Montana · Rock climbing · Gallatin Gateway · Near Emigrant

Explosive Area

3 routes
V1 – V6
Bouldering
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Explosive Area open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Bozeman Ranger District. It doesn't name Explosive Area, so check the source for the area it covers (16 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Bozeman Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Explosive Area is a bouldering area in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, part of the Bozeman Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. The Forest Service manages the land, and the area sits within designated wilderness, so expect to plan around the rules that apply there. The climbing here is all bouldering, with three routes spread across the area. The grades range from V1 to V6, with The Cooler at V1 and Fear Factor at V6. The routes are close together, with Explosive Boulder and Carpenter Boulder both about 0.1 mile away. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Big Sky run to highs around 78°F in July, with lows near 41°F. Winters are cold, with January highs around 30°F. Other spots are within a short drive. Table Mountain is about 0.8 mile away, the Gallatin River fishing access is about 1.8 miles off, and Greek Creek campground is about 2.9 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Hwy191-38 Mm60.2

    Campground

    Campground · 1.3 mi from the trail

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More in Emigrant
  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Explosive Area

    Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      30° / 9°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      34° / 9°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      42° / 17°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      48° / 23°

      11 wet

    5. May

      58° / 30°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      67° / 36°

      14 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 41°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      77° / 39°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      68° / 33°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      53° / 25°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      37° / 16°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 9°

      14 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Big Sky 2wnw, MT, 8.9 mi away at 6,590 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Routes (3)