Rock Climbing

Reach For the Sky

If you enjoy rock climbing, and you own the proper equipment, there's a few things that you should know first about climbing in Yellowstone. Since most rock in the park was volcanically formed, it tends to crumble & break loose easily - therefore making it dangerous for rock climbing. In addition to this, many cliffs in the park are nesting sites for eagles, hawks and falcons, and rock climbing in these areas during the nesting season would disrupt these animals. If you wish to rock climb in the park, do not attempt to do so without an experienced guide to show you where and when climbing is safe. Unlike Grand Teton N.P. or Yosemite N.P., the National Park Service does not facilitate rock climbing in Yellowstone.

Rock Climbing Program Information

Beginner Rock Climbing Classes are offered by the Recreation Program every summer. We have all of the equipment and a skilled staff to teach you "the ropes!" The classes are conducted in the field - you'll start climbing real rock right away! These classes begin in late July. Talk to your location Recreation Staff if you are interested.

Visit our Rock Climbing Photo Gallery to see some photos taken at our rock climbing courses.

Where to Climb

Currently, web links may not provide all of the information necessary to enjoy rock all the climbing opportunities in the Greater Yellowstone Area. Consult your location Employee Recreation staff and they can help you obtain information.

In the Park

The Hoodoos, an area full of travertine rock formations located about 2 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs, is perhaps the most popular established rock climbing area in the park. There is a loop road with pullouts to park as you enter the Hoodoos. Below is a link with some beta on this area.

Hoodoos

Outside of the Park

Numerous developed top Rope, sport and trad routes exist in the Mill Creek Canyon, located in the Absaroka range on the East side of Paradise Valley Between Livingston and Gardiner, Montana. The drive from the North entrance is approximately 60 miles. Emigrant Gulch, located just south of Mill Creek, is also home to a number of rock climbing routes. Some route beta on these areas can be found using the links below.

Mill Creek Crags
Emigrant Gulch

Another popular climbing location featured in Climbing Magazine is an area west of Cody, Wyoming. From Yellowstone's East Entrance, a 50 mile drive will bring you to the Shoshone River Canyon, just beyond the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. A you drive into the canyon, you will pass through a tunnel. Immediately to the left is an area called "The Island" which features over 20 sport routes, and numerous additional trad routes. If you wish to climb here you must continue driving through a second tunnel to park along the highway, and then walk back on the roadside. Another mile down the road towards Cody, a large cliff band to the left called "The Bridge Bands" features over 60 routes, about half of which are bolted sport routes. Additional routes and bouldering sites exist in this area as well. Visit the links below for information on route beta in the Shoshone Canyon area:

Going Alpine

Living in the middle of the Northern Rockies provides limitless alpine climbing opportunities. Hundreds of alpine guides have been published covering the Greater Yellowstone Area, and there are simply too many places to list here. Currently, web links may not provide all of the information necessary to enjoy alpine climbing and / or mountaineering in the Greater Yellowstone Area. Consult your location Employee Recreation staff and they can help you obtain information. Regardless, below are a few links to local hotspots that currently exist.

North

The Mt. Cowan Cirque is also full of great alpine climbs

South

East

The Absaroka - Beartooth Wilderness is full of Alpine Climbs. Among these is Granite Peak, Montana's high point.

Granite Peak, Montana- Climb and Route Description