Reasons People Like Climbing the Black Hills

 

Here's a climb called "Gobs of Knobs" because it had, well, I guess , the best way to describe it is to say, it had gobs of knobs.

 

 

 

Here's one reason people climb in the Needles area: a moderate - 5.7 - sport climb that tops out with a fab view.

 

 

This is a rock near the famous John Gill boulder problem at Sylvan Lake. John McDonald's traverse of this boulder has never been repeated. We call it the "John McGill" boulder problem.

 

 

Here's a climb Pat at VE recommended called "Valdez Overhang." Pat's description was perfect: "a juggy, overhanging gym climb."

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a 60 foot climb with 3 bolts that goes up a thin flake with perfect handholds the whole way. It's so narrow on top that you can't stand on it.

 

 

A typical Rushmore climb - no real handholds; only foot holds on  outrageous friction. (We climbed one of these in the rain and there still was enough friction.) Don't bother rubbing the rock hoping for the Handhold Genie to pop out and make holds appear. S/he won't.