3 Alpine Climbs in the Beartooths that prepare you for Granite Peak

Anju
7 days ago
2 min read

You want to climb Granite Peak and are ready for a pre-trip? Prepare yourself, gain experience and acclimatize in Montana's most rugged and tallest mountain range. These three mountains are a shorter version of what you can expect on Granite Peak and are a great entry to alpinism and mountaineering.

Spirit Mountain (Frosty Rib)

Rising above the turquoise waters of Moon Lake and Glacier Lake, Spirit Mountain (12,288 ft) is one of the most accessible alpine summits in the Beartooth Mountains. The scenic approach leads into a beautiful high-alpine basin before reaching the base of the mountain, where several routes offer everything from rugged scrambling to technical multi-pitch rock climbing.

For climbers new to alpine terrain, the Frosty Rib (Class 3–4) provides an excellent introduction, combining enjoyable scrambling with dramatic exposure and expansive views. We highly recommend the climb as a two- or three-day trip, hiking into the lakes basin to establish a comfortable camp before making a summit push the following day.

Climber in blue helmet scales rocky peak with lush, misty mountains in the background. Blue sky with scattered clouds enhances the serene scene. — Giacomo ascending Spirit Mountain with view of Metcalf

Climber in helmet scaling rocky mountain, secured by rope, under blue sky with clouds; rugged landscape conveys adventure. — Akio leading in the gendarmes section

Metcalf Mountain (North Rib, 5.6)

Less frequently climbed but highly rewarding, the North Ridge of Metcalf Mountain offers a classic alpine ridge adventure in the Beartooth Mountains. The route follows a dramatic ridgeline of towers, gendarmes, and exposed sections of 4th to low 5th class rock, with roped climbing and scrambling along a Montana's highest 11,000 ft peak. Most climbers approach through the scenic basin around Moon Lake, often camping the night before for an early summit start. The length of the ridge, vertical sections with cracks, and route finding give the climb a true alpine character, making it a rewarding objective for climbers looking to explore beyond the more traveled peaks of the range.

Storm Tower Summit (5.6 Standard Route)

Rising from the wild granite cirques of Granite Peak, Storm (Strom) Tower is a striking alpine objective that offers an ideal first taste of true backcountry rock climbing. Reached via the scenic West Rosebud drainage, the journey begins with a long approach hike into the Huckleberry Creek basin and a high camp near Princess Lake, placing climbers deep in the alpine before summit day even begins. From camp, the route climbs moderate alpine rock—generally around 5.6 difficulty—combining short technical pitches with scrambling and classic mountain terrain. The tower is typically climbed as part of a three-day backcountry trip, allowing time to hike in, climb the objective, and return while learning and practicing essential alpine skills along the way. The combination of remote wilderness, manageable climbing difficulty, and a multi-day expedition feel makes Storm Tower a rewarding introduction to alpine climbing in the Beartooths.