Page 30 - HC Vacation Guide 2021

See the Big Sky - continued
MISSOURI RIVER
Considered one of the longest rivers in North America, the Missouri River flows east and south for miles before entering the Mississippi. Lots of floating opportunities to Helena’s north and east.
CANYON FERRY, HAUSER AND HOLTER LAKES
In addition to some of the main rivers around Helena, more floating opportunities can be found at the various lakes just 15-20 minutes from Helena.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Helena has a reputation among mountain bikers as one of the best destinations in the northern Rockies. Helena is also one of 12 Silver Level International Mountain Biking Association centers world-wide, which puts us in great company.
More info:
• Big Sky Cyclery: (406) 442-4644
• Capital Sports & Western: 406-443-2978
• Great Divide Cycling and Fitness: (406) 443- 5188
• Bike Helena: www.bikehelena.com (406) 449-1270
• International Mountain Biking Association: www.imba.com/ride-centers/current/helena
MOUNT HELENA RIDGE TRAIL
Along a scenic ridge in the Helena National Forest, the Ridge Trail runs through stands of trees. The trail ends at Mount Helena City Park.
• To ride the Ridge Trail Loop (15 miles), ride out of town on West Main Street (at the south end of downtown), and veer right onto Grizzly Gulch. In about five miles, turn right at the hamlet of Park City and ride a few hundred yards to the trailhead.
• To cut the ride in half, leave a car at the parking lot at Mount Helena City Park and take another car up to the trailhead. More info: (406) 449-2107. Free shuttles are available 5 days a week, visit bikehelena.com to check out the Trail Rider schedule. Please note no dogs are allowed on the Trail Rider.
GRIZZLY-UNIONVILLE-OROFINO LOOP (11 MILES)
Ride out of town on West Main Street (at the south end of downtown), and veer right onto Grizzly Gulch. At Park City, stay left on the main road toward Unionville. In about a half-mile, turn left at the junction and continue uphill to Unionville. The road turns to pavement and heads back to town. Several other trailheads are located off the route.
MOUNT HELENA
The park offers a variety of trails for hikers. The most popular trail follows the 1906 Trail around
the north side of the mountain, into the saddle between the mountain’s two summits and
up onto the peak. Check the map in the kiosk
in the parking lot for details. This trail is not recommended for bikers. Please visit bikehelena. com for alternative routes.
WAKINA SKY RIDGE
Ride out of town on West Main Street (at the south end of downtown), and veer right onto Grizzly Gulch. Turn left into the hills about two miles from downtown. After about a half-mile ride on the
dirt road, where the road makes a switchback to the left, follow the trees and open meadows. The Squaw Gulch Trail, and continue straight ahead. Climb about a mile up to the meadow, then turn around and enjoy the ride down.
ARCHERY & SHOOTING
• Buffalo Jump Archery & Pro Shop: (406) 449-
3111. 3654 US HWY 12 E. Mon-Fri 11-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4. Indoor and outdoor ranges, package deals.
• Capital Sports & Western: Archery & Shooting Range: 406-443-2978. 1092 Helena Ave. Mon-Fri 9-8, Sat 9-6, Sun 10:30-4. $5 per day, $35 per year. Rent gear or bring your own. Range and technohunt.
FISHING
It’s no secret that Montana calls to fly fishermen from across the country. And while there are fantastic rivers, streams and ponds across the state, some of the best fishing is minutes from Helena.
More info:
• The Base Camp: (406) 443-5360
• Bob Ward & Sons: (406) 443-2138
• Cross Currents Orvis Fly Shop: (406) 449-2292 • Montana Fly Goods: (406) 442-2630
• Montana Outdoor Sports: (406) 443-4119
• Sportsman’s Warehouse: (406) 457-7200
• Capital Sports and Western: (406) 443-2978
MISSOURI RIVER
The towns of Wolf Creek and Craig north of Helena offer fly shops, shuttle operators, guide services, and other businesses to cater to the most dedicated of fishermen.
BLACKFOOT RIVER
Ovando provides a good jumping-off point to fish the Blackfoot.
CANYON FERRY LAKE
The deep waters of this lake harbor mammoth walleye, if that’s more your taste. Please visit Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for more fishing license information at fwp.mt.gov.
GOLF
BILL ROBERTS GOLF COURSE
This is a city-owned, 18-hole, public golf course located north of Carroll College off Benton Avenue. It offers services including a clubhouse, pro shop, and driving range. Located at 2201 N. Benton Ave.
More info: (406) 442-2191 or billrobertsgolf.com
FOX RIDGE GOLF COURSE
This is a public, 18-hole regulation and a 9 hole par 3 golf course located in the Prickly Pear Valley near Lake Helena. It offers services including a clubhouse, putting range, driving range and pro shop. To get there, turn east from North Montana Avenue onto Custer Avenue. Turn left onto York Road and follow it for 5.5 miles. Turn left onto Lake Helena Drive. The golf course is on the left. Located at 4020 Lake Helena Dr.
More info: (406) 227-8304
GREEN MEADOW COUNTRY CLUB
This is a semi-private, 18-hole golf course located
at 2720 Country Club Ave. The golf course is a medium length, tight layout providing a test of
skill and enjoyment for players of all ability levels. It offers services including a clubhouse, driving range, putting range, fitness center, and pro shop. Players from outside the Tri County are welcome as guest members. Located at 2720 Country Club Ave.
More info: (406) 442-5750
NORWEGIAN WOODS GOLF COURSE
Norwegian Wood Golf is a 9-hole, par 3 course located near Canyon Ferry Lake, just minutes away from Helena. Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy
a day out at Norwegian Wood. Located at 8445 Canyon Ferry Rd.
More info: (406) 475-3229
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KEEP MONTANA SAFE – PLAN AHEAD | KEEP SPACE | BE RESPECTFUL | PROTECT THE OUTDOORS | EXPLORE LOCALLY