This Montana Canyon Is Home to World Class Ice Climbing

I have always been the kind of person who is looking for the next adventure. Trying new things is part of what drew me to Montana in the first place. There is so much public land and so many outdoor opportunities within a short drive in any direction. Recently, I was hanging out with a group of friends and walked into the middle of a conversation about ice climbing. Trying to catch up, I waited for a pause and asked, half joking, “Where were you, Alaska?” The response caught me completely off guard. No, they said, it was just outside of Bozeman. That moment sent me down a rabbit hole I did not even know existed.

Just south of town sits Hyalite Canyon. You’re probably familiar with it if you’re in the area, as a great recreation area with a beautiful lake. But... It’s also a place that has built an impressive reputation for some of the best ice climbing in the country. Within a relatively small area, there are more than 150 established ice routes. That kind of density is almost unheard of, so I found out in my research.

Routes like Cleopatra’s Needle, Black Magic, Mummy Cooler, and Winter Dance are some of the most popular ice climbs in the canyon, and they are on people's bucket lists nationwide. What makes the area even more appealing is how accessible it is. Many routes are close to the road, while others require longer approaches for climbers looking for a full-day adventure.

The ice season typically runs from late fall through early spring, thanks to the canyon’s colder temperatures. I don’t know what the report looks like as of now with the wacky weather we’ve been having recently.  Climbers of all experience levels can find something here. There are guided options available, if you’re looking to try your hand at it.

Montana continues to impress me. Hyalite Canyon is a reminder that some of the most incredible adventures are hiding right in our backyard.