2008 Climbing Schedule
The 2008 summer schedule contains Saturday and Sunday climbs plus several on weekdays. The GMS week schedule is on another page. Check the dates carefully and mark your calendar after signing up for a climb. For fairness, sign-up for climbs (either by phone or email) will commence at 12:00 noon MDT (Mountain Daylight Time) on Sunday May 4, 2008. Coordinators are instructed to take reservations only after noon MDT on Sunday, May 4.
Note: Only current members who have completed and signed a GMS Liability Release form and paid their membership dues may sign up for climbs. If you are not a member you can download a form from this website, sign it, enclose your dues and mail it to the GMS address on this website to become a member.
A guest may sign up for a climb if they sign the GMS Liability Release form and there is room for them on the climb. Members have priority for sign-up and guests may be bumped from the climb if the climb limit is reached.
Coordinators may request to see your membership card before the start of a climb. Your card verifies that a GMS Liability Release form was signed and is on file with GMS.
Members will receive phone numbers or email addresses for coordinators on an insert included with the Journal. Be sure to carefully discuss the climb with the coordinator to ascertain your ability to complete the climb. Check to see if there is any special equipment needed or if a permit must be obtained before the climb. Also be sure to get the start time and meeting location from the coordinator.
If you must cancel from a climb, please notify the coordinator as soon as possible!!
| Date | Peak and elevation | Rating | Appropriate for |
Description | Limit | Area | Route | Status |
| MAY 3
(SATURDAY) |
BALDHEAD MOUNTAIN
7,794 feet |
III(3)
MM |
Beginning and intermediate mountaineers in good condition | Early-season trip offering good views of southern Glacier and the surrounding wilderness. From the Geifer Creek Trail, ascend the southwest face of the mountain. Expect: 3,200 feet elevation gain; a round-trip distance of 8 miles; a relaxed, but steady pace and a full day. Snowshoes are required. Note: Sign up date is April 20. | 12 | Great Bear
Wilderness |
I | |
| MAY 3 (SATURDAY) | JEWEL BASIN SKI TOURING | Variable | Intermediate skiers in good condition | Intermediate level skiing ability is necessary. Transceiver, probe, shovel, skins and metal-edged skis suitable for backcountry travel are required. Expect: a medium to long day of ski touring; possible summit ascent depending upon snow and weather conditions. | 8 | Swan Range | I | |
| MAY 10 (SATURDAY) | COLUMBIA MOUNTAIN | II(2)
ML |
Hikers in good condition | A demanding trail hike to a summit overlooking the Flathead Valley and Hungry Horse Reservoir. A good, early-season conditioner. Some residual snow on the upper mountain is likely. Ice axe may be necessary. Canine friends welcome. Expect: 4,200 feet of elevation gain; a 10-mile round-trip distance at a moderate, sustained pace requiring 6-7 hours. | 12 | Swan Range | I | |
| MAY 17 (SATURDAY) | VERTICAL
TUNE-UP |
Variable | Beginning to advanced technical climbers | The day is open to anyone who wants to develop and/or improve their skills on Class 5 terrain. Activities adapted for the participants. Beginners and seasoned climbers alike are welcome. Harnesses and climbing shoes are required. Everything else will be provided. | 12 | Stone Hill Eureka | ||
| MAY 31 (SATURDAY) | STANTON MOUNTAIN - 7,750 feet | III(3)
ML |
Intermediate mountaineers in good condition | Hike the trail to Howe Ridge. Trek through the forest to the peak’s open slopes. Snowfields likely on the ascent route so wear good boots. Expect: 4,600 feet of elevation gain; a round trip of 10 miles; a moderate pace and a full day. | 12 | Lake McDonald | I | |
| JUNE 7-8 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY) | ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT CAR CAMPING AND CLIMBING |
III(4)
MM |
Intermediate climbers in good condition | Explore the unlimited possibilities for peak-bagging and ridge-roaming on the Front. Enjoy the optimal early June climbing conditions. Plan on camping or come for the day. Expect: a wide variety of terrain to explore; a moderate pace and full days. | 8 | West of Choteau | X | |
| JUNE 14 (SATURDAY) | MOUNT JAMES - 9,375 feet | II(3)
LM |
Aspiring climbers and all mountaineers | Hike the trail 7 miles to Triple Divide Pass. Walk up the gradually ascending ridgeline to the summit. Improve your conditioning and enjoy an outstanding scenic perch. Expect: 4,500 feet of elevation gain; a round-trip distance of 18 miles and a full day; a moderate, but social pace with 'apres-hike' dining opportunities in East Glacier. | 12 | Cut Bank Valley | ||
| JUNE 21 (SATURDAY) | MOUNT ANDERSON - 8,852 feet & LOST MOUNTAIN - 8,232 feet |
III(4)
LL |
Intermediate well-conditioned climbers | Enjoy Class 4 scrambling through colored rock banks and step-like terrain during the ascent of Anderson's twin summits. Take in the panoramic views and traverse the ridge to the summits of Lost and Bauerman. Expect: 5,100 feet of elevation gain; a round-trip distance of 17 miles; an 11-hour day at a moderate, but steady pace. Climb is partially exploratory. Helmets are required. | 10 | Waterton Park | X | |
| JUNE 28 (SATURDAY) | GRINNELL POINT - 7,600 feet | III(3)
SS |
Beginning or intermediate climbers | Ascend via the East Ridge route, traversing to the south slope in the vicinity of the historic Josephine Mine. Great views of the Many Glacier area and Mount Wilbur. Expect: 2,700 feet of elevation gain; a round-trip distance of about 5 miles; a moderate pace for this half-day climb. | 12 | Many Glacier | ||
| JUNE 29 (SUNDAY) | ROCKY MOUNTAIN PEAK - 9,392 feet |
II(3)MM | Beginning or intermediate climbers in good condition | Reach the highest point in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Expect: 4,000 feet of elevation gain; a roundtrip distance of 7 miles; an 8-hour day at a relaxed, but steady pace. Coordinator will pre-climb the peak to assess snow conditions which may require ice axe and crampons. | 12 | Rocky Mountain Front | I | |
| JULY 12 (SATURDAY) | MEDICINE GRIZZLY PEAK - 8,315 feet | III(3+)
LM |
Intermediate climbers in good condition | Hike into the often overlooked Cut Bank Valley. Approach and climb the peak from the northwest via the Atlantic Creek cirque. Maneuver around a few cliffs on route. Descend the southeast slope to the trail and complete the loop. Expect: 3,700 feet of elevation gain; a round-trip distance of 13 miles and a full day. | 8 | Cut Bank Valley | ||
| JULY 12 (SATURDAY) | NUMA PEAK - 9,003 feet | III(4)
LL |
Advanced mountaineers who are well-conditioned | This is an exploratory climb on a rarely attempted route. Hike the trail 5.6 miles to Numa Lookout. Ascend the ridge going over or around two intervening peaks to gain the summit. Expect challenging (unknown) terrain with no summit guarantee. If summit is attained, descend via the south face. Expect: 5,000 feet or more of elevation gain; a round-trip distance of 16 miles; a moderate, but sustained pace and a long day. | 6 | Bowman Lake | X | |
| JULY 13 (SUNDAY) | TRIPLE DIVIDE PEAK - 8,020 feet | III(3)
LM |
Beginning to intermediate climbers in good condition | Hike the trail 7 miles to Triple Divide Pass. Cross the saddle between Triple Divide and Razoredge. Traverse beneath the peak and scramble up Class 3 terrain to the summit. If time allows, Norris Mountain may be climbed as well. Expect: 2,900 feet of elevation gain; a round trip of 16 miles; a moderate, steady pace and a full day to attain this unique summit. | 8 | Cut Bank Valley | ||
| JULY 19 (SATURDAY) | RAZOREDGE MOUNTAIN - 8,570 feet | III(3)
LM |
Intermediate climbers in good condition | Hike the trail 7 miles toward Triple Divide Pass. Approach the peak on the southeast side and ascend a Class 3 couloir on the southwest side. View Triple Divide Peak, Red Eagle and Mount James. Expect: 3,300 feet of elevation gain; a round-trip distance of 15 miles; a full day at a moderate pace. | 8 | Cut Bank Valley | ||
| JULY 19-20 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY) | MOUNT FISHER - 2,846 meters (9,337 feet) | IV(5)
LL |
Advanced climbers in stellare condition | Venture into Canada for this exploratory climb in the Steeples Range and ascend Mount Fisher. Alpine technical climbing experience is necessary. Confer with the coordinator about gear requirements. Expect: lots of vertical and lots of miles at a fast pace on variable terrain. | 6 | Cranbrook, British Columbia | X | |
| JULY 20 (SUNDAY) | CLEMENTS MOUNTAIN (East Face) - 8,760 feet & MOUNT CANNON - 8,952 feet | III(4)
MM |
Intermediate to advanced climbers in good condition | Ascend Clements via the East Face Couloir route. Following a couple of Class 4 pitches low in the couloir, the route becomes easier in the upper reaches. The descent to Bird Woman Pass following the west ridge includes exposure along the north-side goat trail. Ascend Cannon via the southeast shoulder. Descend to Bird Woman Pass and the Hidden Lake Trail. Expect: 3,400 feet total elevation gain; a round-trip distance of 10.5 miles; a full day at a moderate pace. | 8 | Logan Pass | F | |
| AUGUST 2 (SATURDAY) | ICEBERG PEAK - 9,145 feet | III(4)
LM |
Intermediate well-conditioned mountaineers | Hike 5 miles to Iceberg Lake. Ascend Iceberg Notch and then climb to the summit of Iceberg Peak. Read the descriptions in the Climber's Guide (Edwards) of the Notch and the Peak. This climb is not for beginners, nor for those with acrophobia because of the level of exposure. Expect: 4,200 feet of elevation gain; a round-trip distance of 12 miles at a moderate pace; a 10-plus-hour day requiring stamina. | 10 | Many
Glacier |
I | |
| AUGUST 3 (SUNDAY) | MOUNT GOULD - 9,553 feet | III(3)
MM |
Beginning or intermediate climbers | Great introduction to climbing in the Park on a classic Glacier peak. Starting at the Big Bend along Going-to-the-Sun Road, ascend the standard west slope route. Outstanding summit panorama and stunning exposure above the Many Glacier area. Don't forget the camera! Expect: 3,600 feet of elevation gain; 8 miles round trip; a moderate pace and a full day. | 10 | Logan Pass | ||
| AUGUST 3 (SUNDAY) | HOLLAND PEAK - 9,356 feet | II(3)
ML |
Intermediate well-conditioned mountaineers | Start with a steep hike up a climber's trail past Rumble Lake. Traverse a short distance on a knife-edge ridge above the lakes. Climb to the highest point in the Swan Range. Expect: 5,000 feet of elevation gain; about 8 miles round trip; a full day at a brisk pace. | 8 | Swan Valley | ||
| AUGUST 5 (TUESDAY) | PIEGAN MOUNTAIN - 9,220 feet | II(2)
SS |
Hikers and all mountaineers | Hike via Lunch Creek to a perch high above Logan Pass. Excellent introductory climb for beginning climbers or anyone who enjoys a leisurely climb. Expect: 3,000 feet of elevation gain; round trip of 4 miles; a half-day at an easy pace. | 10 | Logan Pass | ||
| AUGUST 5-6 (TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY) | EAGLE RIBS - 8,290 feet & MOUNT DESPAIR - 8,582 feet | III(4)
LL |
Experienced well-conditioned mountaineers | Hike the trail to Two Medicine Pass. Below the pass, traverse off-trail to approach the peaks. Day One entails getting to the campsite. Day Two entails climbing the peaks and hiking back out. Expect: total elevation gain of 5,000 feet or more; a round-trip distance in excess of 20 miles at a medium to fast pace. Prospective climbers should watch the 14-minute backcountry video on the Park's website. | 6 | Two Medicine Lake | ||
| AUGUST 8-10 (FRIDAY-SATURDAY-SUNDAY) | WEST 9430 PEAK - 9,430 feet | Experienced well-conditioned mountaineers | An exploratory climb approaching the peak by either of two routes described on page 79 of the Climber's Guide (Edwards). Plan on two nights of camping. This North Fork peak is rarely climbed, so be prepared for a challenging group effort. Expect: total vertical exceeding 6,000 feet; round trip of about 20 miles at a moderate pace. Prospective climbers should watch the 14-minute backcountry video on the Park's website. | 6 | Bowman Lake | X | ||
| AUGUST 9 (SATURDAY) | FORSTER MOUNTAIN - 7,736 feet & MOUNT FURLONG - 7,360 feet | II(3)
LL |
Hikers and all climbers in good condition | Hike the trail 8 miles from Devil Creek to Forster. Traverse a ridge route to Furlong above the remarkably beautiful Tranquil Basin. Descend via the Edna Creek Trail to the highway. Expect: 4,000 feet total elevation gain; a total distance of 15 miles; a moderate pace and a full day. Bring lots of water. | 12 | Great Bear Wilderness | ||
| AUGUST 10 (SUNDAY) | REYNOLDS MOUNTAIN - 9,125 feet | III(4)
SS |
Intermediate clmbers comfortable with exposure | Hike the trails to approach the western side of the peak and ascend the north face diagonal. Climb to the summit via a steep gully. Climbers must be comfortable with exposure and sure-footed on loose rock. Expect: 2,500 feet of elevation gain; 6 miles round trip at a moderate pace; return to Logan Pass by mid-afternoon. Climbing helmet is required. | 8 | Logan Pass | ||
| AUGUST 16 (SATURDAY) | GRAY WOLF PEAK - 9,001 feet | III(3)
LL |
Strong, intermediate climbers in good condition | Climb a beautiful peak in the Mission Range east of St. Ignatius. Early start is necessary. Ascend the northeast ridge. Expect: 6,000 feet of elevation gain; a round trip of 13 miles; a 12-hour day at a moderate pace, slowed only by huckleberry patches. Outing is in the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness and requires a tribal permit. Ask the coordinator for details. | 8 | Mission Mountains | ||
| AUGUST 15-17 (FRIDAY-SUNDAY) | LONG KNIFE PEAK - 9,784 feet | III(4)
LL |
Well-conditioned, intermediate climbers | Canoe, kayak or hike (your choice) to the campsite at the head of Kintla Lake on Friday. On Saturday, hike the trail to Upper Kintla Lake, ascend northwesterly to the summit and peek directly down into Canada. Early Sunday may be spent exploring Red Medicine Bow Creek before heading home. Refer to GMS Journal Vol. No. 37 for a trip report. Expect: 5,700 feet of elevation gain; a round trip of 14 miles on Saturday; a strenuous climb at a moderate to fast pace and a full day. | 6 | northwest Glacier | ||
| AUGUST 23 (SATURDAY) | MOUNT ROCKWELL - 9,272 feet & SINOPAH MOUNTAIN - 8,271 feet | III(4)
LL |
Intermediate climbers in good condition | From Two Medicine Lake hike the trail to the divide above Cobalt Lake. Depart the trail and ascend the Continental Divide route to the summit. Traverse along the ridge to Sinopah. Descend to the trail to complete the loop. The Rockwell to Sinopah traverse is exploratory. Expect: total elevation of 4,500 feet; a loop distance of 16 miles at a moderate pace and a full day. | 8 | Two Medicine | X | |
| AUGUST 24 (SUNDAY) | BEARHAT MOUNTAIN - 8,684 feet | III(3)
MM |
Intermediate climbers in good condition | Hike the trail to Hidden Lake. After crossing the outlet, stroll along the west side of the lake beneath Bearhat. Ascend the mountain via the East Face route. Expect: 3,000 feet total elevation gain; a round trip of 10 miles; a fun climb at a moderate pace and a mid-afternoon return. | 10 | Logan Pass | ||
| AUGUST 30 (SATURDAY) | MOUNT SHIELDS-SNOWSLIP MTN.-RUNNING RABBIT - 7,674 feet | II(2)
MM |
Beginning or intermediate climbers | Starting at the Fielding trailhead, traverse the beautiful, lengthy ridge from Mount Shields to Running Rabbit. Finish by descending the steep slopes to the Middle Fork and Bear Creek confluence. Expect: 4,000 feet of elevation gain; a traverse distance of 8-10 miles; a very long day atop the ridge at a relaxed, but steady pace. Bring lots of hydration. No water is available on the route. | 10 | southern Glacier | T | |
| SEPTEMBER 5-7 (FRIDAY-SUNDAY) | YELLOW MOUNTAIN - 8,766 feet | III(3)
LL |
Intermediate, well-conditioned climbers | Climb Yellow Mountain and thoroughly explore the surrounding area. Expect a couple of long, strenuous days and the campsite camaraderie at Poia Lake. As an exploration, the miles covered and total elevation gained on this outing will add up. Be in good shape. Prospective climbers should watch the 14-minute backcountry video on the Park's website. | 8 | northeast Glacier | X | |
| SEPTEMBER 13 (SATURDAY) | CURLY BEAR MOUNTAIN - 8,099 feet | III(3)
ML |
Intermediate to advanced climbers | Maintain a moderate to brisk pace on this exploratory climb. Route will cross the saddle between Divide Mountain and White Calf, descend to Divide Creek, and then ascend the northeast ridge to the summit. Be prepared for a creek crossing, some bushwhacking and a bit of soot from the Red Eagle Fire. Expect: total elevation gain of over 4,000 feet; a round trip of 9-10 miles; a full day at a moderate pace. Blackfoot tribal permit purchase required before arriving at the trailhead. Ask the coordinators for details. | 12 | St. Mary | X | |
| SEPTEMBER 14 (SUNDAY) | RED SKY MOUNTAIN - 8,173 feet | II(3)
MM |
Climbers in good condition | Approach via the Logan Creek Trail running between Red Sky and Unawah Mountain. Ascend the peak to gain a different perspective on the terrain east of Hungry Horse Reservoir. Expect: 4,000 feet of elevation gain; a round trip of 10 miles at a moderate pace; a full day with an option to climb Unawah if time allows. | 8 | Great Bear Wilderness | X | |
| SEPTEMBER 20 (SATURDAY) | OLD MAN OF THE HILLS - 8,225 feet | II(3)
MM |
Intermediate climbers in good condition | Celebrate the end of summer with this exploratory trek west of Dupuyer. Approach from North Dupuyer Creek through Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch. Coordinator is the author of a Rocky Mountain Front hiking guide. Expect: 3,000 feet of elevation gain; a round trip of 6 miles; a full day at a moderate pace. | 12 | Rocky Mountain Front | X | |
| OCTOBER 18 (SATURDAY) | MOUNT ADAMS - 7,690 feet & MOUNT CAMEAHWAIT - 7,897 feet | II(3)
MM |
Hikers and climbers in good condition | Approach the two peaks via the Essex Creek Trail. Ascend Adams and traverse to Cameahwait. Expect: 4,000 feet total elevation gain; depending on road access, a round-trip distance of 10-12 miles and a full day; a fine, autumn climb at a moderate pace with refreshments awaiting at the Izaak Walton Inn. | 12 | Great Bear Wilderness |
Rating (3rd column in table above)
Class I (1) Easy Trail hiking.
Class II (2) Moderate Low angle scrambling.
Class III (3) Difficult High angle scrambling, moderate cliffs, considerable exertion. Rope might be necessary for beginners.
Class IV (4) Very Difficult Higher angle cliffs, increased exposure. Belaying rope required.
Class V (5) Severe High angle cliffs, severe exposure. Protection placed by leader. Technical climbing experience necessary.
Class VI (6) Extremely Severe Direct aid technical climbing. Overall rating in this classification reserved for only the biggest technical climbs
First letter refers to distances
1 to 6 miles S
6 to 12 miles M
12 to 20 miles L
Second letter refers to elevation gain
Less than 3,000 ft. S
3,000 ft. to 4,500 ft. M
Over 4,500 ft. L
Route (7th column in table above)
ice/snow likely - I
exploratory - X
traverse - T
Status (8th column in table above)
F - climb is full