Unloading my trusty steed from my equally trusty wooden boat, I'm John Wesley Powell, preparing to scout a narrow side canyon formed by a tributary of the Colorado River. Montana The mountains around Helena, Montana, have long provided fortunes for those willing to explore. These days mountain bikers are finding singletrack bliss on its 400 miles of trails. Trails along the Continental Divide, and both the Elkhorn and Big Belt Ranges, provide riders with opportunities to view game. Moose, elk, deer, coyote, cougar, wolf, black and grizzly bear all call the area home.
Long climbs followed by white-knuckle descents provide for sheer exhilaration.
Great views of the plains below are worth the two-mile climb. Wind down at the Windbag or sample micro-brews at the Sleeping Giant Brewery. Helena's historic district provides for a nice road ride and a chance to view some of its Victorian past. The Helena National Forest has one million acres of land and plenty of camping sites. Affordable lodging is everywhere.