Mount Ascencion via Eddy McClure West Trail

The Eddy McClure West Trail begins near the Beattie Street Trailhead on the southern edge of Helena and climbs steadily through open grasslands and scattered pines toward Mount Ascension. Follow the main trail uphill as it contours southwest, gaining elevation along a well-marked singletrack. At a Y-intersection just above the trailhead, stay right to remain on the West Trail. Around halfway up, the trail traverses steeper, rockier terrain with some short, exposed sections but no technical scrambling. As the route nears the summit ridge, views open dramatically across the Helena Valley and toward the Elkhorn Mountains to the south. From the signed junction near the top, turn left for a short final push to the summit of Mount Ascension, where a broad, grassy knob offers sweeping 360° views. Descend the same way or use connecting trails like the 2006 Trail or Pay Dirt to create a longer loop through the City of Helena Open Lands system. Wildflowers bloom across the hillsides in spring, and the open terrain can get hot in summer—carry water and sun protection.