Near Downs  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  43.8486, -103.5705 Map Page Views:  504. Good page?    Administrators:  Andrew Gram, Peter Gram, Greg Parker, Andy Busse, Mike Housiaux, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Chris Hirsch on Aug 27, 2012 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

Description 

Like all the other summits behind the lake, this is a large fin formation with a NW face and SE face. Originally called Hot Potato by the Conns when they climbed it on Aug 22nd, 1955. Holds several lesser known classics, put in more recently.

Getting There 

Can be approached by either the saddle below the Riddle, or by hiking past the Orc Cave. Most distinguishable landmarks is the beautiful grassy narrow corridor on the N side. And this is the highest point of all the ridgelines that make up Middle Earth.

The Classics

Featured Route For Near Downs

Fool of a Took 5.8+  SD : Custer State Park : ... : Near Downs

A super fun moderate that starts with some face climbing to a high bolt leading to a steep hand/fist crack. Follow the crack to its end at a ledge, step onto the face following a flake to a second bolt. Crystal pinch your way past more bolts to an exciting arete finish. You may want to sling the top horn for the follower to protect the final moves before the traverse to the anchors. Numerous cruxes and amazing exposure at the end....[more]   Browse More Classics in SD