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11,214 ft · Crazy Mountains, Montana

Crazy Peak

Crazy Peak is an 11,214 ft peak in the Crazy Mountains, Montana. The standard route is the Big Timber Creek: 12 mi, 4,809 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Crazy Peak in the Crazy Mountains, Montana

Crazy Peak at a glance

  • Elevation11,214 ft3,418 m
  • RouteBig Timber CreekClass 3
  • Distance12 mi4,809 ft gain
  • Time9 – 11 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeCrazy MountainsMontana

Climbing the Big Timber Creek

From Big Timber, Montana, follow Big Timber Canyon Road toward the Half Moon area to reach the Big Timber Creek approach; confirm current access, as some routes cross private land. The climb is a committing Class 3 scramble with steep, exposed sections and loose rock near the top. Snow lingers late into summer, and the isolated Crazy Mountains generate fast, violent storms with high wind. Wear a helmet, start early, and be ready to retreat if the sky darkens. This is rugged, remote terrain, so carry a filter, navigation, and enough layers for a cold, windy summit.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Helmet
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Sun Hat
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • Headlamp
  • GPS Device
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Power Bank
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Paper Map
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • Loose rock
  • Snow near summit
  • Ice near summit
  • Technical climbing
  • High altitude
  • Storms
  • High winds
  • Remote location
  • Altitude sickness
  • Rockfall
  • Low visibility

Quests with Crazy Peak

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Crazy Peak?

Crazy Peak is 11,214 feet (3,418 m) tall. It is in the Crazy Mountains, Montana.

How hard is it to climb Crazy Peak?

The Big Timber Creek is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 12 miles with 4,809 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Crazy Peak?

Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Big Timber Creek, covering 12 miles with 4,809 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Crazy Peak dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Crazy Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Big Timber Creek, so a helmet is on the gear list.

What time should you start climbing Crazy Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb Crazy Peak?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Crazy Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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