D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 0
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1906 TRAIL ON MOUNT HELENA
LOCATION: Helena
DISTANCE: 2.9 miles (out and back)
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,023 feet
At 5,468 feet, Mount Helena City Park looms prominently over
Montana's state capitol and features numerous trails of various levels of
difficulty across its 620 plus acres. Starting on the 1906 trail is your best
bet for a direct and scenic route to the summit. e trail has a gradual
climb as it wraps around the north side of the mountain. You'll journey
through a ponderosa forest, along the base of limestone cliffs, and past
the Devil's Kitchen, a distinct cave in the cliff side. Upon the reach-
ing the top, you'll have a breathtaking view of the entire Helena valley.
Make the hike a 3.2 loop by taking Hogback Trail then Prospect Shafts
trail on the way back down.
HOW TO GET THERE: From Downtown Helena, head south on Park
Avenue, then take a right on Carriage Lane at the Reeder's Village
Subdivision entrance. Follow the signs to the Mount Helena City Park
Trailhead at the end of Reeder's Village Drive.
D
O YOU PACK UP YOUR HIKING BOOTS AS SOON AS THE FIRST SNOWFLAKE DROPS? If so, pull them back out. Winter in Montana is a
great time to hit the trails for more reasons than one. Not only are the crowds and mosquitoes gone, but you can experience the beauty of Mon-
tana's landscape from a whole new perspective once everything is dusted in snow. Winter hiking in Montana offers silence, solitude, and serenity
that can't be described, only experienced. Here are seven trails worth exploring when the temperatures drops and the snow descends. So zip up your jacket,
strap on your Yaktrax, and head for the trailhead for a quick remedy to your cabin fever.
by LACEY MIDDLESTEAD
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7
COOL WINTER HIKES
MICHAEL
MATTI
