Guide Books & More for Climbing in the Black Hills
The Black Hills has 1.25 Million acres, with climbing spread from end to end. To get to where you want to go there are a couple of guide books that can help you. There are a couple of guide services & stores you will want to know along the way in case you need some gear or just want some good beta! Don’t forget to check out our link to the Black Hills on Mountain Project at the bottom of each page next to our other social links!
Guide Books
Needles: A Mini Climbing Guide to Custer State Park
by Cheryl Mayer and Daryl Stisser
This book was written by the former owner of Sylvan Rocks Climbing School. It has lots of the classic climbs, as well as some of the routes put up in the last three or four years. Excellent Maps and Beta, this guide is all you will need for a quick weekend trip to Custer State Park. Only available at Granite Sports
The Needles: Climbing Guide to the Black Hills Needles
by Rachel Lynn and Zach Orenczak
Comprehensive climbing guide to the Black Hills Needles. This Full-color, full-throttle guide will get you up and down from the most legendary spires of the Black Hills. Includes Sylvan Lake areas as well as the Cathedral Spires and everything in between. Available at Granite Sports, Roam’n Around.
Spearfish Canyon, The VC, and Other Black Hills Limestone
by Mikel Cronin
The Black Hills in western South Dakota is one of North America's premier limestone sport climbing areas. Well-protected routes on bomber, blue and tan limestone make for spectacular climbing. From the pocket paradise of Spearfish Canyon with routes on vertical to slightly overhanging rock, to The VC with its forearm-blasting, knee-bar-scumming steep headwalls, the diversity of the climbing here is a smorgasbord of styles. This guidebook describes over 700 climbs at Spearfish Canyon, The VC, Bethlehem and Falling Rock. This book is available at Granite Sports, and Roam’n Around.
Needles of Rushmore Climbing in South Dakota's Mt. Rushmore National Memorial
by Andrew Busse and Andrew Burr
Nearly 30 years since the release of Paul Piana's Touch the Sky, Rushmore Needles is a fully comprehensive update to the mystical treasure map of the granite in the Southern Black Hills (east of Harney Peak). The book includes over 900 detailed routes from Palmer Gulch to Remington Road, including the popular sport climbing area, Mt. Rushmore. Rushmore Needles transcends guidebooks with the creative work of coauthor, Andrew Burr (senior photographer of Climbing magazine). This book is out of print, and is like the snitch to get your hands on (yes that is a Harry Potter reference). Hard to come by, there is a book on amazon for $90. At Granite Sports you can ask to take a look at it, but their only copy is no longer for sale!
Rock Climbs of the Eastern Big Horns: Second Edition
by Trevor Bowman
The Second Edition of Rock Climbs of the Eastern Big Horns is the definitive guidebook to the best-known crags scattered throughout the eastern flank of Wyoming's scenic Big Horn Mountains. It features twenty-two different areas with over 700 routes, over half of which are published here for the first time. This book is available at Granite Sports.
Devil's Tower Climbing Guidebook
by Rachel Lynn and Zach Orenczak
There is perhaps no other natural wonder that causes all to gasp in awe upon first sight. Rising more than 1200 feet from the high plains of wild Wyoming, Devil's Tower stands proud. Hundreds of routes scale some of the most aesthetic cracks in the world. Whether you choose to span El Matador’s 180’ stemming chimney or the smooth jams of Soler, Devil's Tower is one summit not to be passed up. In trademark Extreme Angles style, Devil's Tower Climbing irreverently tells the unrivaled tale of climbing at the Tower, complete with tear-out route and rappel cards. And to keep you entertained on the drive, the stories and pictures will keep you chuckling. This book is sold at Granite Sports.
Guide Services
If you are new to climbing and you want to get out and experience the incredible rock and still be safe, look no further than a guide service! These men and women are all certified to take you up and down the rock, so don’t let lack of experience slow you down! They also have options for people who are experienced climbers, but need a little guidance on some big routes! There are two guiding services here in the Black Hills! Make sure you visit their websites to see which service fits your adventures.
Sylvan Rocks Climbing Guides
Sylvan Rocks Climbing Guides has been a guiding business for 30 years! They are located in Custer, SD and do most of their climbing in Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore and Devils Tower! For more information on Sylvan Rocks Climbing Guides click here to visit their website!
Buck wild Climbing Guides
Buck Wild Climbing Guides is founded by Will Buckman who has 16 years of rock and ice climbing experience and 10 years of teaching and guiding experience. Will can take you through Custer State Park, up Devils Tower and all around Spearfish Canyon! To learn more about what Will offers click here!
Gear Shops
The Black Hills Climbers Coalition teams up with the gear shops around the Black Hills to help members get the best goods for their sends. Luck for us we have locally owned shops that are amazing at stocking products and customer service. Visit one of these shops and they will surely hook you up with the gear and the beta for your best rock climbing experience!
Hill City, SD
The Black Hills have long been a favorite spot of hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. In 1998 Granite Sports first opened it's doors (in their hundred-year-old brick building) to meet the gear, guide, and apparel needs of the thriving outdoor community in the area. In 2006 Pat Wiederhold - a Hill City native - purchased the business and continues to bring a great product selection, expertise and experience into the store! To learn more or visit Granite Sports, check out their website and how to get there right here.
Rapid City, SD
Roam’n Around has what you need for all your travel and outdoor adventures. Whether traveling the world or exploring your backyard (like us lucky Black Hills residents) they've got you covered, from luggage to backpacks, passport covers to guide books, hammocks to climbing gear & everything in between. Let them help you plan your next adventure! They are also a Grassroots Outdoor Alliance! Check out their website here, but make sure to visit in person!
Custer, SD
The South Dakota Outdoor Shop opened its doors in May of 2019 to give more adventure opportunities to one of the most exceptional places in the Black Hills! Stop in to their locally-owned shop in Custer near Custer State Park and let the excellent staff of outdoor-enthusiasts help meet all your adventure needs so you can spend less time planning and more time playing. Check them out here or in person!
Rock Climbing Gyms
The Black Hills Climbers Coalition knows that sometimes those nice trips can get a little rained out, and our rule here is if the road is dry, the granite is dry! But if you caught yourself in a bit of a wet situation, feel free to check out a couple rock climbing gyms to help you get through the day!
