The Steamboat Ridge Traverse: Rocky Mountain Front

Al, Skila, and I about to embark on the ridge traverse behind us. Photo by Rod Benson.

Al, Skila, and I about to summit Steamboat Mountain with Scapegoat Mountain looming massive in the background. Photo by Rod Benson

Al Parker and I get together once or twice a year for a big outing. It had been a while since our last, and so we carved out a couple of days in mid-June to meet on the Rocky Mountain Front. I had climbed Steamboat East from the Dearborn Trailhead, on the southern Front, in 2013, and Steamboat Mountain was on my list due to its high prominence (2000+ feet) and an aborted attempt made with Jen last August in heavy smoke. Moreover, in my research I had come across the Out There With Tom blog by Great Falls resident Tom Kotynski (and author of the book Discovering the Rocky Mountain Front), where he mentions starting at Elk Creek Trailhead, summiting Steamboat Mountain, walking the ridge to Steamboat East, and then finishing at the Dearborn Trailhead. It turns out that this is a monster day, at 17 miles, 6200 feet of elevation gain (according to my GPS), and 10 hours. It is also one of the best and most spectacular walks I've ever done. And of course, a couple of days with Al is always good medicine.

Al looking at our route. Photo by Rod Benson.

Near the beginning above, and near the end below, of the ridge between Steamboat Lookout and Steamboat East.

Al with the deep Scapegoat in the distance.

Walking the beginngs of the ridge from Steamboat Mountain

A bit further along.

Looking south toward Red Mountain and Caribou Peak.

Looking toward Steamboat East.

Looking north into the Plains with Haystack Butte on the right.

Looking back toward Steamboat Mountain.

At about the midway point on the ridge.

The crux of the route -- still only class 2, but loose and steep after an already long walk -- heading up toward Steamboat East from the low point on the ridge.

Al and a tired Skila.

A view back along the ridge with my pack and unnecessary ice axe.

The summit of Steamboat East is a strange, moonscape-like place.