Trail Overview
The North Hills Recreation Area trail is a scenic, beginner-friendly route near Helena, Montana, offering gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding valley and the distant Garnet Range. Stretching approximately 2.6 miles, this unpaved dirt road climbs gently to a maximum elevation of 4,658 feet from a starting point of 4,115 feet, featuring very mild elevation changes and an average gradient of about 3 degrees. While a standard two-wheel-drive vehicle can navigate the well-graded surface during dry conditions, high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles or SxSs are recommended when encountering the occasional ruts and rocks along the way. In wet weather, the road surface becomes slick and muddy, demanding four-wheel-drive capability to prevent getting stuck and to protect the trail from deep ruts.
Accessing the trailhead requires traveling north of Helena on Interstate 15 to Exit 200, then following East Lincoln Road, Collins Drive, and Snowdrift Road to the marked North Hill Access Road. The initial half-mile of the access route passes through private property before crossing onto Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands, where visitors must respect boundary lines. Along the route, recreationists will find open areas suitable for target shooting, as well as designated spots for small bonfires where local, responsibly sourced firewood can be burned. Dispersed camping and spectacular sunset viewing make this short excursion a popular spot for quick evening getaways, though travelers must ensure all campfires are completely extinguished before leaving.
Difficulty
Overall a good dirt road with just a few challenges. In dry conditions and with careful navigation of some bumps and ruts, this can be navigated in a typical 2WD car. In wet conditions the road would require 4WD. Consider avoiding the road when wet to reduce damage.
Access Description
The first 0.5 miles of the access road crosses private property before reaching public Bureau of Land Management lands. Drivers must stay on the designated road and respect private property boundaries. During wet conditions, travel is discouraged to prevent rutting and trail damage. If building fires, bring locally sourced firewood and fully extinguish them before leaving.
