Bozeman Boulders Initiative

Project Development Finished!

2011-12-16T14:53:00.003-07:00

The Bozeman Boulders Initiative has finished the construction and development phase. We now have 6 boulders at five locations in Bozeman area parks. We hope that the community and guests will enjoy these climbing structures for years to come.

Boulders 5 and 6 Grand Opening!

2011-08-29T11:34:00.003-06:00

REI, GVLT, Northern Lights Trading Company and the Bozeman Boulders Initiative announce the final work day and grand opening of boulders five and six on Saturday Oct 8th. Located at the County Park north of Oak Street (approximately a mile west of 19th Avenue) the event will begin with a 1:00pm-3:30pm volunteer work party to install the soft landing, do some basic landscaping and site clean-up. The reception starts at 3:30p, with open climbing for all ages, families encouraged, plus all ages refreshments! Adjacent to Dinosaur Playground and Fire Station on Oak.

NLTC presents: Lynn Hill, and the Evolution of Free Climbing

2011-03-21T12:00:00.004-06:00

The one and only Lynn Hill will share her story and adventures with Bozeman on March 30th!

PLUS: Whit Magro Presents: “Riding the Wave” – A Patagonian Climbing Adventure

“Meet the Climbers” Reception at 6:30pm, Presentations at 7:30pm - at the wonderful Emerson, as usual!
Tickets $10, Kids 12 & under free with paying adult. Purchase tickets at Northern Lights Trading Company and Barrel Mountaineering.

Beer, wine & food for sale. Silent auction with great gear!

A fundraising event to build recreational climbing boulders in Bozeman city parks.

Reel Rock Film Fest - Friday September 17th.

2010-09-13T15:26:00.000-06:00

Reel Rock Tour Bozeman
Friday, September 17, 2010
The Emerson @ 7pm
Tickets: $10 at Northern Lights and Barrel Mountaineering; $12 at the door.
Silent Auction to benefit the Bozeman Boulder Initiative – Tons of great gear with 100% going to the Boulder Initiative’s program to connect all five boulders and reward kids who summit all (soon to be) five boulders.

Click here to see the trailer!

Smith Boulder Dedication at East Gallatin Rec. Area

2010-09-02T10:21:00.004-06:00

Dale and Elaine Smith receive the dedication plaque from Conrad Anker for the Smith Boulder. Thanks to the Smith family for their volunteer and financial support of the Bozeman Boulders Initiative. The steel plaque will be permanently mounted at the Smith Boulder.

Community Invited! THIS Sunday!

2010-08-20T10:50:00.006-06:00

Grand Opening of the Smith Climbing Boulder at the East Gallatin Recreation Area.

The public is invited to a grand opening celebration on Sunday, August 29th at 5:00pm for the Smith Climbing Boulder: the “Biggest, baddest boulder in Bozeman.” The Bozeman Boulder Initiative will be hosting the grand opening event at the East Gallatin Recreation Area, otherwise known as “Bozeman Beach.”

The celebration actually begins at the Old Depot Climbing Boulder (North Wallace to Tamarack, then east one block on Tamarack) at 4:30pm, followed by a bicycle caravan to the East Gallatin Recreation Area, where there will be food, drink and a short ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“With four boulders now installed, Bozeman is the clear leader among American cities when it comes to the recreational climbing boulders,” says professional climber and Bozeman Boulder Initiative volunteer Conrad Anker. “The Recreation & Parks Department recognizes that these climbing boulders promote fitness for residents of all ages in a safe, but challenging environment. We now have boulders on the north, south, east and west sides of town. They have become extremely popular recreational destinations and other cities are starting to follow our lead.”

Constructed by Stronghold Fabrication, LLC under the supervision of the Bozeman Recreation and Parks Department, the Smith Climbing Boulder offers dozens of climbing routes to challenge both beginners and experts. The boulder was funded by a unique blend of public and private sources, including a Park Improvement Grant and a generous donation from Dale & Elaine Smith of Bozeman.

“The bicycle caravan from the Old Depot Boulder to the Smith Climbing Boulder is an important component of the grand opening celebration,” says David Cook of the Bozeman Bolder Initiative. “Our vision is that Bozeman residents will use the expanding in-town trail network to bike or jog from boulder to boulder, performing a complete circuit of the boulder network, something we have dubbed the Bozeman Boulder Challenge.

Boulders #3 and #4 to be opened by late summer!

2010-08-03T15:30:00.005-06:00

The Bozeman Boulders Initiative and partners will be opening 2 boulders by the end of the summer! Sending Ceremony and Party to be held Sunday August 29th; more details to come. This wasn't done alone, so I will try to get all the thanks out in the next couple weeks. In the mean time, check out #3 near the Old Train Depot in the NE neighborhood and #4 underway at "Bozeman Beach!" See attached pic of the new spray-on concrete; it still takes a climbing artist's touch to finish out the holds but we hear good things about this new surface.

Disciples of Gill - "Birth of Bouldering"

2010-05-28T12:13:00.005-06:00

Disciples of Gill will make its Montana Premier at Northern Lights next Wednesday, June 2 at 7:30pm. Filmmaker and author Pat Ament will be here to show his film and sign books. The movie chronicles the life of John Gill, the father of Bouldering in America. More than just another rock climbing movie, Ament's work digs deep into why we climb. Tickets are $10 or $7 for kids the night of the show. Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see how it all started.

Location:
1716 W Babcock
Bozeman, MT, 59715
Phone:
406-586-2225

Where are the Boulders?

2010-04-27T13:38:00.005-06:00

Map to boulder locations and select project partners!
View Bozeman Boulders Initiative in a larger map

Boulder #3 Is Fully Funded!

2010-04-16T11:45:00.002-06:00

On April 15, 2010, the Bozeman Boulder Initiative – a project under the fiscal management of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust – announced that sufficient funds have been raised to fully fund Bozeman’s third recreational climbing boulder, which will be installed at the East Gallatin Recreation Area.

Bozeman Boulder Initiative Project Manager David Cook said, “This was a real community effort where everyone had some ‘skin in the game.’ The City of Bozeman allocated a Park Improvement Grant to the project, Northern Lights Trading Company donated substantial funding, our Climb On! fundraising event at the Emerson netted over $5,000 and we received generous donations from Big Sky Wind Drinkers and the Southwest Montana Climber’s Coalition. What put us over the top, however, was a $5,000 donation from Dale and Elaine Smith of Bozeman. Dale is a member of the Bozeman Boulder Initiative team, and he has volunteered his time and talent in every way imaginable, including hours of hand-labor in constructing boulder #2 at Bozeman Ponds. When Dale announced that he and Elaine were making the largest private donation in the history of this project, we were speechless.”

As soon as conditions allow, the Bozeman Parks Department will excavate the foundation site at the East Gallatin Recreation Area (sometimes known as “Bozeman Beach”) and Stronghold Fabrication, LLC of Bozeman will transport the boulder frame from their shop on North 19^th Street and begin applying concrete to the boulder frame.

Whit Magro, a principal in Stronghold Fabrication reports, “Volunteer labor is a key component of our financial model for the construction of these climbing boulders. For the Bozeman Pond boulder, over 500 hours of volunteer labor were donated by members of the climbing community. We’re hoping for a similar outpouring of generosity for boulder #3.”

The goal of the Bozeman Boulder Initiative is to construct recreational climbing boulders, to place them in parks throughout the city and to connect them with a network of trails. At the end of the project, the majority of Bozeman residents will live within a short biking, running or walking distance of a climbing boulder that provides challenging recreation for beginners through expert climbers.

Spring Fundraiser 2010! March 31st, 6:30pm, Emerson

2010-03-08T11:27:00.013-07:00

Mark you calendars; the evening of March 31st we will once again gather at the Emerson Cultural Center for food, drink, fellowship and stories of mountain adventure! Special guest Jack Tackle, will virtually take us to Alaska for fast and light alpine ascents! Thomas Kingsbury gets us ready for spring, with a new SW Montana Bouldering Guidebook, and identifies the hardest problems waiting for you to send! More details to come, doors open for reception at 6:30 - for food, drink and silent auction; presentations to follow at 7:30!

See more about Jack at his Exum profile, and at Black Diamond's Journal.

You can find new pictures and information about the construction of the boulders at the Strong Hold Fabrication website, hosted by Ross Lynn Photography.

A picture of Boulder #3 has been added to previous update from this fall. Please see below. It looks awesome!

Boulder #3 Underway!

2009-11-02T14:06:00.004-07:00

The guys at Stronghold Fabrications have boulder number three framed and welded right now. Fundraising continues with help from partners like Northern Lights Trading Company, Big Sky Wind Drinkers and Gallatin Valley Land Trust. An early March event is being planned with a surprise special guest, great party, gear auction and presentations right before spring break. Get out on the boulders, this week's weather looks great!

Fall Events! TNF Speaker Series Oct 19th; Reel Rock Film Fest Report!

2009-09-21T12:13:00.004-06:00

October 19th, 2009 at the Emerson Cultural Center, Mount Meru–"The Center of the Universe": Teamwork and Tenacity in the Himalaya
Presented by The North Face Alpinists Conrad Anker & Jimmy Chin
Deep in the Indian Himalaya, 22,000-foot Mount Meru presents the ultimate test to alpinists Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk. Aiming for a summit atop thousands of feet of sheer granite, their eighteen-day ascent is racked by storm and cold. Delving deep into their souls to find the will to continue, and relying on teamwork and trust, they survive the hardest climb of their careers.

Benefiting Bozeman Boulders Initiative, general admission is free (limited space), reserved seats are $8, or VIP reception and preferred seating $20. Click for more info.

September 17, 2009, Reel Rock Film Tour: The Emerson was full for this year's edition of the RRFT. Hosted by Northern Lights Trading Company and benefiting the Bozeman Boulders Initiative, The RRFT showing in Bozeman featured films from amateur shorts to the most recent productions from climbing's best professional film makers. Trailers and short films can be seen on, Reel Rock's webpage. Over $1500 was raised for the next boulder!

Thanks to Northern Lights for sponsoring and facilitating these events coming to Bozeman.

A great party! Boulder #2 Grand Opening

2009-07-17T11:02:00.003-06:00

A great time was had by kids and adults alike at the Grand Opening Party. We also added Rosauers to our list of supporters; they supplied the picnic goods and food. Please remember to thank all of our sponsors and donors listed to the right hand side of the blog!

Rumor has it construction of the third boulder's frame is about to begin...

New Boulder - Grand Opening Party!!!

2009-05-06T12:53:00.008-06:00

The new boulder is open, and reports back from patrons are glowing! In the past few evenings we have seen folks from professional climbers to families conquering routes around the rock. Located at Bozeman Pond Park, one block north of West Main on Fowler Avenue. Park and boulder are to the east of entrance.

Join fellow climbers, families and park enthusiasts for the opening celebration!

An Outdoor Picnic with Burgers, Hot Dogs, Potato Salad, Bozone Beer, Soft Drinks and Hard Boulder Problems

Brought to you by the Bozeman Boulders Initiative, the Gallatin Valley Land Trust & (your own) Bozeman Recreation and Parks Department

Saturday May 30th - 5:00pm 'til dark.

How to donate!

2009-03-18T14:21:00.004-06:00

Our March 11th fundraiser was a huge success. A great time was had with good food, excellent presentations, a high quality auction, and most importantly, fellowship of mountain sports and lifestyle enthusiasts. Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) joined us that evening as our new fiscal sponsor. Tax deductible donations can now be made two ways:

1) Checks should be made out to: “GVLT”
On the memo line write: “Bozeman Boulders Initiative”

Send the check to:
Gallatin Valley Land Trust
PO Box 7021
Bozeman, MT 59771

Or

2) On-line giving: Donations can also be made on-line by clicking on the “Donate Now” link on the GVLT website home page: www.gvlt.org
Again, be sure to note that the donation is for the “Bozeman Boulders Initiative”

B2 and GVLT Partnership!

2009-03-18T14:15:00.002-06:00

Gallatin Valley Land Trust is the new fiscal partner of the Bozeman Boulders Initiative!

B2 & GVLT are excited and proud to announce a new partnership. GVLT played a key role in creation of the first boulder in Langohr Park and is excited to be able to play a role in helping build more boulders. The boulders are a great addition to Bozeman’s Main Street to the Mountains trail system, and GVLT will continue to work for creation of safe bicycle-pedestrian routes to access the parks where the boulders will be located. GVLT is particularly excited about two trail projects that will dramatically increase safe bicycle-pedestrian access to the new boulder at Bozeman Pond:

1) Paved trail on College and Huffine from 11th to Ferguson – This summer, the City is finally planning to construct a 10-foot wide paved trail that will connect the MSU campus to Bozeman Pond and then continue west to Ferguson. It’s been four years since the City Commission approved funding for this project in March 2005, but like the Boulders Initiative, this kind of big vision is often only realized after years of perseverance! GVLT worked hard to get the original funding approval and then to keep the project alive, and we are indebted to City Parks & Recreation Director Ron Dingman who has taken the lead over then last two years to finally make the project happen.

2) Bozeman Pond to West Side Trail connection – GVLT has some grant funding from the City and is now seeking matching funds to build a connecting trail behind the Mall linking the Bozeman Pond trail to the West Side Trail.

March 11th Event. Join us!

2009-02-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

The Bozeman Boulders Initiative Presents: "My Best Vacation is Your Worst Nightmare"
- an evening of outdoor enthusiast fellowship, and presentations by renowned alpine athletes -

Why: to raise money for constructing and installing public rock climbing features in Bozeman parks and open spaces

When: March 11, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm

Where: Emerson Cultural Center Ballroom and Theater

What:
• Reception with food, no host bar, and soda
• Silent auction (great gear, services and gifts from local
businesses and major manufacturers!)
• Community submitted photo slide show (submit your own
pictures to bozemanboulders@gmail.com, details below)
• Professional multimedia presentations by:
Terry Kennedy, Amy Bullard, Whit Magro, and Conrad Anker

Who: all community members, families and friends

How much: $10 at door, children 12 and under free. Adults 21 and over, receive first beer free.

Ticket Outlets: Barrel Mountaineering, Northern Lights Trading Company and Spire Climbing Center

Presenting Sponsors: Gallatin Valley Land Trust, Bozeman Brewing Company, Emerson Grill and Northern Lights Trading

Thanks to:
Spire Climbing Center, Barrel Mountaineering, K2 Cafe and Deli, Black Diamond, Colombo's Pizza, Bridger Bowl, Visage Skin Care, North Face, Schnee's, Bohart Ranch, Helly Hanson, BlueWater Ropes, Indulgence Spa, Vino Tucci, Mystery Ranch, Loft Spa, Petzl, First Accent Press, Mini Mac, Lehrkind's Coca-Cola

Please RESPONSIBLY circulate this e-mail, we want to make friends not enemies!

Community Slide Show Info: during the reception, community submitted pictures will be projected on the walls. Send in your favorite 2-3 pictures of mountain adventure, family fun and scenery. Climbing, cycling, boating, fishing, skiing, suffering, smiling, sunsets, sunrises, kids, adults, dogs, flying, moon stars... all appropriate material. Send 1 - 2 MG size pictures to bozemanboulders@gmail.com.

Merry Christmas from Barrel

2008-12-16T13:21:00.002-07:00

Barrel Mountaineering is matching our coffee fundraiser for units sold in their store! Go get those gifts for friends, family and co-workers. See post below for coffee details.

2008-12-01T14:30:00.004-07:00

Just in time for the holidays, V15 Coffee is here! V15 is locally roasted by Yellowstone Coffee and provided to Bozeman Boulders. $4.25 from every bag goes directly to the project. The 3/4 pound bags of dark/medium roasted whole bean coffee sell for $10. This coffee will make perfect gifts for friends, family members, significant others, or yourself! Climbers especially, thank the owner of that couch you always crash on with a bag or two of V15 Coffee beans.

V15 Coffee is available this month at these Bozeman retailers: Northern Lights Trading Company and Barrel Mountaineering.

Many thanks,

T Bass

Who is Strong Hold Fabrication LLC?

2008-11-18T21:51:00.002-07:00

I started Strong Hold Fabrication last January out of a little hut I started renting as a "welding shop." I have been welding since my teenage years, it was a dream come true to finally have my own shop. I soon invited my two friends and climbing partners Pat Wolfe and Ross Lynn to join me in this endeavor of starting a business. We put our heads and tools together and have been working ever since building spiral stairs, hand rails, car and truck racks, etc. We are located at 2525 N. 19th across from the Mackenzie River Pizza, stop by for a visit and check out the shop.
How the boulder came about? You might say we were the right people, at the right place, at the right time. A friend, Conrad Anker was instrumental in the completion of the first boulder and he knew of our shop. Conrad suggested to me that I contact the city in regards to the building of a second boulder, which was in the planning phase. We presented Bozeman's parks and recreation department with our proposal and they accepted. Being local climbers with a metal fabrication shop that is also local made sense. We happily accepted the job!
At present Strong Hold Fabrication has donated an enormous amount of time into this boulder and we are eager to complete it. Any help you can give through raising more money to pay for the completion of this boulder would be greatly appreciated by the Strong Hold and more so by the city of Bozeman and it's citizens who will be using it.

Thanks,
Whit Magro
Strong Hold Fabrication

Boulder #2 Update

2008-11-18T21:25:00.005-07:00

The Strong Hold has been busy. That wind storm last week destroyed our tent that was covering the boulder. A minor set back but we are now back on track, and ready to start the final coat of concrete. We will keep making updates on this site to keep you all in the know, with the boulders progress. Here is a sneak preview photo of the boulder as it is now, in it's new and improved tent. This final coat of concrete is the most important, it's what you all will be climbing on! We thank all those who have donated and thank you for your patience. It will be worth it!
Whit Magro
Strong Hold Fabrication LLC.

Fundraising Push!

2008-11-12T09:23:00.001-07:00

We have not yet finished paying for the second boulder and we still have two more structures to go! Our fundraising plan utilizes and appreciates all levels of contributions. We are actively seeking: corporate and private donors, individual gifts, grants and donated time or materials.

In November, Northern Lights Trading Company is donating 5% of climbing gear sales to B2. GO BUY GEAR, and support the initiative! We will also have additional fall 2008 fundraisers including: V15 coffee, roasted by Yellowstone Coffee, with proceeds going to B2 and new B2 t-shirts (pre-orders can be taken now). Information will be posted here when these items are available.

For spring 2009, look for announcements regarding a fundraising auction, slide show, reception featuring presentations from adventures abroad. Finally, we will be planning a big shindig for the official grand opening of boulder #2 in the spring or early summer. See below for making direct financial contributions.

All donations are tax-deductable

Checks should be made out to: “GVLT”

On the memo line write: “Bozeman Boulders Initiative”

Send the check to:
Gallatin Valley Land Trust
PO Box 7021
Bozeman, MT 59771

On-line giving:
Donations can also be made on-line by clicking on the “network for good” link on the GVLT website home page: www.gvlt.org
Again, be sure to note that the donation is for the “Bozeman Boulders Initiative”

Where we are...

2008-11-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

Many people, businesses and organizations brought the initiative this far. We will attempt to give as much credit as possible through this forum. It will take time to get all of this together. Here is an update as to where we stand on the overall project: As of fall of 2008, one boulder is in place on a greenway trail in the southeast area of town (Langhor Gardens area). It is very popular and well maintained. A second boulder is installed in the west central area of town in a park that also includes open space and fishing ponds (Bozeman Ponds); completion of this structure is underway, but funding is still needed. A third location has been identified in the northeast area of town, with one more location to be decided in the future.