12.4 miles
Distance
3,695 ft
Climb
-3,698 ft
Descent
2 miles
High Point
-1 ft
Altitude change
5,091 ft
Altitude min
5,094 ft
Altitude start
5,095 ft
Altitude end
-65.1%
Grade max
50.2%
Grade min
6 miles
Distance climb
6 miles
Distance down
3,363 ft
Distance flat

Looking for a big day in the mountains, with primitive trails and commanding views of the Helena region? Look no farther than Casey Peak It's hard to believe a backcountry ride like this can be found only a few miles from Helena, but here it is. Expect some hike-a-bike on the spur trail leading to the Casey Peak summit. Take the McClellan Creek Road southeast from Montana City, and park near the confluence with East Fork McClellan Creek.

Detailed Description
Casey Peak is a 12 mile popular expert route located near Helena Montana. This mountain bike only route can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 4 trails. This route climbs 3,695 ft with a max elevation of 8,515 ft then descends -3,698 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Oct 20, 2024)

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Stats

  • Distance
    12 miles
  • Avg time
    3 hr 13 min
  • Altitude min
    5,091 ft
  • Altitude start
    5,094 ft
  • Altitude end
    5,095 ft
  • Climb
    3,695 ft
  • Descent
    -3,698 ft
  • Grade max
    -65.1%
  • Grade min
    50.2%
  • Distance climb
    6 miles
  • Distance down
    6 miles
  • Distance flat
    3,363 ft

10 Reviews & Comments

skiology90
I rode this last week (Tues 7/12/2022) via recommended route climbing Montgomery to Casey Pk trail. The intersection to get on Montgomery from the McCellan Creek-Willard jct is a little overgrown the first 30m or so. The climb on Montgomery is, as promised, steep and punchy in a number of places but does have a few recovery spots. There was still quite a bit of water draining the wet meadows and the trail was a little obscured with grasses and wildflowers in spots but was easy to pick up on the other side. Casey Pk Tr was somewhat rideable at the bottom, but, like others, I gave up and pushed my bike for 1300 + vertical feet. Rewarded with cool geology and great 360 degree views at top and a fun steep chunky descent. Descended via Casey Meadows to car.

Other notes: I'm not a big fan of pushing my bike so I don't need to do this more than once a year but I would put it on the bucket list if you haven't done it yet. At the time I rode it, the route was completely clear of blow-down and wildflowers were going strong. It's a backcountry ride so it's worth bringing the essential spare parts (tube, pump, spare derailleur hanger, etc), bear spray. There was plenty of water if you have a way to purify. I bumped into a number of hikers and off leash dogs on the way down Casey Meadows trail so keep an eye pealed - it's a busy trail even on weekdays. Casey Meadows trailhead is on McCellan Creek and offered a nice place to cool off post-ride.
a406 a406
Fun loop, we did it clockwise and would recommend going that way.

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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    North Elkhorns
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Black Diamond
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Hard
  • Activity Logs
    11
Avg: 5 (3 votes)
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Trail transparency
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  • Singletrack

Photos

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219
mtb
238
mtb
mtb

Videos

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Casey Peak + Meadow
mtb
Casey Peak + Meadow
4:59 | 680 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jul 28, 2021
Elkhorn Mtns Helena
mtb
Elkhorn Mtns Helena
8:07 | 181 | comments: 1 | favs: 1
Oct 4, 2018
Teepee Creek Tr to McLellan Creek Tr

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Willard Creek Trail
Jun 28, 2025 @ 5:53pm
Jun 28, 2025
Montgomery Park Trail
Oct 20, 2024 @ 6:58pm
Oct 20, 2024
I rode this trail from the east side to the Apex and it was all clear.
Casey Meadows Trail
Oct 20, 2024 @ 6:48pm
Oct 20, 2024
Casey Peak Trail
Oct 20, 2024 @ 7:38am
Oct 20, 2024
There were a few trees across the trail, a couple low down and a couple up high. There was a dusting of snow when I did it but still rideable (down).
more reports »
  • By evasiveTF Pro MBG & contributors
  • #2198 - 11,044 views

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