Blue Cloud  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  46.6188, -112.2119 Map Page Views:  4,893. Good page?    Administrators:  grk10vq, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Justin Marlen on Mar 13, 2009 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed 68° | 43° 70° | 46° 66° | 45° 66° | 46° 61° | 46°

Keep the gates closed! MORE INFO >>> There are two gates along the access road. Please close these as you pass through them to avoid conflict with landowners. This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

Sierra toproping Book of Payne.

Description 

Blue Cloud is a great, although small, cragging area just west of Helena, MT. The rock is quality granite, offering an array of sport and trad routes. There are climbs facing every direction, so depending on the season or time of day, you gan usually find a spot to climb catering to the current temperature. You can often enjoy having Blue Cloud all to yourself, but during common climbing times such as weekends or after work, expect a few cars in the parking lot. It is rare to find the crag truly busy.

Getting There 

The access road to Blue Cloud starts from the Baxendale Fire Department, about five miles west of Helena on Highway 12. Drive north from the fire station a short distance, and turn right onto Blue Cloud Road. Continue for a few miles along the bumpy road, trending to the northeast. The road will pass through the first of two gates, and then drop into the creek bottom. As you rise out of the creek bottom, take the left hand fork in the road. You will reach the second gate. At this point, if you have a lower clearance vehicle you may wish to park in a clearing on the south side of the road. It takes about fifteen minutes to walk to the parking area from here. If your vehicle is somewhat rugged, continue driving. The parking area is located at the end of the road. The crag is situated just north of here, but the easiest approach is to walk along the old 4x4 track west out of the parking area. It will go up a steep hill and then curve back north to the crag as the grade lessens. Allow about ten minutes walking time from the parking area.

The Classics

Featured Route For Blue Cloud

Blue Monday 5.7  MT : Blue Cloud : Main Buttress

This is an interesting line. The route begins with a dihedral, and then a fun move to the right to get on top of a column. Stem past a slabby section and a chickenhead to the crack. Continue up and slightly left to the belay ledge....[more]   Browse More Classics in MT