Russell Country Rock Climbing

Blackleaf Canyon

The limestone walls that form the eastern side of Montana's Rocky Mountain Front are relatively unexplored by climbers. All along the Front from the Sun River north to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, escarpments of limestone nearly 1000 feet high stretch for miles and seem to offer limitless climbing possibilities. Northwest of Choteau, the 'Front' is slashed by several canyons with tantalizing walls. One canyon called Blackleaf has a serviceable road into its heart and offers some outstanding sport climbing to date with a sprinkling of routes developed, one of which is nearly 600 feet high.

Since Blackleaf offers a trailhead into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, it is accessible by passenger car. At the entrance of the canyon, plenty of undeveloped car camping sites are nestled in aspen groves just minutes below the main cliffs. The wall on the south side of the canyon is the best quality stone with layers of chert that offer some amazing edge climbing. With slabs, bulges, roofs, and ramps, Blackleaf has potential for dozens of high-quality routes up to 6 pitches or more.

Camping

Two good undeveloped camping sites exist near the parking area. The first site is in the trees to the right (about 50 yards after crossing the last cattle guard and the Forest Service boundary) while driving in. The second site is located about 100 feet down a small road that heads east out of the parking lot.

It is illegal to camp in the parking lot at Blackleaf so please use one of the two dispersed sites listed above.

Driving Directions

From Choteau, located on US Hwy 89 fifty-two miles northwest of Great Falls, go 13 miles north to Bynum, look for the signs to Bynum Reservoir and Blackleaf Road #145. Follow the signs for Blackleaf Road and Blackleaf Wildlife Management Area.