climbing!!
“I looked at your website and you didn’t have a climbing section” – Ethan
So I kinda sorta fell ass backwards into climbing….literally. My first time ever climbing was in March of 2022. I had no idea what I was doing, but my friends quickly taught me enough to take the belay tests. Top rope test went off no problem, but trouble came in the autobelay test. I safely clicked in, said the right things, and ascended up the wall. The only thing I had left was to come down. My friends and the nice staff person were encouraging me to just let go- it’s safe- the system will let you descend safely- you're fineeee. What did I do? I only let go with my hands. My feet did not budge. Falling head first, ass up, I flipped upside down.
Anyway, I think it is safe to say I’ve grown a lot as a climber over the past few years, but more importantly my love for the sport only continues to grow. I still consider myself to be a newb- especially when it comes to outdoor climbing, so I don’t have a ton of climbing route info for ya’ll yet. However here are some lil notes on the places I have climbed at!
Note: I highly recommend checking out Mountain Project for more info on climbing in your area :)
Allenspur
Route Types: Single Pitch Sport
Region: Paradise Valley
Note(s):
No dogs from the reg. access approach! Dog ppl need to access via. old access, but the owner of land easement that gets beefy about dogs on his land lives in view of the crag- so maybe bring the pup to a different crag.
Was hecka smokey the times I've been & it is pretty in the sun- it gets hot quick.
Some real chill routes for beginner climbers :)
River is real close to jump into post climbing!
Bear Canyon
Route Types: Single Pitch Sport
Region: Bozeman
Note(s):
Such an easy place for a sneaky outdoor climbing vibe after work.
My first outdoor lead was here!
Hellgate Gulch
Route Types: Sport
Region: Helena
Note(s):
Montana women's climbing fest was here
I met two rad older ladies Meg & Kristin that were pioneers for climbing around here. Meg founded the climbing gym in Bozeman & Kristin (and her husband Bill) put up many of the routes in this very canyon!!
Super sick limestone walls
One untouched wall has some historic Pictographs on it #rad
Adjacent climbing area: Avalanche Gulch
Hellgate Campground is pretty close to both these crags!
Crag offers more intermediate climbing routes compared to the more beginner-friendly options in Allenspur and Bear Canyon.