Loco-Motives Climbing

This digital Loco-Motives climbing guidebook gives you GPS navigation, verified topos, and beta for hundreds of climbs. Explore classics and hidden gems with offline access to maps, directions, and beta videos. Whether it's your first visit or fiftieth, KAYA makes your Loco-Motives days smoother, safer, and more dialed.

The Locos are undoubtedly the epicenter for hard bouldering in Southwest Montana. Within just a few hundred yards of the parking lot lies six V9s, three V10s and three V11s. Add to that a couple more double digit projects and you've got what may be the most concentrated hard blocs in all of Montana. However, the Locos are not just for the mutants. Classics of every grade can be found here.

Access: Public land. Leave no trace! 

Other Considerations: I haven't heard of any boulderers spotting one at the Locos, but this is prime Grizzly Bear country. It's not a bad idea t... Show more

This digital Loco-Motives climbing guidebook gives you GPS navigation, verified topos, and beta for hundreds of climbs. Explore classics and hidden gems with offline access to maps, directions, and beta videos. Whether it's your first visit or fiftieth, KAYA makes your Loco-Motives days smoother, safer, and more dialed. The Locos are undoubtedly the epicenter for hard bouldering in Southwest Montana. Within just a few hundred yards of the parking lot lies six V9s, three V10s and three V11s. Add to that a couple more double digit projects and you've got what may be the most concentrated hard blocs in all of Montana. However, the Locos are not just for the mutants. Classics of every grade can be found here. Access: Public land. Leave no trace! Other Considerations: I haven't heard of any boulderers spotting one at the Locos, but this is prime Grizzly Bear country. It's not a bad idea to bring bear spray. Make sure to check yourself for ticks after bouldering here in the spring. The general area seems to be popular with both hunters and trappers, so wear bright colors and keep track of your dogs. Lastly, if you see any Native American rock art or historic rock ads, do not disturb them. Please respect the history of the canyon. Summer Climate: Hot and dry. You're going to want to avoid the sun any way you can. Morning and night sessions are the only way to go if you want to climb hard. Fall Climate: Cool and dry. Perfect conditions from September to early November. Unless it's a dry winter, this is the best time of year at the Locos. Winter Climate: The toughest season for bouldering at the LocoMotives. Snow usually sets in by December and sticks around until at least March. Snow, combined with the fact that the Locos don't receive much sun in the winter means good bouldering days can be few and far between here from December to March. Spring Climate: The most inconsistent season, primarily due to rain. The temperatures are usually great, but make sure to check the forecast for precipitation before you head out. The Rock: Gneiss Elevation: 5,100' Restroom: Forest Service toilet at the parking area. Use it! The Drive: Unfortunately, the approach to the Loco-Motives has changed multiple times over the last decade or so due to floods washing out the approach road. For the current approach, get on Interstate 90 and head towards Livingston, MT. Get off on exit 333 and head south on US 89. After about 45 miles take a right onto Cinnabar Basin Road. Cross over the Yellowstone River and take a right onto Old Yellowstone Trail. Follow the dirt road (stay right at the 3 way intersection even though it says it's a dead end) for about 5.5 miles and park at the small lot just before the green gate blocking the road. The Hike: From the parking, continue on the dirt road past the gate for about 5-10 minutes until passing the spur trails for the individual areas. See individual areas for hiking directions. Hike times vary from 5 to 15 minutes.