I made it up to the valley that I spotted from Hollowtop Mtn last week. For lack of a better name, I’m calling it Hollowtop Valley. The weather’s looking a little sketchy for this weekend so I decided to take a pad and make it a long day trip instead of risking an overnighter this weekend.. It was a perfect day, sunny, but chilly all day. Although I didn’t scout everything, most of the stuff that I saw last week from Hollowtop Mtn. was too small for bouldering. But, there was tons of stuff in the trees surrounding the 3 highest lakes that looked good. Definitely tons of potential. I think this would be a great place to head up once or twice a year for a weekend. If nothing else, it’s and absolutely gorgeous area. Here’s the pics:
Hollowtop Valley, you could do worse for places to spend a day bouldering…
Cliffs along the North side of Hollowtop Valley
The best crack boulder problem I’ve tried anywhere. About 10-12ft tall and 30 degrees overhanging with a few well placed finger locks. I found it as I was hiking out, cleaned it as fast as I could and tried it for a bit to no avail. I have no idea on ratings for cracks like this, but it felt comparable to a V5. It would probably feel a lot easier for better crack climbers. Just like all harder finger cracks (from what I’ve heard) it’s probalby going to end up being 50% strength/ability and 50% pain tolerance. I can’t wait to get back on it, but it may have to wait until next year. I don’t know if I’d have time to get back up until October and it may be snowed in by then. We’ll see…
Another view of “the Punisher Project” after I cleaned it.
A cool tree I saw on the way out.
Hopefully y’all can get out this weekend between the potentially crappy weather.
-EC
Bouldering Montana 
Great pics–keep on keepin’ on, sir!