There are several climbing areas both in and out of the Caribou National Forest in southeastern Idaho. The type of rock varies from basalt outcroppings to limestone with mixed granite intrusions. Many of the climbs in some areas are quite rotten (a lot of loose rocks and falling rocks), so you should take your hard hat. Exercise good judgment. The following areas have been chosen to give you a broad spectrum of possibilities related to your abilities. The description of each area is general, but will hopefully supply the information needed for a safe and enjoyable climbing experience.

Ross Park Area
Location: South of Pocatello on the right side of Fourth Street or the left side of Second Street.

Although very short (25 feet), climbs are available in this area. It's an excellent place to sharpen those rusty skills. The Fourth Street side provides climbing for the 5.5 - 5.11 climbers on friction, faces. and cracks. The Second Street side (just past the zoo) is a bit higher (40 feet) and provides some excellent aid and free pitches-up to 5.9 standard. Hard hats are advised in this area. Ross Park is an ideal spot to work on those intricate moves in leading and top roping. The anchor placements are fair to good, except for the occasional bombproof bolt.

Garden Creek Gap
Location: South on 1-15 to Jensen Road turnoff. Take a right and follow the road to the obvious notch in the mountain range. Travel time from Pocatello is 45 minutes.

This area has some excellent multipitch climbs (2-6 pitches) on both the north and south faces. Standards range from 5.3 to 5.10 free and A3 in aid. There are several cracks systems as well as ramps, faces, and chimney problems. The Gap is used a lot by University students, so you may meet some folks while you are there. Most of the more frequented climbs are very clean; others may be quite rotten.

Robber's Roost Crags and Harkness Canyon
Location: Take 1-15 south to the Inkom exit and follow the road through town. Stay on old 1-15 and follow to the Haystack Mountain turnoff (dirt road on the left). You may see the crags on the left side -just west and underneath Haystack Peak. The trail is marginal to the base of the climb. Harkness Canyon is on the opposite of Haystack (east side) and the approach to either area from the road takes about 1.5 hours. Travel time from Pocatello is 40 minutes.

Although the approach is a bit long for some climbers, the climbing in either area is worth the effort. These crags range from 50 to 300 feet of generally difficult standard (5.8 - 5.11 and aid). Since it is a bit remote, be sure to use caution in those"go for it" moves. The area itself is not used too often, but offers some fine climbing for those with intermediate to advanced skills.

Move on to Caribou National Forest Index

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