The 5 Best Moderate Alpine Climbs in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains

By Beartooth Mountain Guides

Montana’s Beartooth Mountains are home to some of the most remote, rugged, and rewarding alpine climbing in the lower 48. With over two dozen peaks rising above 12,000 feet, and an abundance of alpine cirques and granite ridgelines, this range is a true hidden gem for adventurous climbers. In this guide, we highlight five of the best moderate alpine climbs in the Beartooths—routes that combine quality granite, high alpine settings, and a real sense of wilderness.

Whether you’re a seasoned alpine veteran or a trad climber ready to explore Montana’s wildest peaks, these climbs deliver classic experiences without the crowds. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Lunar Arete – Spirit Mountain (5.7–5.9, 15 pitches)

Approach: 3-5 hrs, 1 to 3 day roundtrip

Season: July–September

Lunar Arete is the most iconic alpine rock climb in the Beartooths. This 15-pitch route ascends the steep southeast rib of Spirit Mountain via golden granite, with technicäal climbing ranging from 5.7 to 5.9. The route involves snow travel, cornices and steep snowfields that are often encountered even in late summer.

Despite its quality, Lunar Arete remains quiet—maybe a dozen ascents per year. The backcountry setting, complex terrain, and potential for route-finding errors make this a serious undertaking. That said, for experienced alpine climbers, it’s an absolute classic.

Want to know how a multi-day Lunar arete climb looks like? Check out our blogpost "Lunar Arete: A Classic Beartooth Adventure"

Spirit Mountain, with the Lunar Arete going up the central line

2. Bear’s Tooth – Black Canyon Lake - Various Routes (5.6–5.8, 5–10 pitches)

Approach: 2 - 3 day roundtrip

Season: Mid July–Early September

The namesake of the range, the Bear’s Tooth is a striking glaciated horn visible from the Beartooth Highway. Reaching it requires a rugged hike to Black Canyon Lake and an overnight camp, but the payoff is huge. The granite is solid, the lines are clean, and the views are pure Montana wilderness. The approach involves multi-hour talus hooping and off trail navigation skills.

Routes up to the summit range from 5 to 10 pitches and are generally in the 5.6–5.8 range. The descent involves multiple rappels, and snowfields may linger at the base even into August. This is a dream climb for those seeking a true Beartooth classic.

Want to climb the Bear's Tooth? Here you can find our trip description: https://www.beartoothguides.com/bears-tooth

The proud formation "Bear's Tooth" a glaciated horn

3.The Ramp – East Rosebud, Three Sisters (5.9, 7 pitches, trad)

Approach: 45 minutes over talus, no trail

Season: July–September

The Ramp is a clean 7-pitch granite climb nestled in the dramatic “Three Sisters” formation above East Rosebud Lake. True to its name, this route ascends a broad, angled slab that looks like a natural stone ramp rising out of the alpine basin. It’s one of the few climbs that features pure crack climbing in the Beartooths, offering continuous 5.7–5.9 movement on granite with great protection.

The approach is short by Beartooth standards—just 45 minutes from the trailhead—but don’t expect a trail. You’ll navigate talus fields and light bushwhacking to reach the base. Once on the rock, the climbing is clean, exposed, and varied, with gear-protected cracks and slabs leading to a summit perch with big mountain views.

The Ramp is a perfect single-day alpine mission: short approach, quality rock, and a satisfying amount of vertical gain. It’s ideal for climbers looking to push into moderate alpine trad in a dramatic setting without a massive approach.

One of the clean cracks on "The Ramp"

Descent gully towards the parking

4. Power Tower – West Fork Rock Creek (5.9, multi-pitch)

Approach: 2-hour alpine approach

Season: June –September

Power Tower is a proud granite spire soaring over the mystic river in the West Rosebud drainage. While not jagged or knife-edged, its sheer walls and compact form make it one of the most aesthetic summits in the Beartooths. The approach is long and demanding, but the reward is exceptional climbing on solid rock—cracks, faces, and corners that feel more like the Winds or Bugaboos than Montana.

With pitches up to 5.9 and the kind of remote setting where you won’t see another party for days, Power Tower is perfect for those who seek quality over convenience.

4th pitch of Power Tower

Almost there! 3/4 of the approach

5. Metcalf Mountain North Ridge – Moon Lake Basin (Class 4–5.4, long ridge traverse)

Approach: 4 hrs, 1 to 2 day trip

Season: July–September

Rarely climbed but highly rewarding, the North Ridge of Metcalf Mountain offers a full alpine traverse over dramatic ridgelines, gendarmes, and exposed sections of 4th to low 5th class rock. The route stays high and remote, with over a mile of scrambling and roped pitches on a true Montana 12er. Hike into Moon Lake basin and overnight for an early start the next day or make it an epic one day adventure.

While not technically difficult, the seriousness comes from its length, loose rock, and exposure. Route-finding and alpine movement skills are essential. For climbers looking to explore off the beaten path, this is a proud summit with one of the best views in the range.

View of Metcalf ridge from the west

Plan Your Beartooth Alpine Climb

Looking to experience these climbs with the guidance of a local expert? At Beartooth Mountain Guides, we specialize in custom alpine climbing trips in the Beartooths, including these five classics. Whether you're training for bigger objectives or seeking an unforgettable wilderness adventure, we can help you plan, prep, and send your next climb.

👉 Explore our guided climbing trips

📩 Contact us to book a custom alpine climbing experience