Casey Peak Loop

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Features Downhill · Technical · Views

This loop has everything a mountain biker could ask for: Some flowy trail, some techy trail, big views, a cool summit, and a super fun downhill. It is not an easy ride, particularly on the Casey Peak Summit Trail which involves hike-a-bike on the way up and is difficult and technical on the way down. The trails also have a backcountry feel to them even though they are so close to Helena. The loop can be ridden in either direction, and each way has its advantages which will be outlined below.

To get to the trailhead, take the McClellan Creek Road southeast from Montana City. There is parking just before and after the trailhead which is well signposted.

Counter Clockwise Loop:
This is likely to be the most common direction, as overall you have a less steep ascent, followed by a steeper descent. Bear in mind however, that only the 1st half of your ascent will be easier, while the 2nd half spent on the more technical Montgomery Park Trail is at least as brutal as anything going the other way, and there will be some walking involved. The upside is that the way down will be fast, direct and furious.

Clockwise Loop:
A clockwise loop has an overall steeper climb to the Casey Spur, given that you get there in a shorter distance. You do most of your climbing on the Lower Casey Meadows Trail, and then have a much shorter distance to climb on the more technical Montgomery Park Trail. The majority of your time on the Montgomery Park Trail will be spent descending, and this includes the roughest and most challenging section of the trail. So while this might be the best section of the loop to descend, you are sacrificing the 2nd half of your descent for something that is fairly casual (down Lower McClellan Creek Trail).

The Casey Peak Spur Trail to the summit
This is equally the most challenging and most rewarding part of the route. The bottom 3rd of the trail is rideable if you are a strong climber. After that you'll likely be pushing your bike up the rest of the way. The view from the top is amazing and there is a rustic shelter with a logbook inside. The descent is very steep with both fixed and loose rocks, some of them very chunky. Have fun and be safe!