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Totem Pole

S Dakota > Custer SP > Tenpins/Switchbacks

Getting There

Solitary spire rising from an angular chunk of rock, next to the road/guardrail. From Sylvan Lake, past Needle's Eye, around a couple hairpin turns, down the road from Reunion Rock, Dave's Dinghy. Park at near-by pull-off.

Routes from Left to Right

5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 15
Totem Pole
Trad 2 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Totem Pole
 15
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 2 pitches

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Here is a photo of the first ascent in 1936. Scanned from Appalachian Journal. This was originally called the Traffic Cop. Note the bottom where it incorrectly states the North Dakota location.
[Hide Photo] Here is a photo of the first ascent in 1936. Scanned from Appalachian Journal. This was originally called the Traffic Cop. Note the bottom where it incorrectly states the North Dakota location.
Darin at the top of Picture Rock trying to tip over Totem Pole.
[Hide Photo] Darin at the top of Picture Rock trying to tip over Totem Pole.
Totem Pole Spire. Rapping off the backside.
[Hide Photo] Totem Pole Spire. Rapping off the backside.
summit.  carly pic
[Hide Photo] summit. carly pic
CE on TP.  Carly photo.
[Hide Photo] CE on TP. Carly photo.
Totem Pole with a giant Thunderstorm/Hailstorm quickly approaching. Photo taken from the top of Reunion Rock.
[Hide Photo] Totem Pole with a giant Thunderstorm/Hailstorm quickly approaching. Photo taken from the top of Reunion Rock.
Totem Pole
[Hide Photo] Totem Pole