Rock Climbing in Missoula, Montana
Rock Climbing in Missoula Option Number One:
Missoula Rock Garden
1311 E. Broadway
Missoula, Montana 59802
(406) 728-0714 local phone number
http://www.missoularockgarden.com
The Missoula Rock Garden is located on East Broadway between the East Gate Shopping Center and East Missoula. It is a part of the Missoula Athletic Club, and it offers 17,000 square feet of climbing opportunities. Within these 17,000 square feet are 11,000 square feet of top rope and lead wall, 6,000 square feet inside a bouldering cave, and a 55 foot pinnacle. They offer beginners classes, advanced climbing classes, birthday parties, climbing teams, corporate team building activities, as well as free climbing. Their hours of operation vary by season. From September to April their hours are: Monday through Friday 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Then from May through August they are open Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the weekends. You can buy a day pass to use the climbing wall for $10, $5 if you have a current Griz Card, $7 for a Bouldering Day Pass, an Early Bird Pass for $7 on weekdays before 2:00 p.m., and Kids Pass (under 8) for $7.
Rock Climbing in Missoula Option Number Two:
University Climbing Wall
University of Montana
Campus Recreation Outdoor Program
Missoula, Montana 59801
(406) 243-5172 local phone number
http://www.umt.edu/SA/crec/index.cfm/page/2176
The University of Montana Climbing Wall offers several rock climbing options. First they offer roped climbing between May and July on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. To participate in this activity you will need to be rope certified and a roped climbing monitor will need to be present. The second climbing activity that this site offers is climbing anchors class. This is a one day class that is offered by the University Rec. Department and it costs $40. In addition to this class the University Climbing Wall also offers rock climbing class, which covers the basics of rock climbing. It involves a one day indoor instruction and two outdoor field trips. For more information about using this facility, or to ask about upcoming classes please contact the University Climbing wall via one of the contact methods listed above, or by emailing them at crecop@mso.umt.edu.
Rock Climbing in Missoula Option Number Three:
Lolo Hot Springs Area
Lolo Hot Springs is a climbing destination that is about an hour south, south-west of the city of Missoula. Simply take Highway 93 South from Missoula to Lolo and turn west at the last stop light in Lolo and follow the road for about 30 miles. You can park at the Hot Springs resort, stay in the hotel, pitch a tent across the street, or simply use the site as your base camp for a day trip. There is a restaurant and Lewis and Clark display at this site that can be a great way to cap off a day of climbing, or start off a climbing trip.
Lolo Hot Springs has unique geology. You will find huge monoliths, bouldering, slab climbing opportunities, and great cracks up various formations. You can access this area year round, however, in the winter months the road can get treacherous and snow packed. Some of the climbing destinations in this area include: Crystal Theater, Elk Rock, and Heap Rock.
