Book: Lost Horse Canyon

Joe Josephson’s most recent installment in the Big Sky Rock guidebook series proves to be as beta-rich and witty as the two previous works, Butte’s Climbing Guide and Central Montana Rock. Lost Horse Canyon (First Ascent Press; $20) is chock-full of accurate route descriptions, driving directions, and even the best place to refuel on a bison burger après-climb. Lost Horse Canyon lays on Highway 93 south of Missoula in the Bitterroot Valley, close to the town of Darby. Arguably the most diverse climbing area in the state, there’s a lot for everyone, and not a lot of people. From challenging bouldering problems on the aptly named “Bloody Fingers Boulder” to classic multi-pitch climbs such as the “Mountaineers Route,” there’s certainly no lack of variety. And if you get pumped out pulling proud, take a quick perusal of the guidebook for entertaining photos of certain bikini-clad females and spandex-sportin’ males.