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. 

Best Overall Video: Jake Lamons // Xenogenesis

1st Place Crowd Vote: Alex D'Agostino // The Bozeman Sewer Mutants 

2nd Place Crowd Vote: Justin Kauffman // Precision

3rd Place Crowd Vote: Eric Hinsperger // New Level

Allenspur is located in Paradise Valley, south of Livingston, MT.  This climbing area is adjacent to the Yellowstone River and offers many sport climbing routes predominantly ranging from 5.9 to 5.11.  To get to Allenspur, head east on Highway I-90 from Bozeman and exit into Livingston. Turn left onto US-89 S towards Gardner, MT. Head south 5 miles until reaching Carter's Bridge fishing access, cross the bridge and park in the parking lot on the left. Allenspur climbing access is very sensitive as it is accessed by crossing private land. Always make sure to follow the climber signs and be respectful of the property by picking up all trash and staying on trails. Allenspur is a wonderful climbing destination we want to continue to frequent! 

The trail begins by ascending steep stairs often traversed via "hike-a-bike." Do not fret, once a top the initial stair section and down through a jagged rocky section the trail opens up and begins to ascend smooth single track. In early summer, there is a small creek to cross but soon dries up. This trail rides best in fall or in the cool hours of the morning and evening as there are many bugs on the lower section of Sypes Canyon. After gaining a section of switchbacks and tree rooted trail, gain the false summit and take a left. This trail will meander further up the ridge to a lookout bench and further to large panoramas of Bozeman.

If you are looking for classic trails to ride with vast views and moderate climbs, Helena is the place to be. The trail systems here can be reached right from town and linked every which way. The trail systems here are similar to Lake Tahoe's Rim Trail with views of Canyon Ferry Lake, the city of Helena and rolling mountain vistas filled with wild flowers. Dylan and I left Bozeman on whim searching for a car camping mountain bike adventure. This trip began with little to no planning. A couple quick txts and a rack of beer in the cooler and we were off after a Friday's work. Once arriving in Helena, we stopped at "The Garage"  for some quick beta and direction. We were pointed to the Mount Helena Trail.

Looking for some new ice and to get out of our traditional stomping grounds, Dustan and I began researching Ice Climbing in central Wyoming and specifically the Wind River range. We came across Lake Louise Gulley in Dubois and decided to pull the trigger. Located in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness area, Lake Louise Gulley (WI3) and Golden Tears (WI4) are two classic multi-pitch, alpine style climbs ascending from Lake Louise. We slept in our cars and carried bear spray on our approach to Lake Louise. The terrain is beautiful - a vast high desert feel winding through smooth rock and timber. From the parking lot, we followed the trailhead up and right slowly switchbacking up the ridge. After about 1 mile we crossed a bridge and continued 2.5 miles to a bluff overlooking the lake! Once reaching the base of the climb there is an initial chimney-esque pitch leading to low grade couloir ice. We geared up here and lead the first pitch. 

Probably the most popular ski touring destination in Hyalite Canyon, and maybe even the Bozeman area, History Rock is a go-to ski tour for beginners and experts alike. This area is often a first for skiers interested in getting into touring as well as learning how read terrain and assess avalanche conditions. The terrain is fairly low grade but can be an avalanche hazard. Because of its popularity there is almost always a skin track leading from the parking lot to the upper most meadow - don't plan on getting first tracks. Upon entering Hyalite Canyon, travel on Hyalite Canyon road until reaching a large plowed parking lot on the right with a History Rock trailhead sign. If you have reached Hyalite Reservoir, you have gone too far. 

Once geared up, cross the street and head through the woods up the closed forest service road and follow this road as it winds through meadows and thick trees.  After about two miles take a left onto a small trail heading towards large a steep meadow. Follow the switchbacks up the meadow until at the very top. From here, you may ski off the backside for steeper terrain or comeback the way you came. Towards the bottom, skiers often link a x-country trail to exit onto the road. 

The Matrix hangs over a huge cave that keeps you out of the elements and is a great lunch spot with a view of the Fat One across the valley. Begin with a short steep bulge and then an easy ramp up to the crux. The Crux pitch is often thin and sparse - bring stubby screws. Once above the crux there is  mellow snow/ice to a tree anchor. This route has an M5 rating as sometimes the ice doesn't always reach the ground nor fill in all the way. IF this is the case, this climb is a totally different beast.

The Amphitheater Corner Climbs are a great beginner or warm up destination for area ice climbers. Beginning at the Grotto Falls parking lot, stay on the main trail for about 20 minutes of hiking. You will come into a wide opening where the ice flows will be obviously apparent and up to your left on a cliff band. Follow the climber trail to the climbs. The Amphitheater Corner Climbs are a very popular destination - you can expect to find other parties here climbing. 

The Unnamed Wall is awesome and only a short distance further than the popular Genesis Area. From the Grotto Falls parking lot continue up the trail until the first small meadow. There is usually a climbers trail here. Head right crossing the creek and up the mountain side. From here, Bingo World Cave will come into sight. To get to Elevator Shaft head left (up the canyon) along the wall past Thrill IS Gone, The Fat One and a large rock ban. You will dip into a small timber amphitheater and emerge in front of the Elevator Shaft.