Dam - Back Side

Description 

The back side of the rocks near the dam have many quality routes. Many summits run from east to west here. Since most summits are not named, any routes along the lake could be included here. The back side of the rocks that hold the lake in to the east of the dam hold good routes such as Better Than Pool & Pie and All That Glitters is Gold. To the west of the dam are some interesting routes such as Lonesome Stepchild, Blockhead, Wild Rib, and Evarete, each of which goes to a separate summit.

Most routes in this area go to fixed anchors - but don't count on it. I have been on some weird formations here that require some interesting and intuitive descents.

Getting There 

Walk around Sylvan Lake on the nice trail towards the rocks. The rocks that are just left and right of the dam are the "Dam - Front Side" rocks. Walk through the tunnel with the boulder crammed in it. On the other side, look for routes both to the left and the right. Most all routes here are bolted, so that is the best tipoff to find the climbs.

Featured Route For Dam - Back Side

Evarete 5.7  SD : Custer State Park : Outlets

Go through the damn tunnel and head left. When you get to the end of the buttress on your left, follow the path up to the left (between the rocks and the old road). Evarete is the second spire/rock. The route starts on the Northwest corner, you should be able to see some of the bolts that follow the Arete up to the top. The climbing is right on the corner, fun and slightly exposed with a good summit. Rap down to the start from the anchor....[more]