Crank Cave Rock Climbing

Nestled along the basalt cliffs of the Blackfoot River lies Crank Cave. Originally scouted out and developed by Chuck Odette and Dean Lords in the early 90's, the cave yielded a couple of routes and sat dormant for some time. New development began in the winter of 2006/2007 and has boosted the current route total to 10, with plans for more.

There is quite a bit of loose rock at the base of many climbs making the journey to the 1st bolt somewhat adventurous. Due to this, some routes were bolted with the intent of stick clipping the first bolt. Belayers will want to be alert for falling rocks on the newer routes as well.

The cave is climbable all year except for the winter months. Spring and fall are best but summer evenings are enjoyable too. And don't be surprised by the sound of shotguns, rednecks like to shoot trap off the cliffs downstream from the cave. Hey, it's Idaho for chissakes!

Being a newly developed area, current route ratings are merely a suggestion and are subject to change. As more people climb at the cave a more accurate consensus can be gathered, but for now the ratings are just a suggestion. Feel free to contact the route developers with rating opinions.

Note - Route developers at the cave have run into quickdraw theft, bolt hanger tampering and even anchor theft. They wish to ask climbers to be respectful of and enjoy the fixed gear at the cave.