Mount Rushmore National Memorial

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Mr. Critical - One of Rushmore's best.

Description 

Mt. Rushmore National Memorial climbing offers amazing pegmatite granite climbing that ranges from 10' boulders to over 400' traditional routes all with great access. The area has climbing on every aspect, allowing the season to run from spring to fall with an occasional winter day (South Dakota Wx depending). Rock quality is generally very good, as is most protection.

Guidebooks:
Mt. Rushmore National Memorial Climbers Guide by Vernon R. Phinney

Free Camping: Wrinkled Rock

Main Hub: Rapid City

Getting There 

From: Mt. Rushmore National Memorial Entrance stoplight.
Head west on SD-244 Peter Norbeck Scenic Hwy, away from Keystone for approx 1.1 mi. There will be a shoulder pull-off on the right hand side of the road. This is the Emancipation/ Inner Marker Parking Area.

Marker/Monster Parking Area, continue up the road approx (350') to approx the 1.2 mile mark from the entrance, to another shoulder pull-off on the left side of the road. There is a climbers sign-in kiosk at the entrance.

South Seas/Chopping Block Paved Parking Lot is approx (.4 mi) further up the road at approx the 1.6 mile mark from the entrance located adjacent to the Mt Rushmore Memorial Sign. There are climber sign-in kiosks on both sides of the road. SS is on the NE side of the road and Chopping Block is on the SW side of the road.

Wrinkled Rock Free Campground is another (.1 mi) up the road on the right at approx the 1.7 mile mark from the entrance, designated with a sign.

Breezy Point, continue up 244 an additional (.2 mi); it is on the right and also signed, it is located at approx the 1.9 mile mark from the entrance light.

Web Link to Google Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=106144414968865585>>>>>

Featured Route For Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Solitaire 5.7  SD : Mount Rushmore National Mem... : ... : Borneo

Follow the rock down & around to the left. As the ground starts rising a water chute runs up the rock on the right.Climb up the chute with some big crystals to help you out, clipping bolts as you find them. Once you get on 'top' the bolts end and you get to scramble on easy rock to the summit block. Stand up & clip the bolt on the summit block, pull the final move(s) to the summit and anchors.Note that the route is rather 'runout' and exposed ...[more]

Add Photo Photos of Mount Rushmore National Memorial

I recognize that face..... Photo; Todd...	The heads aglow.	From the side...4th of July
Interesting Composition.	Grand Finale