This trail network is a fantastic asset, right next to town! There are dozens of miles of trails packed into this mountain, and you can also hook them up with the Mt Helena Ridge trails. Whatever option you take, you will climb. The most popular routes are the 1906 trail and the Prairie trail. They run somewhat parallel and both provide a tough clim up the mountain. While the 1906 trail climbs steadily, the Prairie trail climbs, then drops a bit, and then you have to regain that altitude. Despite being called "Prairie," most of it's in the pines, which is nice. These trails then meet up on the backside of the mountain where numerous avenues await. The West End trail is fun and the Backside trail can give some serious technical challenge. Or, you can continue up and go for the summit, the last pitch of which is pretty much unrideable. The views from the top are worth it, though, and then you get a killer downhill. Another good route, more consistently technical, but slightly shorter with less climbing, is to head south on the Prospect Shafts Trail, which will then turn up the hill (keep forking right) and eventually bring you to the back side, where you can turn right and eventually descend one of the aforementioned trails, or turn left down McKelvey, then take the next left onto the aptly named "Dump Out." This trail could dump you out in the gulch whereby you'd have to climb a good deal of pavement to get back to the parkng lot, or one of the many serious technical bits could dump you right out of your clipless pedals. It's great fun if you like off camber rock moves. There's a dozen more trails and you can mix and match until your heart's content, creating a different experience every time you visit.
This trail is a great trail to have fun on. The first climb gets you warmed up and assures you that you've definitely earned the trail to come. The fast ridge riding makes you smile with glee, and the views keep you occupied on the short punchy ridge climbs. The excellent options down the ridge make it that much better.
| ThankGreat network of trails right above town, with some steep climbs, descents, and rockiness.
| ThankOutstanding system of trails, very scenic, a lot of variety, natural rocky terrain, in my top 5 all time.
| ThankI rode this today with some co-workers today. We are from the Seattle area which is at sea level, we were not prepared for the elevation. A great little trail system but be ready to climb climb climb. You are rewarded with some fun fast downhills.
| ThankThis entire trail system is awesome! Right next to Helena and an easy pedal to a bar/eating establishment (the Brew House is a great place) after you're done.
| ThankThere is a little bit of everything in this system, but be prepared to pedal, you need to climb to the top of each peak.