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6.7 miles
Distance
722 ft
Climb
-2,333 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
-1,611 ft
Altitude change
4,804 ft
Altitude min
6,415 ft
Altitude start
4,803 ft
Altitude end
-4.6%
Grade
-67.7%
Grade max
44.8%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
4 miles
Distance down
1,115 ft
Distance flat
Helena Classic
Four miles of the Continental Divide Trail lead to a locals' favorite downhill on the Switchback Ridge Trail. The CDT portion doesn't climb very much, but it is strewn with very challenging rock gardens. The downhill is relatively buff until the last few hundred yards.
Exit Highway 12 at the Cromwell-Dixon Campground, and drive up the hill to the Continental Divide overlook. The trail starts at the stairs. There is a gate shortly after entering the forest; be sure to close it behind you. As the CDT rises into an open meadow, stay left towards the trees to start the downhill.
During the summer months, Bike Helena and Vigilante Shuttles & Tours runs shuttles from bottom of Switchback Ridge up to the CDT overlook. This is a great way to do this ride, as it eliminates a shuttle run or a long road climb. The schedule is available at the Bike Helena website: http://www.bikehelena.com/index.php/trail-rider/
Detailed Description
MacDonald Pass is a 7 mile popular expert route located near Helena Montana. This mountain bike primary route can be used one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 2 trails. This route climbs 722 ft with a max elevation of 6,739 ft then descends -2,333 ft.
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Stats
-
Distance7 miles
-
Avg time1 hr 31 min
-
Altitude change-1,611 ft
-
Altitude min4,804 ft
-
Altitude start6,415 ft
-
Altitude end4,803 ft
-
Climb722 ft
-
Descent-2,333 ft
-
Grade-4.6%
-
Grade max-67.7%
-
Grade min44.8%
-
Distance climb2 miles
-
Distance down4 miles
-
Distance flat1,115 ft
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MBG & contributors - #1441 - 7,380 views
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