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Idaho · Rock Climbing
Sandpoint sits at the edge of the Selkirk Mountains, and the rock climbing here reflects that setting — alpine routes mixed with accessible crags, spread across areas like the Selkirk Crest and Chimney Rock's East Face.
44 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 44 spots
Sandpoint sits at the edge of the Selkirk Mountains, and the rock climbing here reflects that setting — alpine routes mixed with accessible crags, spread across areas like the Selkirk Crest and Chimney Rock's East Face. The 44 active listings in the area cover a real range of styles: crack climbing on routes like Pika Crack and Twin Flakes, face climbing on the East Face Direct, roof problems on Fun Roof and Underware Overhang, and longer alpine-style lines like Alpine Dance Lessons and the Shields-Lunceford route. Myrtle 2 (known locally as Turtle Arches) and the Selkirk Crest are the main climbing areas anchoring the scene. You'll find routes that suit newer leaders — Scuffin Up, Have a Line, Beehive Five — alongside more committing objectives that require solid trad skills and route-finding. Because much of the climbing sits at elevation in the Selkirks, approach times matter and conditions shift faster than at lower-elevation crags. That said, Sandpoint is a legitimate destination for climbers who want variety: sport, trad, bouldering, and multi-pitch all show up in the local tick list, and the area doesn't get the crowds you'd see at more publicized Idaho climbing destinations.
Mid-June through September is the reliable window for most routes, especially anything on the Selkirk Crest or Chimney Rock's East Face, where snowpack can linger into early summer. Lower-elevation crags may open earlier in May on south-facing aspects. Fall can be excellent — cooler temps and stable weather — but early snowfall is possible by October.
A standard trad rack covers the majority of routes here, including crack lines like Pika Crack, Twin Flakes, and Running Flakes. Routes like Fun Roof and Underware Overhang suggest you'll want gear suited for roof and overhang sequences, so a full rack with larger pieces is worth packing. Bring a helmet — alpine routes on the Selkirk Crest and Chimney Rock involve exposed terrain where rockfall is a real consideration.
Selkirk Crest, The
~3 min drive
Idaho climbing at Selkirk Crest in the northern mountains.
West Ridge
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
Pika Crack
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
Chimney Rock
~6 min drive
Idaho climbing area featuring natural rock formations and varied climbing.
Beehive Five
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
Lion's Creek
~12 min drive
Creek-side Idaho climbing area with accessible routes and scenic surroundings.
Twin Flakes
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
Harrison Peak
~4 min drive
Idaho climbing area with natural rock and varied terrain.
Keystone Route
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
East Face/Chimney Rock
~5 min drive
Idaho crag featuring chimney and face climbing on natural rock formations.
Running Flakes
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
West Face/Chimney Rock
~5 min drive
Idaho crag with chimney systems and face climbing on solid rock.
Also worth it near here
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Bouldering
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Rock climbing
Sandpoint, Idaho
Most Selkirk Crest approaches involve forest roads that require a high-clearance vehicle, especially earlier in the season when roads are soft. Trailhead access can change based on road conditions and seasonal closures, so check with the Idaho Panhandle National Forests office in Sandpoint before heading out. Approaches to the higher routes typically take 1-3 hours on foot depending on the specific objective.
Bouldering exists in the area — Pika Crack is listed as a dedicated bouldering problem — but the scene here leans heavily toward roped climbing. If bouldering is your primary focus, Sandpoint is not the most concentrated destination for it, though it works well as part of a mixed trip.
The listing mix includes routes suited to newer trad leaders alongside more serious alpine objectives, so there is genuine range. Routes like Scuffin Up, Beehive Five, and Have a Line are reasonable starting points for climbers building outdoor trad experience. Routes on the Selkirk Crest and multi-pitch lines like the Shields-Lunceford and Cooper-Hiser require confident trad skills, route-finding ability, and comfort moving in alpine terrain.