Crazy Peak Scramble

Do you like high alpine scrambles? Climbing exposed spires? Partying on a mountain top?

If you said yes to any of the above, head to Big Timber Montana and prepare for a great time. Crazy Peak is an epic highpoint within the Crazy Mountains, located in southwestern Montana. Although this hike can be accomplished in a single day in roughly 10 hours, the ideal way to enjoy this adventure is by two day excursion. Once on the eastern side of the Crazies, drive a few miles down Wormser Loop Road and you'll eventually be dumped off at the Half Moon Campground.

The first three miles up the Big Timber Creek drainage are full of various fauna, high alpine streams, and a wild number of yellow-bellied marmots. The moderate grade makes hauling a pack easy, so don't be afraid to pack on the heavier side. After three bridge crossings, the trail leads south. Another mile reveals the gorgeous Blue and Granite Lakes. Granite Lake can serve as a good camp for the night.

Head out early the next morning – if you plan to make it back to Bozeman by dusk, depart camp by 7am and allot a six hour window for summiting and cleaning up camp.

The trick with Crazy Peak is climbing up a vein to the right of the false summit. It doesn't matter which chute you scramble across, however; I would recommend choosing the far west (right) side of the mountain to make the climb time shorter. Make it to the ridge and then fight gravity to hit the false peak. Once you've been disappointed because you have incorrectly assumed you've made it to the peak, don't fret. A quick scurry down a south facing chimney, across the Crazy Couloir, and up around the corner leads to your final destination.

The highpoint of the Crazy Mountains is a 360 degree pinnacle of awesomeness. After a quick surf down a few scree fields you're ready to catch a few fish and take your time making your way back to civilization.