The view of Sylvan Lake from the summit of the Inn...
Description
The Inner Outlet is the large formation hulking over Sylvan Lake. It is the nearest to the lake of the two huge monoliths that tower over the area. The Inner Outlet has some classic moderate trad lines, as well as some harder bolted routes. Classic Crack is one of the finest climbs in South Dakota, and shouldn't be missed by anyone.
Getting There
From Sylvan Lake, walk along the trail on the near side of the lake. Walk underneath the giant chockstone, and head left. The Inner Outlet becomes obvious after walking around the ridge of rock behind the dam area.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Inner Outlet:
This is the best pitch of climbing under 5.9 in the Outlets, and maybe the best single pitch period.On the side of Inner Outlet opposite the lake, look for a beautiful prominent crack. Climb it. A fairly long sustained pitch of great climbing with bomber gear leads to the top of the formation. The climbing is stout for 5.7, but it is so well protected it is a much easier way to the top of the Inner Outlet than the Wiessner Chimney.This is one ...[more]Browse More Classics in SD
Rather than taking the path that passes the giant chockstone, take the well-worn trail that skirts the northwestern edge of the outlets. To get to this trail, park at the Sylvan General Store parking area. Walk down toward the lake from the parking lot and make a left (heading NW) onto the trail that cirlces lake walkway/trail. Before you reach the outlets, where the damn and the path that passes the giant chockstone are located, you will find a trail that heads to the NW/W, thereby going to the leftside of the outlet/rock formation nearest to the lake. After walking a hundred yards or so on this path, you will come to two brown, small buildings owned by the Sylvan Lake Resort. There was a couple of paddle boats and an old couch laying around the buildings as of July 2008. Stay on the trail, which veers to the right or NW, and do not head west onto the road. The trail will take you down a gentle slope. The Inner Outlets will be the third rock formation/fin on your right. The Outer Outlets are the next formation down hill. The approach from the parking lot to the Inner Oulets should only take 10-15 minutes at most.
What's the name and grade of the bolted climb to the right of Classic Crack? The climb's about 7 bolts long with a gear placement or two up higher. I think the grade around 10a/b.
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