Road Conditions

Submitted by Lub on Sun, 11/27/2005 - 20:13
We reestablished the road to the trail head this morning. It wasn't bad with chains (it took 2 hours). We were followed by one other truck. There were only two trucks, including ours, at the trailhead. However, on our way out, once we passed the reservoir, it was a circus. The drive out was more difficult than the drive up due to the rut-fest created by all of the ill-equiped senior sightseers in their monstorous diesel trucks and jean jackets. The drive is do-able, but take chains and shovels. It might be best to leave the subarus at home for a bit. Happy Trails

Thanks for busting up the road and doing the good deed. Hopefully the ice was worth it. Is there any of us who owns a truck with a blade? What would it cost do have the "We Do Anything" team come and run a truck up and down the canyon? Hopefully the FS will plow in coming years. Conrad

Just wondering what the approaches are like to the climbs in hyalite. The guidebook and recent posts imply that the road is difficult to drive, although I was told by a non climbing friend in Bozeman that they may maintain the road this winter. My wife and I were planning on heading out to bozeman from PA on fri and will be dependent on a rental car to access the ice. Any recs on where to climb/what is in condition would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Joel

PA Guy: The road is in rough shape, be prepared to hike/ski to get in there. There are other area's with better access, Ousel falls comes to mind near Big Sky.

Just like the good ol' days only now there are more people to help keep the road open. Let's hope the winds don't get strong and drift the dam. As of now the road is drivable in 4x4 and will get better as more trucks drive up, can be difficult when encountering oncoming vehicles but taking it slow and being prepard is the best way. If you don't have a shovel, tow rope, and chains don't expect someone else to get off the road for you, hence you probably shouldn't be up in the canyon. With the ice festivals scheduled for the next two weekends the road should hopefully improve as additional traffic packs the snow. This is shaping up to be one of the best seasons for Ice we've seen in years, partly because of all the snow. Don't miss out! kristoffer erickson
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