City Climbing

Practicing in the park. 

Looking for a place to climb without committing to a road-trip? Well, from most places in Bozeman, you can get a quick pump in without even starting your car, thanks to Bozeman’s city-park boulders.

Six manmade climbing boulders are sprinkled across town from Langohr Park to the Regional Park (with another three in Big Sky’s Community Park for good measure). And with Bozeman’s ever-expanding network of in-town trails, it’s possible to walk, run, or bike to them from almost anywhere. 

The project began in 2005, when the nonprofit Bozeman Boulder Initiative, in partnership with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust and local sponsors, built the first $20,000 boulder at Langohr. Five more soon followed, and we’ll likely see even more as Bozeman grows into the valley.

Built by local climbers and fabricators at Stronghold Fabrication, the boulders—each completely unique—began as angular steel frameworks and mesh. Stained special-mix concrete was then carefully shaped over the frame, complete with realistic cracks, edges, corners, and crimps. The result is an authentic imitation of nature—as close to climbing real rock as is possible. So grab your shoes and chalk, jump on your bike, and head to one of the parks below for a uniquely Bozeman opportunity: free, in-town climbing. A map of the boulders can be found at outsidebozeman.com/activities/climbing.

Depot Park
If you’re in the northeast part of town, this is your jam. Near the corner of Tamarack and Front St., this 10-foot boulder offers plenty of challenge.

East Gallatin Recreation Area
Located on the east side of the pond, this boulder has something for everyone—though it’s harder to reach than some other parks. Located off Manley Rd., north of Griffin.

Bozeman Pond
With a fantastic finger-crack and tons of traverse options, the Bozeman Pond boulder sits near the intersection of Huffine and Fowler and is thus a favorite of residents in the west-central part of town.

Langohr Park
The original, and for many people, still the best Bozeman Boulder. Conveniently located near campus on the Gallagator Trail near the south end of the park.

Gallatin County Regional Park
The larger of the two boulders is on the southeast side of the park, near the intersection of Oak St. and Davis Ln. The smaller boulder, near the playground equipment on the southeast side of the park, is an ideal place for kids and beginners to get their hands dirty before moving on to larger, steeper boulders.