Moving to Sandstone, MN in June and am wondering what the climbing is like there. Could someone fill me in a bit. Thanks

Ben J

I've climbed a little there... think the main rock areas are:

- Blue Mounds SP: single pitch trad Sioux Quartzite (like non-grippy granite) in SW corner of the state
- Taylor's Falls: on the river near the twin cities, basalt
- Red Wing: bolted limestone near Red Wing
- North Shore of Lake Superior: granite trad (maybe some sport?)

You used to have to register to climb at SP's.

Ice... head to the border.

This crag map says it all:

http://mountainproject.com/v/minnesota/105826273

I was in Sandstone once, in high school. I remember nothing, for a variety of reasons.

Check out the MN page, and specifically look at Robinson Park: (also consider you will be less than an hour from Duluth and the start of the North Shore climbing areas)

http://mountainproject.com/v/minnesota/105812481

Where are you coming from, Ben?

If you are looking for rock, there are spots spread throughout the state. It will be nice that you are close to Duluth/the North Shore since there is a lot of climbing there. If you are looking for ice, you can just go to your backyard in Sandstone (Robinson Park, like Chris mentioned).

minnesotaclimbing.com is another site where the local climbers chat.

Welcome to MN!

Dude, I've been stuck here for 9 months and can say it that if you like climbing, you shouldn't be living in MN. The best MN has to offer would be a low-rate crag at best in CO/CA/anywhere out west. Sandstone at least is closer to the North Shore climbing than Minneapolis. There is a great mixed crag in Duluth at casket quarry. Sandstone itself is a podunk in the middle of nowhere. All that being said, MN is about as good as it comes when speaking climbing in the Midwest.

But I'm moving back to Denver by the end of the month for a reason.