Climbing in Missoula

My wife and I are taking a trip up to the Missoula area over the summer. I ordered a 15 year old guide book for Montana but from my understanding that area is all word to mouth. Figured I’d stop by the local climbing gym. Does anyone have any pdf’s or drawings of the area by chance? Cheers. 

PM sent.

I’m also newish to Missoula’s Climbing area. Is it worth it to purchase the guidebook “rock climbs of Southwest Montana” by Kyle Vassilopoulos? Or is it too dated? 

Zach Wahrer wrote:

The Vassilopoulos guide is still useful, but it is focused on the Bozeman area, and doesn't have anything near Missoula.

Hmm good to know. Do you have any recommendations on other guidebooks for climbing near Missoula? 

Zach Wahrer wrote:

I don't have a ton of experience climbing around Missoula, but for what I have done, I've found the Randall Green regional guide to be of use. It's from 2000, so obviously it is going to be dated, but if you utilize a combo of it and Mountain Project, it will get you going in the right direction. There may be some other guides available, but they are all older. There is also this one, but that price...

Yeesh that’s pricey. One of the reasons I was hesitant to purchase the Vasalopoulos guide book was the price. Thanks for your feedback! 

Kootenai Creek is where you want to go - lots of really great climbs (sport and trad).  Classic Crack and Pleasent Surprise are my favorites.  Kootenai is in the bitterroot mountains south of Missoula about 30 min.

Kootenai Canyon is currently closed while the new owners work out liability. Please do not climb there until the canyon is once again open. 

Dallin Carey wrote: Kootenai Canyon is currently closed while the new owners work out liability. Please do not climb there until the canyon is once again open. 

Yes, Agreed! Hopefully things get worked before the summer ends...

Kootenai is now open but the new owners have instilled a distinct feeling that they would prefer the crag to themselves so unfortunately you’ll have to look at some private property signs nailed into old growth pines at the base of the crag. Super sad to see the crag I learned to climb on end up like this....kootenai-fornia