around East Helena.
What is the best time of year for hiking in the Big Belt Mountains near East Helena?
The Big Belt Mountains are a popular destination for spring hiking. This is due to early snow melt, which makes the trails accessible and enjoyable during that season.
How can one contact the city of East Helena for more information?
The official website for East Helena is www.easthelenamt.us. For general inquiries, the City Hall can be reached at +1-406-227-5321.
Are there opportunities for water-based recreation near East Helena?
Yes, East Helena is close to the Missouri River and the "Chain Lakes"—Holter, Hauser, and Canyon Ferry Lakes. These large bodies of water provide extensive recreation opportunities for boating, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of Montana. Canyon Ferry Lake, 13 miles (21 km) east, is Montana's third-largest body of water.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
