Route Setting
With over 50 years of combined experience, our setting team aims to provide the Spire community with a diversity of styles, movement, grades, and holds. New routes and boulders are set 3 days a week, so there is always fresh plastic to send. We aim to provide everyone with a complete climbing experience, so if there is something you would like to see more or less of, scroll down and leave us constructive feedback!
Our Setters
-
Nick W. "Dad"
Head Route Setter, Setting Since 2008
Height: 5'8" Ape Index: +2" Climbing Since 1999
If it wasn't the whiskey, then it sure was that sweet southern sandstone that made this wayward Kentuckian fall in love with rock climbing. For 20 years, rock climbing has been a significant part of my life whether it's climbing outside or grabbing plastic. Eventually, I learned that I could put that plastic wherever my heart desired, and thus began my journey as a setter. I lucked out in finding Bozeman around 10 years ago and have been happy to call this place home ever since. I've learned so much through becoming part of the Montana climbing community; it has even influenced the way I set. I enjoy setting athletic, dynamic, and intricate movement. While I love climbing on steep walls, I also have a deep respect for the less than vertical.
-
Cam B.
I came to Bozeman in 2019 from Washington state. Though the rock quality here might not be as good as back home, the community and adventure in Montana has kept me more than happy. Currently I route set and coach the climbing team here at Spire. I spend most of my free time ridding my bike and hanging out by the water.
Beaver Creek and Fantasia
-
Kenna M.
Raised in Whitefish and moved to Bozeman on a whim. I work the desk and route set weekly. If I ain’t at work, I’m rockhounding, climbing/wandering outside, or playing pool.
Point of Rocks outside of Whitefish.
-
Erik C. "EC"
Setting Since 2003
Height: 6'0" Ape Index: 0" Climbing Since 2002
Originally came to Bozeman from eastern South Dakota for an engineering degree at MSU and skiing at Bridger. Long story short, climbing pushed both of those out of the way eventually and I haven't practiced either for many years. Began setting at the old, old Montana State gym in Romney around 2002 and have been setting at Spire since about 2006. My main passion is bouldering but sport climbing is a close second and I still enjoy placing gear from time to time. I'm very fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time traveling so if I'm not around Bozeman I'm usually searching for the best boulders in the USA and beyond.
-
Danton "DTron 3030" T.
Setting Since 2022
I came to Bozeman for a Christmas light installation job and ended up staying, I was fortunate to get a foot in the door on the setting team after frequenting the gym for about a year. I am originally from Michigan and have prior setting experience that started there as well. I enjoy steak and a modest amount of wood working and joinery.
Flux capacitor zone/ The Channel
-
Zac V. "Zac"
Setting Since 2021
Height: 6'2" Ape Index: +1" Climbing Since 1996
I grew up outside of Washington D.C. and began climbing at Carderock as a teen. After high school I moved to Boulder where my passion for bouldering took off. In 2012 I moved to Bozeman, which coincided with a break from climbing for a few years. My favorite discipline is still bouldering. Outside of climbing I enjoy spending time with my partner, family and cat.
-
Tim G.
Setting since 2022
I came to Bozeman for college in 2017. I quickly fell in love with the surrounding area and the outdoor opportunities it provides and have stayed here ever since. At Spire I routeset, work the front desk, and coach. When not climbing I love seeing, knitting, and baking bread.
