Little Moab Trail

The Mount Ascension: Entertainment and Little Moab Loop delivers a dynamic mountain biking experience, blending flowy singletrack with technical rock features. You'll climb through wooded slopes, enjoying views over Helena, before descending on the fast-rolling Entertainment Trail through meadows and forests. The highlight for many is the Little Moab Trail, with its unique bare limestone outcrops and rock gardens, offering a technical challenge reminiscent of Utah's famous slickrock.

This moderate 6.1-mile (9.9 km) loop, with 1145 feet (349 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 8 minutes to complete. It's part of the Mount Ascension City Park trail system, easily accessible from downtown Helena. Remember, it's mountain bikes only, one-directional, and e-bikes are not allowed. The north-facing wooded climb makes it a good option for warmer afternoons.

What truly sets this trail apart is the combination of classic Mount Ascension riding with two distinct descents. The Little Moab section provides a unique geological experience, while the Entertainment Trail offers pure downhill flow. From the summit of Mount Ascension, you'll be treated to panoramic views in all directions, making the effort well worth it.

The Mount Ascension loop from Helena offers a diverse mountain biking experience, weaving through dense, tight woods on its north side before opening up to expansive high meadows and "lazy switchbacks" on the south-facing slopes. You'll find a mix of singletrack and purpose-built bike features like sweeping wood berms, all culminating in amazing views looking north over Helena from the summit. It's a journey through varied terrain that keeps the ride engaging from start to finish.

This moderate 13.4-mile (21.6 km) route, with 1885 feet (574 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 18 minutes to complete. Many trails in the Mount Ascension area are easily accessible directly from downtown Helena, with popular trailheads like Beattie Street offering parking and amenities. The best time of year for mountain biking these trails is generally from May through July, though Helena's sunny climate often allows for an extended season.

Part of Helena's extensive South Hills trail system, the Mount Ascension loop is integrated into a network boasting over 70 miles of trails, many specifically designed for mountain biking. This connectivity allows you to link up with other popular routes like the Entertainment Trail for longer adventures. The area is managed as part of Mount Ascension City Park, ensuring good maintenance and public access for all users.