FEATURED TRIP REPORT:
Once above the first buttress, continue on the trail to the base of the Skyline buttress and hike to its right until finding a short exit towards some low class 5 scrambling left. Here you will find yourself on a prow with the first pitch starting on the left and heading up a small, flared chimney to a short face. The first pitch ends at bolts. Rappel from these bolts to the right 5 meters to a small ledge. The second, and most involved pitch heads up an open chimney and finishes with a tight squeeze.
One step in front of the other. One step in front of the other. Only 5,000ft more elevation gain… Every time I embark on an alpine expedition I find myself halfway into it with sore feet, aching shoulders and not a clue as to why I am here. Climbing in an alpine environment with a 50lb pack and amongst freezing temperatures isn't the most sought after experience, yet there is something about it that keeps me craving more.
Nestled in the Beartooth mountains of the Northern Rockies, Granite Peak is the highest point in Montana. As the name suggests, the peak is compromised of massive, jagged granite and is considered one of the most difficult of the 50 state high points. Battling the Switchbacks From Hell, hail on Froze to Death Plateau and incoming storms on summit day, Adam & Sam summited the tallest peak in Montana, Granite Peak.
Falls Between is a WI 3 with harder WI 4 and mixed opportunities on its right side. The ice is delicate as the gully rarely sees the sun and maintains a constant wind gust. We climbed the route with a 70 meter rope and 7 screws until reaching the larger tree at the top. There are anchors around rocks immediately at the top of the route, but we did not opt to use them as the snow cover made it hard to check their durability. The tree anchor can also be difficult to reach as it sits a top a rock face with zero protection.