North America, United States, Wyoming, Bitterroot Mountains, Roaring Lion Canyon, New Routes

Publication Year: 2001.

Roaring Lion Canyon, New Routes. Many routes have recently been established in this little known canyon, primarily on the Thin Red Line Buttress. This is the first major tower seen after crossing the river and is about a mile and a half in. Upon seeing the tower, hike up the east gully and then cross to the west side when nearly at the level of the tower. The approach is the typical Montana grunt, but the climbing is brilliant. The Thin Red Line starts near the southwest corner and climbs the south face for four pitches at 5.11. The crux is the third pitch and is one of the most exposed pitches I have been fortunate enough to climb. Rap the west side of the tower and climb the other half-dozen one-to two-pitch routes found there. The two-pitch Crack Envy (5.1la) is as good as thin hands gets. Primary route developers were Martin Cook, Chris Duross, and Eric Roberts. Grey Thompson and I also helped in the effort.

Ben Osburn, unaffiliated