We are a group of Helena area climbers that are passionate about our climbing and like to have a good time. As our town and climbing community grows, we hope to meet the evolving needs of the land and the people to ensure longevity as well as fun at some of our favorite places. We think this is done best by bringing people together, building lasting relationships, and promoting ethics that encourage both new and weathered climbers to invest in the climbing community. Mostly, we think we live in a pretty rad area for climbing and we want folks to enjoy it and take care of it.
If you are new to town and looking for partners – let us know! We’ll hook you up. If you are traveling through and want some beta – we like beer. If you are new to climbing, climbing-curious, or want to try something outside of the gym but don’t know where to start – help out at one of our events or come to a meeting and meet like minded folks. Or if you just think this whole thing is pretty sweet – donations are always welcome.
We hope you find what you need from this site and then get off the internet and into your harness. It’s sending temps somewhere.
Climbing is inherently dangerous. The information on this site is not meant to provide technical skills or formal training. Be aware of your own limitations, your surroundings, your partner, and the function and condition of your equipment.
Since 2019 the HCC has been an affiliate of the Access Fund, a national climbing advocacy organisation dedicated to promoting access and conserving our climbing resources.
Meet the Board
Brad Maddock (Chair)
Brad grew up in the suburbs of Denver, and has been living in
Helena since 2008. He enjoys the low key atmosphere and lack of
crowds that Montana climbing has to offer and you will likely find
him at a family friendly crag with this wife Sarah, son Will, and dog
Olive. He loves big adventures, good tequila, friends around the
campfire, and Suds Hut chicken (it’s broasted not fried). Brad is the
chair of the HCC board and is excited to start chipping away at the
long list of projects within our region. He wants the HCC to be
welcoming to all climbers that wish to be involved.
Bob Goodwyn (Vice Chair)
Born & raised in Lewistown, MT where the tallest things
to climb are water towers & grain elevators – Bob
smartly moved to Helena after college in 2008. For Type
II fun, he’s often found adventuring into the Montana
alpine, carrying way-too-heavy packs, getting
tent-bound and attempting to repeat old Montana
mountaineering routes. But for Type I fun, he believes
Helena has some of the best under-the-radar local crags
of anywhere in the state. He enjoys all facets of climbing
around Helena, whether that be indoor plastic pulling,
grunting up gray limestone or trying hard on Sheep
Mountain trad. He can’t wait to help promote, protect
and improve some of his favorite local spots. If he’s not out climbing with his partner Megan, you can
catch a glimpse of him trail running, backcountry skiing or frequenting any of his favorite post-crag
haunts: the Blackfoot, TenMile OR the Western. 🙂 See you out there!
Sarah Maddock (Secretary)
I was born and raised in Helena, MT and have been exploring the
mountains around Helena and Western Montana since before I can
remember. When I’m not working as a Nurse in the ER, my
husband, Brad and I spend most of our free time climbing,
mountain biking, skiing, and floating rivers. I enjoy all types of
climbing but multi pitch climbs and getting on top of spires and
mountains top the list! My favorite place to climb is in the North
Cascades of Washington. Climbing for me is all about community,
getting outside, and drinking cold beverages afterwards. I love
being a mountain mama and adventuring with our son, Will and
showing him all the amazing things the outdoors has to offer. I am
excited to work with HCC and support the climbing community in
Helena!
Andrew Schrader (Treasurer) Born and raised in Minnesota, I spent my childhood summers traveling out west hiking around the various National Parks in the West. During college ski trips, my love of the mountains grew until I was able to move West to Helena in 2017. I quickly made a great group of friends in the Helena climbing community. I enjoy the adventure of multi-pitch trad climbing and ice climbing across our beautiful state. I like to get high off the ground and find any excuse to plug in cams. All disciplines of climbing can be fun with the right crew. My favorite climbing locations are Blodgett Canyon, the Tetons, Indian Creek, and Cody. I’m thankful for the memories, friendship, and life lessons that climbing has given me over the years. I wanted to become actively involved in HCC to help grow a sustainable climbing community here. Many of my best memories and closest friends have resulted from climbing. I’m excited to see our community grow so that others can gain new memories, friendship, and joy that I have found in the mountains.
Megan Helton Born in Kentucky, Megan has had the great privilege of being a bit of a nomad before making her home Helena in 2016. She has a history of working on community projects and conservation goals, and she is thrilled to be able to combine that experience with her love of climbing through her role with HCC. While she can be found spreading the gospel of try hard at Ladies Night at the gym, she also loves the solitude, challenge, and adventure of alpine objectives- no matter the season. Keeping up with Bob on vertical pursuits, laughing at her lounging dog, and daydreaming of absurd outings in the Beartooths are some of her all time favorite things – though trail runs in the South Hills, bike rides with good girlfriends, and avocados smushed on fresh bagels hit the podium too.
Steve Ahlrich
Born a westerner, I have lived in Arizona, Oregon, Washington and Montana. I lived in
Missoula and Bozeman “back in the day” (MSU class of ‘86), and found myself in Helena in
2015. I love the lack of crowds and easy pace and don’t know of a better place to be. I’m
primarily a cragger these days and love a good multi-pitch climb. I thoroughly enjoy climbing
at our local crags as well as reaching a bit further out in neighboring states like Idaho and
Wyoming. When not climbing I enjoy fly fishing, back-country skiing, and local and
international travel. After the day’s adventures there is nothing better than sipping a cold beer
with friends at a local brewery. I look forward to working with HCC to promote Helena area
climbing, and advocate for climbing ethics and environmental stewardship.
Dan Bachen
Originally from Alaska, I began to climbing in the Bitterroot Mountains soon after moving to Missoula. Since then I’ve spent time in Bozeman and moved to Helena in 2016. Along the way I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to explore many of Montana’s crags, boulders, and mountains. As a board member, I look forward to helping promote climbing in the Helena, and ensure the sustainability and accessibility of our sport.
Helena Climber's Coalition 