by Tyler Cook, Anaconda, MT
There is a certain magic when exploring the winter wilderness in Montana with its vast, rugged landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Known for its towering peaks, pristine rivers, and endless trails, winter unveils a new playground for adventuring: the frozen waterfalls and icy crags that transform Montana into an ice climbers dream. Whether you’re scaling the frozen curtains in Hyalite Canyon or tackling hidden gems tucked away in the backcountry, the experience is nothing short of exhilarating.
I’ve been ice climbing in Montana for a little over ten years now, exploring many areas from the northern border to the southern terminus of the state and quite a bit in Wyoming as well. I’ll share some of my perspectives and experiences in this frozen landscape. We’ll start off up north and work our way south through the mountainous landscape of western Montana.
Glacier National Park has got to be one of the wildest places to swing your tools. If you’re looking for the ultimate climbing adventure, GNP delivers on every level. It’s called the crown of the continent for a reason. This place is the definition of wild come winter time. Many of the routes here are not for the faint of heart – they’re big, demanding, and breathtakingly beautiful. From the iconic ice falls tucked into remote valleys to the hidden climbs that require a mix of intuition and navigation to even locate, Glacier challenges you to earn every mile.
And the approaches? Long. These climbs don’t just hand themselves over – you’ll often trek through deep snow, cross frozen creeks and rivers, and weave through dense forests before you even lay eyes on your objective. The effort feels monumental, but every step offers a connection to the park’s raw, untamed beauty. It’s all part of the experience. Camping in Glacier can be its own adventure. Winter nights here are crisp and silent. You’ve got your choices of car camping at the established campgrounds or the backcountry adventure with a fair amount of red tape to battle through.
The most incredible part is the beauty that surrounds you. The ice glimmers in shades of blue and white, frozen, cascading down cliffs that seem to rise endlessly into the sky. Everywhere you look is like a postcard, the kind of scenery that makes you stop mid-stride just to take it all in.
The rest of the Northern Continental Divide offers just as much adventure. From remote climbs in the Bob Marshall and Rocky Mountain Front, Mission Mountains, and the Cabinet Mountains, there is a lot of terrain to cover. It’s often about so much more than the routes. It’s about the feeling of stepping into a landscape that feels untouched by time. With every climb, every mile, every frozen waterfall, it’s often about the memories you take home.
Next, we'll dive into the central ranges of Montana.These areas are a bit more seldom visited but if you're looking for true isolation and a sense of adventure, these areas do not disappoint. I lump the Bitterroots, Flints, Pintlers, Beaverheads, Pioineers, Tobacco Roots and other smaller ranges into this area.
These ranges might not have the fame of the areas like Glacier, Hyalite, or the Beartooths, but what they lack in renown, they more than make up for in rugged beauty. These mountains are far from the crowds and the conveniences of more popular climbing destinations. They often have non-maintained roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. But even these roads only take you so far – once the snow sets in the real adventure begins. In winter months, getting to the ice in these ranges is an adventure in itself. Snowmobiles are often the only way to cover the long, snowy stretches of unplowed forest roads. From there skis or snowshoes take over as you ascend into the heart of the mountains. These days can be grueling, with heavy pack, unpredictable weather, and the constant challenge of navigating unmarked terrain. But for those who embrace the journey, the payoff is immense.
Next we’ll head south into the Greater Yellowstone. The Greater Yellowstone ecosystem is one of the most iconic wilderness areas, known for its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife and other natural wonders. But come winter, this region transforms into an ice climbing paradise. From the reliable ice flows of Hyalite Canyon to the gems tucked deep in the backcountry wilderness, it’s got it all.
It starts off with the Madison and Gallatin ranges which offer a plethora of climbing objectives from Beehive Basin to the Sphinx.
No discussion of ice climbing in this area would be complete without Hyalite Canyon, located just outside Bozeman. This place is legendary, offering hundreds of climbs in a concentrated area. It is a mecca for ice climbing. Climbers come from all over the world to climb here. Hyalite’s reliable conditions, stunning scenery, and easy access make it a must visit for anyone in the area.
Unlike many areas of Montana that have their own adventure just accessing the trailheads, Hyalite offers a paved, maintained road to adventure. This ease of access makes Hyalite a world renowned location. It is possible to climb multiple routes per day, maximizing time on the ice.
As we head further south we enter another Montana ice climbing mecca in the Beartooth and Absaroka ranges. These offer some more remote climbing. The ice routes are spread across vast, rugged terrain, with long approaches and a true sense of solitude. Venturing deep into the backcountry will offer frozen waterfalls, hidden couloirs, and massive alpine faces that offer a mix of technical challenges. The Beartooths are a destination to test your skills and perseverance often in a truly alpine environment.
From the reliable classics to the hidden backcountry gems, ice climbing in Montana is more than just a sport, it’s an immersion into one of the wildest and most beautiful winter wonderlands. It’s about stepping into a world that feels raw, untamed, and alive. So it’s time to pack the gear, embrace the journey, and head into Montana’s frozen wilds. The mountains are waiting.
Tyler Cook is a rock climber, ice climber, back country skiier and all around adventurer based in Anaconda, MT .
Watch for his blogs about his extreme adventures and experiences in The Pintler Post. If you like this one on ice climbing, his rock climbing post is well worth the read.
For more enchanting personal blogs about robust outdoor adventures that wait in southwest Montana, see The Pintler Post.
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