The Black Hills Travel Blog

Beginners Welcome

By Heather • Jun 24th, 2009 • Category: Outdoor Adventure

Rock climbing

I’ve been living in the Black Hills for nearly five years now. I’ve hiked my share of trails, gone on scenic drives, had fun at the Sturgis Rally, gambled in Deadwood and taken the time to visit plenty of historic sites and monuments.

There’s always been one activity that I’ve wanted to try while in the Black Hills, but I’ve always been a little too intimated. Maybe it’s my lack of athleticism or maybe just my lack of experience, but I’ve always shied away from opportunities with rock climbing. Well, after doing a little research on the climbing in the Black Hills, I’m considering overcoming my fear.

The Black Hills have great locations for rock climbing like Spearfish Canyon, the Cathedral Spires in Custer State Park, the rock surrounding Mount Rushmore and Devil’s Tower, just to name a few.  No matter whether or not you’re an expert or a first time climber, there’s a site in the Black Hills suited to your climbing abilities.

Well, if you’re like me and have no experience whatsoever, you’re probably wondering where to start. There are rock climbing guide services available in the Black Hills, like the Sylvan Rocks Climbing School. An expert will provide you with gear and training so you can enjoy your climb at your own pace (take a look at this video). Even if you’re a seasoned climber but new to the Black Hills, it’s still recommended to use a guide a service to avoid getting lost and be able to find the best and safe routes.

Well, I’m hoping to get out there and have my first rock climbing experience this summer. You never know, maybe I’ll even be brave enough to give ice climbing a chance this winter. For more information on rock climbing in the Black Hills, take a look at the links below:

Black Hills News Bureau
Rock Climbing.com
Real Adventures

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About the Author

Heather is originally from De Smet, South Dakota, where she spent her time giving Laura Ingalls Wilder tours until she moved across the state to the Black Hills area to attend college. She is a recent graduate of Black Hills University, where she received a bachelor of arts degree with a double major in Public Relations and Spanish. On two different occasions Heather has fed her love of travel as an exchange student: a summer in Japan at age 17, and semester in Mexico in spring of 2008. Traveling and sightseeing are things she plans to keep on her agenda, and she's currently working on applying to graduate school. Heather has loved living in the area the past five years. When not working, she is usually spending time with her friends or reading.
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