I left Squamish last week on my long journey back east to Atlanta to catch up on family time and to edit my film. My plan for the trip was to stop in Yellowstone for a few days before heading to Denver to spend a couple weeks climbing in Colorado.

the road

At some point while driving through Montana I started wondering if there was any bouldering to be done there. A quick google search yielded a Montana bouldering blog which indicated there was a bouldering spot a mere three miles off the interstate near Butte. I’d never heard of any bouldering in Montana but I had to at least check it out, right?

What I found were interesting pancake shaped boulders sticking out of the ground. Most were vertical but a few were sticking out like flying saucers.

Unfortunately the rock was subpar granite. Not bad but not solid either. I climbed a few boulders, got scared when smears crumbled high off the ground, worked on a taller crimp line, and finished the day on the overhaning wall below.

It looks like a rad overhang but on closer inspection you find some of the sharpest holds known to man.

I managed to hang on to the sharpness to get to the top of the boulder but only because I didn’t want to try it again! I’m guessing it’s in the V8/9 range but who knows.

I only sampled a small area so I can’t comment on all of Montana bouldering, I can just say that the small group of boulders I climbed near Butte weren’t of the highest quality. After my half-day of climbing in Montana I headed south to Yellowstone which is in the northwest corner of Wyoming.

I ventured into Yellowstone without a plan of any sort. I don’t recommend this. The park is vast and takes hours to drive through. There is so much to see, it’s overwhelming. I spent three days in the park and just scratched the surface of what’s out there. I spent all of my time filming the amazing scenery and wildlife. From the geysers, canyons, waterfalls, bison, elk, mountains and landscapes. I’ve almost finished this short film and I’m VERY excited about it.  If you ever get the chance to visit Yellowstone, don’t hesitate.

A lone bison

Bison

Elk