Hey, it’s 2016! Time to update the blog. I’ll just cut to the chase.
10 Favorite Problems from 2015(in the order they were climbed)
Adam’s Wall V5, Whiskey Gulch, MT
One of the best at Whiskey – big entry move crux followed by a heady move off a small crimp up high. Always thought this one would have a bit much spice for me, but it didn’t. Put up in the early days of Whiskey by all-around badass Adam Knoff.
the Widdler V6/7, Whiskey Gulch, MT
Similar to Adam’s Wall, but harder and better. This one definitely get’s your heart racing on the insecure top-out. Contender for best at Whiskey.
High Plains Drifter V7, Buttermilks, Bishop, CA
If you haven’t heard of this one you need to get out more… Top five all-time for me.
Photo by Jarred Pickens
Fun House V6, Castle Peak, Tahoe, CA
Techy crimpy traverse on beautiful stone. One of the more aesthetic problems I’ve seen.
Girls on Film V6/7, Summit Lake, Tahoe, CA
Simple and brilliant. Two dynos followed by a nice mantel.
Gill’s Twister V3, FA, Hidden Lakes, MT
A tricky jump start leads to a few dynamic moves over an adjacent boulder. I put up a bunch of great problems at this new area near the Gallatin Canyon, but this one was my favorite.
White Horse V6, Hyalite Canyon, MT
Another one that I put off forever for some reason. Finally tried it and put down what may be the closest classic boulder problem to Bozeman.
Dear Mr. Fantasy V4, FA, Boulder Batholith, MT
Really couldn’t believe that this stuff existed in the Batholith – shallow two finger pockets followed by huge patina plates when it starts getting tall. Can’t wait to get back out here this spring. Probably the best boulder problem I’ve ever put up…
White Buffalo V7/8, Joe’s Valley, UT
Beautiful features on perfect Joe’s sandstone. New-ish one at a cool new area along the Right Fork. The Flu did not disappoint.
Gription V8/9, Moe’s Valley, UT
If I had to pick the single best problem I’ve ever done, this would be it.
Bonus Best Routes of 2015 (no photos, sorry)
-Excalibur 5.11d, Lime Kiln Canyon, AZ
Beautiful techy limestone forever.
-Straw Man 5.13a, the Cube, Gallatin Canyon, MT
Unexpected send and one of the most memorable moments of my climbing life.
-Clips from the Bong 5.12b, the Fins, ID
Consistent vertical pockets lead to an ass-kicker runnel finish.
-Peyote 5.11a, Indian Creek, MT
Little bit of everything in this sweet, long pitch at THE Indian Creek outside Townsend, MT.
-Wizard’s Well 5.9, Practice Rock, Hyalite Canyon, MT
I know I’ve said this a lot over the last few years, but damn I love this crag…
Double Bonus – Random Photos from 2016
Inge – Manhattan Project 5.14a, the Fins, ID
EC – Down with Disease V6, FA, Hidden Lakes, MT
Yosemite, CA
EC – Eliminator Right Sit V6, Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite, CA
EC – Fort Rastafarian V6, Fort Ross, CA
Jesse – Chupacabra V5, the Premiums, Tahoe, CA
Becky (FGD Champ!) – Full Gravity Day 15 Finals
EC – Desparete V7, Triassic, UT
EC – Black Tambourine V5, FA, San Rafael Swell, UT
-EC
Bouldering Montana 