PRINT: Rock Climb Ignition, Southwest Region

Ignition

5.11a, Sport, 40 ft (12 m),

Avg: 3.4 from 149 votes
FA: Alek Tkach, Circa 2001
Montana > Southwest Region > Bozeman Area > Bear Canyon > Lower Bear Canyon > Prow

Description

Pull pockets up the the slightly overhanging face on the backside of the main formation at Bear Canyon. Great climb for the grade! Probably the best climb of the area. 11d/12a variation: "Tree Hugger", direct finish after fourth bolt to right anchors, pull hard on small crimps and pockets. Don't fall into the tree.

Location

Just to the right of the large prow on the smooth face litered with small pockets. Usually in the shade.

Protection

Sport climbing with a funky clip into a two bolt anchor with fixed steel carabiners. Use your own gear for a top-rope anchor, then lower off the steel carabiners when cleaning the route. 5 bolts.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Finishing

Lena at the second clip of Ignition.

This may be the best route in Bear Canyon

Hadyn cruising up on his first attempt.

Lena pulling one of the crux moves on Ignition (5.11b)

Ignition as viewed hiking up the trail to the upper prow

Ignition around 11:30 a.m. Doesn't get too much sun through the day.

Ignition Topo with approx bolt locations marked. This climb is very difficult to get a good photo of so this is a stitch of 3 photos which makes it look much taller than it is.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

GRK	[Hide Comment] A fun, albeit blank variation to this route breaks right after the fourth bolt to the right anchor. Palm and match the one remaining feature - work the feet! Aug 20, 2012

M A
Bozeman, MT

I went to the right side anchor and it felt a bit harder than 11a. Fun climb! Nov 13, 2013

Kevin Macartney
Laramie, WY

5.11a

Matt, the line direct finish to ignition is a 5.12a called 'tree hugger' Nov 13, 2013

Ben Mackall
Bozeman, MT

5.11a

Actually a really good first 5.11 lead for someone looking to break into the grade. No real stopper moves, just great flow and consistency the whole way up. May 8, 2014

Kirkwood Donavin
Salt Lake City, UT

5.11a

Left cold shut anchor is a bit loose. I can rotate it around. The attaching bolt seems secure, though. Jun 12, 2017

Kurt Prond
Bozeman, MT

The direct finish(to the right anchor) is a more natural and great line, though is definitely a bit harder. Out of curiousity, was wondering if adding an extra bolt might make this a more traveled fun alternative for folks. I am considering doing that but don't want to piss anyone off! Thoughts? Jun 28, 2019

Pat Dyess
Bozeman, MT

Folks have done it just fine and safely for nearly 20 years. I bet it’s probably fine as it is. Jun 28, 2019

chris tregge
Madison WI

5.11a

Ok this climb was super fun. Do it. Jul 30, 2019

Cooper Hagner

5.11a

Kurt, the route is perfectly safe as is, no reason for the extra bolt. I took a whipper on it today one move from the anchors and super clean fall, the short runout is all in the fun. Left cold shut is still a little loose as of today, definitely keep an eye on it as it seems to be recurring. Sep 5, 2019

cleatis

Bolts and anchors for Ignition and Tree Hugger have been replaced with glue-ins and mussys, courtesy of SMCC and the Access Fund. Sep 25, 2019

Caden Rogers
Bozeman

5.10d

Super amazing route, there was no specific crux for me besides just convincing myself I could do the moves. The route is sustained and doesnt really have any bad holds, but no good holds really either. Be prepared to either do some huge moves, or pull on amazing monos :) May 20, 2021