New here? Start with these.

Just moved to Helena, or getting back into it after a while? These groups are beginner-friendly and welcoming — no need to be fast, experienced, or know a soul.

Road Run⚠ Needs verification

LGBTQ+ Run / Hike / Walk Group

Helena Vigilante Runners

Inclusive run/hike/walk meetups — see club

📍 Around Helena

Beginner-friendlyNo-dropFree
MTB⚠ Needs verification

Trail-Work Days

Montana Bicycle Guild

Volunteer trail-building days — see calendar

📍 Rotating Helena-area trailheads

Beginner-friendlyFreeSummer
Cycling✓ Verified 2026-06-25

Thursday Evening Club Ride

Helena Bicycle Club

Thursday evenings, May–Sept · road club ride

📍 Helena (see club)

Beginner-friendlyFreeSummer
Climbing⚠ Needs verification

Open Bouldering

Stonetree Climbing Center

Open gym daily · classes, yoga & youth team

📍 Stonetree Climbing Center, Helena

Beginner-friendlyCost varies
Nordic⚠ Needs verification

MacDonald Pass Groomed Trails

Last Chance Nordic Ski Club

Groomed near-daily, Dec–Apr · classic & skate · free

📍 MacDonald Pass, west of Helena

Beginner-friendlyFreeWinter
Nordic⚠ Needs verification

Bill Roberts In-Town Trails

Last Chance Nordic Ski Club

~5 km groomed in-town when snow allows

📍 Bill Roberts Golf Course, Helena

Beginner-friendlyFreeWinter
Backcountry⚠ Needs verification

Winter Ski Season

Great Divide

Lift-served downhill, snow-dependent winter season

📍 Great Divide, Marysville (NW of Helena)

Beginner-friendlyPaidWinter

Lift-served alpine area — the closest downhill skiing to Helena.

Birding⚠ Needs verification

Guided Bird Field Trips

Last Chance Audubon Society

Free guided trips, mostly Mar–Jun · all levels

📍 Around the Helena valley

Beginner-friendlyFree
Birding⚠ Needs verification

Christmas Bird Count

Last Chance Audubon Society

Annual December community bird count

📍 Helena area

Beginner-friendlyFreeWinter
Fly Fishing⚠ Needs verification

Fly-Fishing School & Casting Classes

CrossCurrents Fly Shop

Multi-day school, casting classes & winter fly-tying

📍 CrossCurrents Fly Shop, Helena

Beginner-friendlyPaid
Fly Fishing⚠ Needs verification

Guided Missouri River Trips

CrossCurrents Fly Shop

Guided float trips on the Missouri, Smith & Blackfoot

📍 Missouri River (Craig/Helena)

Beginner-friendlyPaidSummer
Paddling⚠ Needs verification

Kayak / Canoe / SUP Rentals

Capital Sports

Seasonal boat & board rentals for area lakes & river

📍 Capital Sports, Helena

Beginner-friendlyPaidSummer
Paddling⚠ Needs verification

Guided Upper Missouri Canoe Trips

Upper Missouri River Guides

Multi-day guided canoe-and-camp trips, Jun–Sept

📍 Upper Missouri River

Beginner-friendlyPaidSummer
Hiking⚠ Needs verification

C.O.R.E. Summer Walks

Prickly Pear Land Trust

Free guided summer walks (~biweekly) · all levels

📍 Rotating Helena parks & trails

Beginner-friendlyNo-dropDog-friendlyFreeSummer
Hiking⚠ Needs verification

Trail-Work & Stewardship Days

Prickly Pear Land Trust

Volunteer trail-building & stewardship days

📍 Rotating Helena-area trails

Beginner-friendlyFreeSummer
Hiking⚠ Needs verification

Member Outings

Helena Outdoor Club

Member-led hikes, paddles & ski trips year-round

📍 Around Helena & Montana

Beginner-friendlyDog-friendlyFree
Hiking⚠ Needs verification

Monthly Adventure Slideshows

Helena Outdoor Club

Free monthly public adventure presentations

📍 Helena

Beginner-friendlyFree