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About this trip
Let's go climb Montana's highest mountain, the challenging Granite Peak! Last year this trip had a 100% summit success rate.
Check out this short video from our 2024 trip here!
Day 1, Sunday 22 June:
We'll gather at Cooke City Hall at 6pm on Sunday, June 22nd for a mandatory gear check and go into detail about the SW Ramp route to Montana's Granite Peak.
Day 2, Monday 23 June:
Today we start!! Meet at the Lady of the Lake trailhead at 8am to start our 2 day trip (with a 3rd day in case of bad weather). This is a short drive from Cooke City, but the road gets rough close to the trailhead. I recommend a high clearance vehicle if you are not experienced with rough mountain roads or carpool with another team member.
Our route is partly on trail, partly on use trails, and partly bushwhacking off trail until we reach our campsite on a secluded mountain lake close to the start of the technical climb. There will be deep snow unless the winter is unusually dry, so snowshoes are mandatory.
Day 3, Tuesday 24 June:
The next morning we have an alpine start around 5am, reaching the summit block early. We'll switch from snowshoes to crampons, helmets, and ice axes for the ascent of the snow tongue, short traverse, and then we'll climb the SW Ramp. This climb is likely rocky at the base, switching to a snow ramp higher up and thus avoiding the "bowling alley" that occurs later in the summer when the snow melts and rockfall is common in the ramp. Once we ascend the snow ramp, we have a short section of class II-III rock scrambling to the summit ridge, then some easy scrambling with intense exposure near the summit.
We'll descend slowly back to our snowshoes and trek back to camp, taking a short but well deserved rest. We'll then break camp and hike back to the trailhead, likely arriving after dark depending on snow conditions and our group's pace during the technical climb.
Day 4, Wednesday June 25:
If we have bad weather, there is an extra day to extend our adventure.
Total distance approximately 26 miles round trip but don't be fooled...this is a very challenging journey with multiple creek crossings, snowshoeing, and off-trail travel. It takes a FULL two days!
This trip requires a minimum of 4 people, and allows a maximum of 6.
*Please note this is NOT a guided trip, but a group trip with an experienced group leader. You are responsible for camping gear, food, first aid, and (if necessary) helicopter rescue. Everybody is required to have a satellite SOS device/communicator in case we get separated as there is no cell service during the trip. You should have experience with crampons, using an ice axe, and climbing snow ramps or glaciers. The GPX file of our route will be shared prior to the trip start, and Dave will verify everybody has it loaded on their cell phone along with all mandatory gear.
What’s included
- Group trek and climbSummit attempt of Montana's Granite peak over 2 days, with a 3rd contingency day.
- Trip LeaderDave Ashley will be the group trip leader. This is NOT a guided trip.
What’s not included
- LodgingBook early, as Cooke City has limited lodging options.
- Mountaineering GearIce axe, crampons, snow shoes, and helmet are mandatory.
- Camping EqupipmentTent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag/quilt.
- FoodBring enough food for 2-3 days, no food provided. Also a bear canister/bag is mandatory.
- Satellite CommunicatorBring your own Garmin InReach or equivalent satellite communicator.
- First Aid KitBring you own first aid kit, blister kit is also recommended.
- Ground transfersMy insurance does not allow me to drive clients, so please carpool from Cooke City to the trailhead.
- Water TreatmentWe'll drink from the many streams and lakes, so bring a filter/treatment system. Electrolyte supplements are recommended as well.
Available Packages
Note: Dash Adventures highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all programs. Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, Dash Adventures must adhere to a stringent refund policy.
Payment and Refund Policy:
- Initial deposit is non-refundable.
- Full payment is required 60 days prior to trip start
- 50% refunds, less the non refundable deposit, will be provided for cancellations made 60-30 days prior to the expedition start date.
- No refunds will be provided for cancellations made 29 days or less prior to the expedition start date.
- Dash Adventures will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible.