Overview

Enjoy a summer day of Black Hills rock climbing, with several types of rock face, levels of difficulty and locations to choose from, all featured within breathtaking landscapes.

Where To Rock Climb

Custer State Park: A popular climbing location, Custer State Park is also known as the “Needles of South Dakota,” due to the granite spears shooting up towards the sky. Here you will find climbing areas catering to all abilities; a perfect place to summit your very first rock face.

• Featuring the Cathedral Spires, Needles Eye, and Ten Pins.
• Several routes for novice and experienced climbers.
• Rest once you summit and spot bison, elk, and deer as you survey the landscape.

Mount Rushmore Area: Take a photo of past Presidents and then head into the surrounding area – over 1200 acres – with plentiful climbing locations to pass the day.

• Several climbing areas feature modern protections.
• Easy access to a variety of locations.
• Absolutely no climbing on Mount Rushmore itself (you will promptly be arrested).

Devils Tower: A “crack climbers” dream spot, Devils Tower, located in northwest Wyoming, provides continuous cracks along its volcanic colonnade to entertain climbers for days.

• Summit this extraordinary geological formation as an experienced climber or novice with guided instruction.
• Take in views of Wyoming’s plains from the summit.

Spearfish Canyon: A relatively new Black Hills climbing area, test your cragging abilities on the limestone canyon walls.

• Featuring Sunshine Wall, which offers a great place to climb in the sun during winter months.

Go with a Guide

Take the trepidation out of trying this exciting outdoor activity and utilize one of the local guide services, providing instruction for families, large groups, and experienced and inexperienced solo climbers.