Point of Rocks climbing guidebook

The directions in Montana climbing guidebooks are often more bewildering than helpful, sometimes using things like goats and indistinct creeks as landmarks.

Luckily, when Brett Eckert wrote “Point of Rocks - A Climber’s Guide,” he chose to supply clearly written directions to the crags.

The Point of Rocks climbing area is halfway between Whitefish and Eureka – an easy, 30-mile drive from either town.

“Situated beneath the imposing, rocky hulk of Stryker Ridge at the base of the Whitefish Range… this patch of untamed wilderness… feels like the middle of nowhere,” Eckert writes.

He also shares information about the geology, weather and wildlife. His knowledge of the area is impressive but not surprising as he developed many of the routes.

Eckert’s updated second edition contains clear and concise descriptions of 276 routes at Point of Rocks spread over four major areas and at the nearby climbing crags of Stillwater Canyon and the Drive-In Theater. It also boasts several crisp photographs.

The area is known for its well-bolted sport routes that make up about half of the climbs. Most of them are between 40 and 70 feet tall and can be climbed with a 60 meter rope and about eight quickdraws, according to the author.

Point of Rocks does offer traditional and mixed routes as well, and Eckert writes that the area “has seen an explosion of bouldering development… among the many talus slopes, small outcrops and glacial erratics that populate the area.”

Among Eckert’s favorite routes at Point of Rocks are Fly Paper, an easier climb with a beautiful rippled face and good holds; Orange is the New Black, an exciting climb through varied terrain; and Quest for Xanadu, an endurance test that opens with a huge, four-tiered roof.

“Point of Rocks - A Climber’s Guide” is available at RockFish, RMO, Sportsman and Ski Haus, Runner Up Sports, REI and climbPOR.com.