Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
GPS: 43.84169, -103.5458
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 23,986 total · 91/month
Shared By: Peter Gram on Jul 14, 2002
Admins: Peter Gram, Greg Parker, Mikel Madsen, Mark Rafferty

Description Suggest change

This rock has a highway named after it, and it is paved right to the base. Every route on this formation is extremely bold with massive ground fall potential. Do not plan on climbing this during the day in tourist season. Hordes of tourists will swarm the base. Although, maybe a ground fall might land you on top of a tourist bus. Climb this in the spring or fall and early or late in the day.

Many famous photos show people stemming up the middle of the eye. However, the most popular route now seems to be a 5.10 route that starts directly from the parking lot. To descend, rappel from fixed anchors using two ropes to the ground.

Getting There Suggest change

This rock is the main attraction of the Needles Eye area. The approach is stepping out of the car and grabbing the first holds. The crux of the approach may very well be fielding all sorts of tourists' questions.

4 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Needle's Eye Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at Needle's Eye

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c X
 39
Needle's Eye
Trad 2 pitches
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 63
Threading the Needle
Trad
5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 24
Renn Fenton Direct Route
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Needle's Eye
 39
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c X Trad 2 pitches
Threading the Needle
 63
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad
Renn Fenton Direct Route
 24
5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad
More Classic Climbs in Needle's Eye »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Photos

loading