(Helena, MT) Helena’s vast network of trails is finally starting to be used again after another long winter is finally on its last snow fall, but a lot of trails are still bad conditions for using until later in the month or even until next month, but some are still in good conditions for use for anyone looking to spend time outdoors.

Great Divide Cyclery, a local bike shop downtown has a website that shows trail reports from people who use those trails, such as one recent report on the 2006 trail near the Old Shooting Range Trailhead claiming that there were a few wet spots, but ridable without damaging the trail.

One of the dryest trail networks near Helena is the Scratchgravels, which dry up early in the year and stay dry. If there’s snow or rain that clogged up other trails, the Stratchgravels have been found to dry up very quickly or not get hit by the weather at all. Since it gets dry easily, it tends to be dusty and loose, which is prevalent in the summer.

The Old Shooting Range Trailhead down Davis Gulch Road connects to dozens of trails together. Based on info I found on my own on the trails, the back side of Mt. Ascension is mostly dry but when going on some of the tree covered areas, it seems to be just wet enough for smooth riding and decent traction but could take longer to dry up if it rains or snows.

Trails across town are bound to be changed by weather, but some tend to dry up faster or slower than others, so it really isn’t always going to be perfect all the time, but the best way to know if trails are good is to go out and see for yourself.