Gould Helmville Trail
Gould Helmville Trail is entirely ridge top hiking. Parking is available at either end of the trail. A horse ramp is available at Dalton. Water is not available during the summer months, but any water that is used should be treated accordingly. The trail is blazed throughout and is easy to follow.
Because of the various accesses to this trail, there are many options to choose from for day hiking or overnight trips. Beginning at Dalton Mountain, heading east, the hike is easy under a forest canopy of Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine. Trees corridor the trail most of the way, with a few vistas of the Blackfoot Valley to the north. About four miles (6.4 km) east of Dalton Mountain you will come to an old cabin used by early miners of the area. This cabin is not safe so please be careful if you are in the exploring mood. Once you reach Prickley Gulch the corridor begins to open up and you will pass through many ridge top meadows which would make excellent campsites for those of you who are backpacking.
Length: 12.0 miles
Trail Begins: Forest Road, Section 27
Trail Ends: Trail Junction 440
Area Map: Helena Forest Visitor Map
USGS Map1: Finn
Township 13N; Range 9W; Section 27
Area Activities
- Picnicking
- Sightseeing
- Walking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Bird Watching
- Hiking
- Nature Area
Services And Amenities
Driving Directions
Two access sites: From Highway 200, follow the Dalton Mountain Road 329 south approximately eight miles to Dalton Mountain and the trailhead or from Highway 200, follow the Stemple Pass Road 689. Follow this road to Stemple Pass, turn south onto Marsh Creek Road 485 and follow to trail beginning.
