Palisade Falls
Introduction:
Locked between Bozeman and Big Sky is the busy forest of Hyalite Canyon. Filled with a reservoir and a complex network of streams, one may wonder what lies beyond the beaten path. Unfortunately, if you are looking for what's off the beaten path, Palisade Falls is not it. It is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Montana and is probably the most descended by volume. Montana State University is just a stone's throw away, so expect many onlookers if you are planning on doing this one rappel wonder. Oh, and did we mention it can be descended in an hour from car to car? Yeah, it is a perfect morning, mid-day, or evening canyon. The ball is in your court. Go kick it.
Stats:
Technical rating: 3B/C1 I* (V3A1I*)
Time needed: 1 - 2 1/2 hours
Number of rappels: 1
Number of down climbs: 0
Longest rappel: 150 feet
Elevation gain/loss: 410 feet
Distance: .8 miles round trip
Significant hydraulics: none.
Special recommendations: Do not bring beginners and beware of the onlookers below!
Season: June - September
Getting there:
From Bozeman: from Main Street follow the South road until you hit its intersection with South 19th Avenue.
Take a left onto S 19th Ave.
Follow 1.1 miles through a 90-degree right turn. You will see a sign for Hyalite Canyon. Be careful, do not miss the turn-off. It is indicated by a small green street sign on your left.
Take a left onto Hyalite Canyon Road. Follow it up to and pass the reservoir. You will see a split on the road approximately 12 miles in. Take another left here and your parking lot will be the first one on the left (indicated by the sign).
The approach:
I am going to keep this simple
From the trailhead, follow the concrete path to the bridge that crosses just below Palisade Falls. Admire the view.
Then once across the bridge you will see an obvious eroded foot path that goes towards the cliff-above head. Follow it up under the cliff and around the corner.
Once you are around the bend, you will find a climber’s gully on your left. Go up it.
Once you are at the top of the gully, follow the path to the top of the falls. Ensure to cut out slung anchors on the way to the creek. These anchors are likely from climbers. Do not let them influence you. Climbers are stinky. Pack out the webbing and keep the quick link yourself. (Do not cut out the anchor at the top of the watercourse. You need that).
Once at the creek, you are done. Yay.
The fun part:
Well. There is only one rappel so I guess there is not a lot to write about.
DCL at the pour over the falls you will find a tree that is likely slung. Use this anchor.
Do note there may be people below, so sending someone down with the rope bag is a good idea. Lowering the rope may cause the rope to pile up on some of the smaller ledges below and may not be very effective.
This rappel is not beginner friendly and you will get wet. Do not underestimate the slipperiness, and awkwardness involved with this rappel. It will try to throw you off all the way down.
Rappel 1 (150 feet from a slung tree DCL): Rappel down the face of the cliff. Enjoy the waterfall’s spray and show off your involuntary dance moves to the onlookers below. Be careful of the pull due to a bush DCL of the rappel.
The exit:
Pull your rope and be mindful of the people next to you. A fiddle toggle is nice here.
Once pack, cross the bridge and walk down the paved path back to your car.
Palisade Falls resources:
You don’t get any. If you need a map and a canyon topo for this canyon, find a new hobby. Yeesh.
Something’s changed? Let us know!