The best walks and hikes in Lewis and Clark County

The Mt. Ascension via Lower DeFord and Aftershock Trail offers a delightful blend of wide, easy paths and engaging singletrack through Helena's Mount Ascension City Park. You'll start on a gentle gravel path, then climb through fragrant ponderosa pine forests, eventually reaching high meadows that open up to spectacular views of the Helena Valley. It's a moderate 6.4-mile (10.3 km) hike with 1107 feet (337 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 3 hours and 5 minutes, perfect for experiencing varied terrain and scenic overlooks.

To plan your visit, head to the DeFord Trailhead, which provides ample parking and essential amenities like pet waste bags. This trail is popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners, so expect company, especially on weekends. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. For the best experience, including vibrant wildflowers, aim to hike between May and June.

This route is a fantastic example of the extensive Mount Ascension trail system, offering a moderate option within a network of over 30 trails. The Aftershock Trail, in particular, connects to various other paths, allowing for numerous loop options and alternative ways to reach the summit. It's a great way to explore the South Hills of Helena, known for its diverse flora and fauna, including birds and butterflies.

Hike the moderate 6.5-mile Helena Regulating Reservoir Loop for 360-degree views and birdwatching, but leave your dog at home.

Embark on a moderate hike along the Heart Lake via Mainline Trail (#481), a 4.7-mile (7.5 km) route that takes about 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete. You'll gain 989 feet (301 metres) in elevation as you wind through young pine and aspen forests. Early on, the trail offers lush sections with side-streams and a pretty cascade, providing a refreshing start. The path gradually ascends, with the final mile becoming steeper as you approach the stunning Heart Lake. This glacial lake is dramatically set against cliffs that often retain pockets of snow, creating a picturesque backdrop for your efforts.

Before you set out, know that this trail is shared by both hikers and horses, so be prepared to encounter equestrian users along the way. Heart Lake itself is a popular destination, especially for those interested in fishing or backpacking. If you are considering an overnight adventure, established campsites are available near the lake. Plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the serene environment and the views from the lake.

This route is nestled within Montana's Helena National Forest, offering a true immersion into the region's natural beauty. The presence of a glacial lake, carved into the landscape and framed by dramatic cliffs, highlights the unique geological features of this area. It's a notable trail for its accessibility to a pristine alpine environment, making it a favored spot for both day-trippers and those seeking a longer wilderness experience.

The Rodney Ridge Loop offers a dynamic hiking experience right outside Helena, Montana. You'll ascend through open pine forests, then emerge onto a rocky ridgeline that provides sweeping panoramic views of the city and the Elkhorn Mountains. The route then dips back into shaded forest, offering a pleasant mix of sun and shade, with sunny meadows and shady ravines along the way. Look for abundant wildflowers in late spring and common wildlife sightings.

This easy 2.6-mile (4.1 km) loop involves 429 feet (131 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hour and 13 minutes to complete. The trail is easily accessible from the Rodney Ridge Trailhead in Helena and is a popular shared-use path for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. It's a great option for a relatively quick outing with a high reward in terms of scenery.

Rodney Ridge is part of the larger Helena South Hills trail system, providing options for longer adventures if you wish to extend your hike. The area is particularly known for its diverse ecosystems, supporting a variety of wildflowers, butterflies, and birdlife, making it a fantastic spot for nature observation during the warmer months.

Embark on an easy 3.2-mile (5.1 km) hike along the Dearborn River Trail, where you'll gain 304 feet (93 metres) in elevation over approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes. The initial section passes by private cabins, but soon the landscape opens up to wild and impressive Rocky Mountain views. As you continue, you'll discover majestic reefs and cliffs forming the Dearborn River Canyon. The route's highlight is Devil's Glen, where the river has sculpted unique rock formations and created clear, glacial waters, complete with a small waterfall. Around 2.5 miles in, you can even find a natural swimming hole, offering a refreshing spot to cool off.

When planning your visit, be mindful that the first mile of the trail traverses near private cabins; please respect local property. This region is known for its wildlife, including grizzly bears and moose, so if you are considering camping, ensure you practice proper food storage techniques. The road leading to the trailhead is typically plowed, making the area accessible for winter activities. This allows for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing during colder months.

This trail offers a rewarding experience within Montana's Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Beyond the initial stretch, the scenery transforms, showcasing the dramatic beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The impressive views of the Dearborn River Canyon's reefs and cliffs are a defining feature of this route. The unique geological formations at Devil's Glen, carved by the river, make this a notable destination for those exploring the region.

If you're seeking a challenging hike with immense payoffs, the Vigilante Overlook Trail (Hanging Valley) delivers. This moderate 4.9-mile (7.8 km) route, with its 2432 feet (741 metres) of elevation gain, takes you through a dramatic landscape of steep canyon-sides and coniferous forests. You'll navigate numerous switchbacks and even descend ladders in sections, all leading to breathtaking panoramic views into Trout Creek Canyon and unique limestone formations.

Plan for a roughly 2-hour and 59-minute adventure, starting at the Vigilante Campground. This trailhead, found at the end of Trout Creek Road about 24 miles northeast of Helena, offers parking, vault toilets, and drinking water. It's a strenuous ascent, so make sure you're well-prepared and consider avoiding it as your very first hike of the season.

This trail, also known as National Recreation Trail #247, is renowned for its geological wonders within the Big Belt Mountains. You'll encounter towering limestone cliffs, a natural bridge, and a narrow "hole in the wall" viewpoint. The lower sections of the valley are surprisingly moist, supporting diverse vegetation, including lichen, adding to the unique character of this rewarding Montana hike.

This easy 2.0-mile hike along the Missouri River offers scenic views of Hauser Lake, the dam, and rocky cliffs in Helena National Forest.

The Mount Helena via Swaney Trail offers a dynamic and scenic experience, quickly immersing you in a quiet, enchanting forested area. As you ascend, the trail features tight switchbacks and rocky sections, eventually opening up to reveal picturesque Southwesterly Views of the Helena Valley, including the Scratchgravel Hills and the distant Sleeping Giant formation. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and butterflies during spring and early summer, adding to the natural beauty of this popular route.

This easy 1.6 miles (2.5 km) hike packs in 812 feet (247 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 55 minutes to complete. The Swaney Trail is accessible from the Tubbs Trailhead, which can get busy on weekends, so plan an early start if you prefer fewer crowds. It's a great option for a quick, challenging workout or a short adventure with rewarding vistas.

Part of the extensive Mount Helena City Park, this trail is a vital connector within a network boasting over 33 miles of trails. It provides entry and exit points to other significant routes, including the popular Mount Helena Ridge Trail. The park itself is one of the largest city parks in the United States, making the Swaney Trail a convenient gateway to exploring the diverse landscapes and panoramic views of Mount Helena.

Enjoy an easy 1.4-mile hike along the Missouri River in Black Sandy State Park, offering scenic river views and a peaceful outdoor experienc