Fall Climbing and Adventuring
It has been so amazingly pleasant here in West Central Montana and Northern Wyoming this fall. I have been fortunate to be able to line up great partners and spectacular weather for several local trips. Below is a snippet of the past few trips. I hope you enjoy and are inspired!
City of Rocks: Various Routes
Finally made it out to City of Rocks after hearing for years what an amazing area it is. It did not disappoint…
Photo Credit: Bryan Dalpes
Climber: Guda Yaguda Photo Credit: Trask Baughman
Climber: Bryan Dalpes Photo Credit: Trask Baughman
Climber: Trask Baughman Photo Credit: Bryan Dalpes
Bombproof, high quality granite, amazing views and spectacular company. Plus Ron dog made quick friends with his new buddy Frita and they played to blissful exhaustion every evening.
Those ears! Photo Credit: Guda Yaguda
Photo Credit: Trask Baughman
Blodgett Canyon: Shoshone Spire
After two failed attempts, one of which involved getting stormed off at the top of the second pitch Lauren and I finally made it to the top of Shoshone Spire this summer. This route has become a regular seasonal objective since moving to the Missoula area a few years back.
Photo Credit: Bryan Dalpes
Shoshone is classic Bitterroot climbing; amazing, remote setting with mostly good rock, flared cracks, runouts and guaranteed adventure. A must do for anyone visiting the area!
Lauren leading pitch one. Photo Credit: Bryan Dalpes
Climbing the last pitch to the top! Photo Credit: Lauren Dunn
Mouth of the Clark’s Fork Canyon- The Mutiny and other exploration
It was my first trip to this area and I was blown away by the beauty, quality climbing and new route potential.
I had the true pleasure of climbing a route that two great friends had recently finished establishing. Ian Bailey and Chris Dunlap quietly and selflessly established The Mutiny; an adventurous, bold, beauty of a route that I believe will become a classic for the region.
Photo Credit: Bryan Dalpes
Gearing up at the base of the route. Photo Credit: Ian Bailey
Ian jugging with a ridiculously heavy pack full of hardware to put the finishing touches on the route.
The author leading pitch seven. Photo Credit: Ian Bailey
Near the top!
Taking in the view from the top. Photo Credit: Ian Bailey
Getting ready for rappel number two of eight(?). Our ropes got stuck shortly hereafter and I had to climb back up to retrieve them.
Enjoying sunrise the morning after the climb while the clouds lower into the canyon.
Ogling more incredible climbing potential across the canyon.
Getting back to a happy Ron doggle is always the best welcome home!
All in all it has been an amazing fall climbing season so far with a few more projects on the list.
I hope you are enjoying your time in whatever ways bring you fulfillment, joy and quiet awareness of the absurdity of our existence!
Here’s to affirming and deepening the sacredness of this present moment.
Be well,
