Ice Climb in Hyalite Canyon

Hyalite Canyon in Bozeman, MT is one of North America's premier places to ice climb. From easy ice climbs to difficult mixed routes, Hyalite has something for everyone. Most climbs are short approaches that allow you to get out for just an afternoon but there is so much potential, you can spend all day here. Come for the Bozeman Ice Festival in December and watch athletes compete in the Mixed Climbing World Championships or participate in a clinic taught by athletes and guides.

To get to Hyalite Canyon from Bozeman, drive south on 19th Ave for six miles and keep an eye out for a large brown sign noting the left turn on to Hyalite Canyon Road. Follow this road for about 20 miles and just after crossing the Hyalite Reservoir Dam, you will reach a fork in the road. Both left and right forks have climbing options but the bulk are in the main fork to the right.

A good place to start, and actually the first ice climbed in Hyalite Canyon, is Genesis I. To get to this area, use the Grotto trailhead, which is at the very southern end of the main (right) fork of Hyalite Canyon Road. There is a ton of potential for year round recreation here but this map from the US Forest Service is super helpful in navigating the area specifically for winter activities.