Colorado Mountain

The Colorado Mountain Trail begins on Chessman Road (Forest Road 227) near the headwaters of Beaver Creek, southwest of Helena. From the trailhead, follow the gated, closed road as it climbs steadily through open sagebrush slopes and pockets of lodgepole pine. The route stays on the old roadbed the entire way, making navigation straightforward despite its unmarked status. At an early Y-intersection, stay left to continue uphill toward Colorado Mountain. As the road gains elevation, it passes through broad meadows and winds along the ridge with sweeping views of the Elkhorn Mountains and the Helena Valley. The grade becomes steeper near the top but remains hikeable without scrambling. The summit of Colorado Mountain offers a wide alpine panorama and a quiet vantage point above the valley. There are no reliable water sources along the route, so plan to carry all water. Return the way you came.