The Meat Packing Plant area refers to all of the sandstone situated on the "M" hill near the gap in Rapid City. I suppose that the name is out of date after the fire a few years ago at the plant, but this has been what the area has been called traditionally.
There is a limited number of excellent boulder problems in the area, and some possibility for some trad leads with various cracks, and also some topropes on faces up to maybe 40 feet high.
Getting There
The most common approach is to park near the corner of the two streets which intersect at the front gate of the meat packing plant. This is the first major right turn off of Omaha street after getting on Omaha from I-190 (West Blvd). The road is 12th Street, which should cross the creek and take a 90 degree turn to the left.
Walk towards the fence and follow a prominent trail that runs between the fence and the creek around the plant. Once past this, there is a small building with a nice overhanging boulder behind it called the Vegan boulder. The Vegan boulder is the most common destination, but other rocks can be found by following the trail at its base up the hillside towards the "M".
The overhanging boulder refered to as "The Vegan Boulder" is really named "Settler's Rock". This was the first campsite of Rapid Cities founders in the 1800's. John Evans probably did the first ascent of the easiest route thru the roof (5.10a/V0)in the early 1960's. There are numerous routes that were established prior to 1984 when Mark Jacobs and Mike Engle climbed any possible variation that was previously unascended. I suspect I may have worked out a new variation or two myself in the early 1980's.
It was in the early 1980's that Monte Carlson and myself cleaned up and climbed the "Sculpted Traverse" which is the obvious south facing traverse on a boulder to the west and uphill from Settler's Rock.
There are at least 100 problems that were worked out by 1985 on every formation along this escarpment. Likewise there are over 20 routes that have been led or toproped on the main wall. The climbing is not real appealing but will provide a quick wicked pump. This area is best suited the winter.
When going to (and coming from) the Vegan Boulder, make sure you take the path around the fence, along the creek. Four of us were bouldering there last night and a friendly Rapid City policeman (the "P-Unit") came out of the creek like the Swamp Thing, hoisting binoculars bravely. He asked us to "all come hither". When I told him I was comfortable where I was, he informed me that I would be physically moved if I didn't immediately move to occupy the position that he wanted me in- (oh, he was cute too but I thought he might be a little on the rough McGruff side, so I grudgingly went thither) After failing to get an actual "K9-Unit" to the scene (I wouldn't consent to search, it was starting to rain and I like having friends who are willing to sit in the rain w/ me and just enjoy being, you know?), the P-Unit searched us anyway. He had been doing it for 10 years and thus was a very good searcher. Also a very good user of binoculars. Did I say he was cute? Anyhow, it seems their 2nd main focus (after searching us) was determining if we had walked through the fenced-off area (the charred remains of the old Pack). He said they had been having problems with people being inside the fence. Please, everyone, use the path to go around the fence, stay away from the brick building, and watch out for that slippery seam way up there and to the left of the butt-cheek-lookin' buldge man there's sand all over that...
Just started to explore the area ... the opportunity does not present itself often (since I live in Lead), but since my wife and I are selling bread at the Farmer's Market (Honey Whole Wheat and quick breads), I decided to take my boy across the creek and check out Vegan Boulder.I suggest parking at the Farmer's Market/Prehistoric Fish/Volleyball parking area and wading across the creek. Always head towards the brick building (visible from parking lot) and you cannot miss Vegan. On your way back buy some fresh, non-commercial farm produced veggies/fruit and some of my wife's bread (she's there Tues and Thurs). The market is open 10 AM - 5 PM, MTWRF & Sa.
Hey everyone. This place is my favorite boulder to climb. It's in town, close to everything, and has many differant variations. You can hike a little bit further up the hill and try some harder stuff as well. But if you are going to use this boulder. I would appreciate it if you wernt a douche bag, and just made sure not to trash the place. There is some construction going on around, so just respect the area. Thanks every one, and have fun. I will post some pictures here sooner or later.
Meat Packing Plant
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