The OG Rock Climbing

The parking area lies approximately 1.9 miles to the west of Horse Thief Lake on Hwy 244. Multiple pull-outs are available on both sides of the road. There is guard rail protected right turn (when coming from Mount Rushmore) that designates the start of the approach. Look for a small white marker in the northern ditch (left side if coming from Mt Rushmore) with the numbers 230. The marker is difficult to see when driving. Cross the barbed wire fence at the marker and follow the faint climbers trail up the hill through the clearing (a few flags mark the trial). This climbers path will pop up on the Willow Creek Rushmore #5 trail. Take a right and follow this primary trail until it intersects with Harney Peak Trail 9N. Take a left and follow the Harney Peak trail.  Elkhorn Mountain will be looming on your left. When you cross the Black Elk Wilderness boundary (look for the obvious boundary sign) you are getting close. Continue to follow the trail to the top of the hill. As you start to descend you will see the top of The OG poking up through the trees on the right. It appears unimpressive at first. Continue down hill on the trial for 100 feet or so. A cairn marks the climbers path that cuts off the Harney Trail to the right. The south face of The OG is now plainly visible (See photo below). Follow the pink flags as you work to your way over the dead-fall to the base of the wall (some trail work has been done to minimize the debris). Most of the routes are on the left half of the south face.

Google Map of Parking, Approach, Wall Routes. Zoom in max and the routes are marked.