Trails
From the Continental Divide to East Helena, the Prickly Pear Valley offers trails for hikers, bikers, skiers, and wildlife lovers. Explore more than 80 miles of singletrack in Helena’s South Hills. Head to Tenmile Creek Park or East Helena to enjoy accessible trails and meandering creeks. Hike bike, or ride in the Scratchgravel Hills. Challenge yourself on the iconic Continental Divide Trail as it traverses stunning ridges and working forests.
Where to?
From the Continental Divide to East Helena, the Prickly Pear Valley offers trails for hikers, bikers, skiers, and wildlife lovers.
Filter trails by location:
Find and Download PPLT Trail Maps
South Hills Trail
OnX
Trail Etiquette Makes for Happy Trails
Happy Trails are fun, welcoming, sustainable, and safe for all users. Trail etiquette makes for happy trails for everyone.
- Right of Way: Bikes always yield to hikers and horses, even when traveling uphill. Downhill bikes yield to uphill bikes.
- Be Kind: Slow down and communicate clearly. Be the change you want to see on the trails. Never yell at or intimidate others.
- Be Cautious: Ride in control, know your limits, and give other users space.
- All Ears: Always keep one ear free so you can listen for traffic and hear requests to pass.
- E-Bikes: All trails are non-motorized. Ebikes are not allowed.
- Respect the Trails: Stay on the trail in all conditions. If you can’t because of ice or snow, or if you’re creating tracks or ruts in mud, turn around. Trail maintenance is costly!
- Leave No Trace: Pack out your garbage, food, and dog waste. Let’s keep our trails and public lands clean.
- Wildlife: Don’t approach, harass, or feed any wildlife. Leash dogs when wildlife is present. Carry bear spray and avoid traveling on trails at dawn, dusk, or night.
Happy Tails
- Dogs must be under voice control at all times.
- For everyone’s safety, leash your dog when wildlife is present or when trails are busy.
- Keep dogs leashed within 100 yards of trailheads and parking lots and follow all leash rules.
- There’s no poop fairy. Pick up after your dog every time they poop and carry out their waste.
Don't Fence Me In — Trail Run Information
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Registration opens January 6, 2025.
Kick off the trail running season in Helena’s legendary South Hills. Choose from five events: 30K Race, 12K Race, 12K Walk, 5K Race, and a 5K Dog Walk.
No matter what event you tackle, you’ll join a community celebration of open space, wildlands, and trail running. Cross the finish line at Pioneer Park and join a heartwarming party with food, live music, and family-friendly fun.
Funds raised by Don’t Fence Me In support the South Hills trail system and Prickly Pear Land Trust. Bonus: Kids 12 and under register for free!
Course Descriptions & Maps
Coming soon!
Don't Miss the Fun!
Calling all trail lovers! Volunteer at a trail or stewardship event. You’ll join the Happy Trails community and learn how we care for our trails and open space.
Get Involved
- Check out our Events page to find upcoming opportunities to volunteer.
How do you say “fun” in Montanan? Trail work! Sign up for volunteer opportunities with PPLT.
