For all you Montana rock climbers out there, Kevin Hutchinson has released a new climbing guide to Paradise Valley. Given the fact that there are no recent or comprehensive guides at all for the Bozeman area this is a welcome addition to my library. I got the opportunity to meet Kevin a few weeks back and he is an extremely nice guy and I know he has worked very hard putting this guide together. He has been compiling this guide for more than 10 years, and he personally established a vast majority of the routes you will find contained within. He has done a great job, with full route descriptions, pictures, and even a little comedy sprinkled in for good measure. I really like some of the great route names Kevin chooses. Some of my personal favorites are from the Training Ground area with route names like “Sebulba”, “Lando’s”, and “You Seek Yoda.” Anyone that themes an entire area using Star Wars as inspiration is okay in my book!
You can find a copy locally here in Bozeman, and I know they have them over at Barrel Mountaineering. Please support Kevin and his family by purchasing a copy for your next Montana climbing outing!