Climb and Connect: Carroll Takes on Blue Cloud

On November 2nd, Isaac and I had the pleasure of leading a group of fifteen students to one of our favorite local crags for a collaborative climbing outing with the Carroll College Psychology Club. With heavy packs and stoke high enough to start a campfire, we set out on the mile-and-a-half approach to Blue Cloud. The crisp fall air filled our lungs and the late-autumn sun warmed our faces as excitement built with each step toward the towering rock walls coming into view.

Upon arrival, we jumped right into setting up top-ropes after a brief conversation about safety, Leave No Trace practices, and respectful crag etiquette. It was inspiring to watch students, many of whom had never climbed outdoors, step outside their comfort zones, tie in, and truly shine. We intentionally set routes ranging in difficulty so everyone could challenge themselves at a level that felt both comfortable and empowering.

Midway through the day, Blue Cloud gave us a classic Montana weather sampler: sunshine, snow, hail, and back again, all within minutes. Yet the sudden swings in weather only strengthened the group’s determination. Students kept climbing, supporting one another, and embracing the unpredictability with resilience and laughter, demonstrating that adventure often thrives in the unexpected.
Once the ropes were up and everyone was climbing, chatting, and cheering each other on, we took a break to cook up a well-earned taco lunch. After some comedic miscommunication about the whereabouts of cooking utensils, a nearby rock became our trusty guacamole spreader, proving resourcefulness makes everything taste better. Refueled and laughing, we headed back to the wall for more climbing.

Later in the afternoon, a Psychology Club representative gathered the group for a brief reflection on the importance of pushing personal limits, spending time outdoors, and the positive impact nature can have on mental health. While Isaac and I cleaned the routes and ensured we left no trace behind, participants shared takeaways from the day and encouraged one another to continue seeking out new challenges.
Before hiking out, we snapped a group photo to commemorate the experience. The trail back to the cars was filled with storytelling, laughter, and a shared sense of accomplishment. By the end of the day, everyone left not only proud of their efforts but also feeling more connected as classmates, as climbers, and as a community.