The History Rock area offers quick easy access with moderate terrain and a short approach. Expect to see the crowds here when the snow is prime. There are a few different options of terrain and the higher you go the more untouched snow you will find. The highest descent is short and sweet but is a good option to do a few laps. The run back to the car is pretty fast with a few meadows that offer a good descent.

Hyalite Peak offers excellent above tree-line skiing. This is a real backcountry adventure that requires smart terrain navigation, snowpack evaluation and safe decision making as you choose your options. The approach is long and follows a summer hiking trail through thick forested terrain. Once you are out of the tree-line the skin track begins as it switchbacks towards the ridge and up to the summit. Choose your descent from the ridge or continue up to the summit. This is prime avalanche terrain so take caution. The Snotel sensor is located on Hyalite Creek at Shower Falls.

Mount Blackmore sits on the NW wing of the Gallatin Range, a string of mountains stretching from Yellowstone to Livingston. It is a popular place among the locals in Bozeman year round and offers nice backcountry skiing in the winter months. This route begins on the standard approach but then climbs up the Northeast ridge rather than the southwest ridge. During the winter you will need an ice axe and crampons to reach the summit (just the last 200 feet).

Mount Blackmore offers great bowl and chute terrain but the approach can be long. It's popular among the locals in Bozeman. Plan on an entire day, so you can do a few laps in the excellent terrain. If you plan to reach the summit before beginning your descent bring crampons and an ice axe for the last 200 feet. There is plenty of terrain using just a standard approach on skins by skipping the last section. There are many different descent options with the safest being east of the peak. The approach follows a forest service hiking trail and is easy to follow. The closest snotel sensor is at Shower Falls.

Lick Creek is a perfect place to take a beginner backcountry skier or to just go and enjoy some mild terrain. The approach follows a Forest Service road and is easy to follow. The view from the top of the ridge is spectacular. There are a few options for descent; taking the back side provides a short but steeper terrain (and a hike back up) or the run down the front side is mild and long. A Snotel snow sensor is located in lower Lick Creek.

A great gniess crag close to Bozeman, Practice Rock offers nice traditional, mixed and a few sport climbing routes with easy access. This area is great for those who need a quick fix or are limited on time after work or school. That beings said, it can get busy at times, but if you are a social individual or have a group of friends that want to go climb, then this small crag is for you. Park and hike from the nice pullout area located on the right hand side as you drive up Hyalite Canyon Road. The trail begins straight across from the parking area and ascends up a talus slope until reaching the crag. Bring some draws, slings and a full rack. Most routes are located on the west facing side with sun exposure in the afternoon hours.

Located roadside to the north along Hyalite Canyon Road, Crocodile Rock serves as a nice second option when Practice Rock is overcrowded. Crocodile Rock is primarily a top-rope area with a mix of easy routes for beginners and challenging crack routes for more advanced climbers. The approach is quick and easy beginning from a small pullout located just up canyon from Crocodile Rock. Walk a short distance down canyon from the pull out to reach the climbing area.

Magic Wall is located up Hyalite Canyon past Hyalite Reservoir. The wall can be seen rising above the trees to the west of the Grotto Falls and Hyalite Lake trailhead parking area. The unique style of the andesite rock that forms the Magic Wall face, has a certain style of climbing that one must get use to before climbing an entire route. Bolts here are placed further apart than normal, creating a more “traditional” feeling when ascending the routes. A few bouldering warm-up runs at the bottom of each route is always a good idea, this ensures that climber will be comfortable reaching the first clip. The approach begins from the Grotto Falls and Hyalite Lake trailhead parking area. From here hike along the river to a log crossing and then up the steep hillside through thick forest along switchbacks.