We camped in the National Forest at “Moose Creek” last night. Very relaxing spot.
This morning we hit another south hills trail area here in Helena. I rode the “Helena Ridge” trail and it was an awesome trip.
I started south, up the climb on an adjacent ridge to the east. Views towards the west show the main ridge that the “Helena Ridge” trail will follow along, heading back north.
The climb wasn’t bad at all. It eventually came to a junction with the “stairway to heaven” trail which I used to descend to Grizzly Gulch Rd. A small road shuttle and I was at the next trailhead and ready for the main course.
The main climb on the Helena Ridge was a mild affair, except for one very short scrabbley bit just at the first false summit.
The main thing that got the heart pounding was that there’s a ton of bear? scat along the trail. Were those Buffalo Berries? Luckily this looks like a vegetarian time of year.
The ridge loops to the east and then west sides as you roll towards the tall Mount Helena in the distance. Each overlook is jaw dropping with fantastic scenery. A cool breeze pushes you along like a tumbleweed.
Finally, topped out near the summit, then a long rocky fall-line towards the edge of town. The trail is worn down to the bones. A couple of shaggy mule-deer babies stood around nonchalantly.
Finally ended in Reeder’s Village, then rode back up the gulch to where we parked, passing these cool ruins from old lime-kilns.
Total time: 02:47:40