Devil's Tower

Hi all! I would like some opinion as to the experience level required to take a guided trip to Devil's Tower. I have only been climbing about a year and would certainly like to expand my climbing experience. I'd consider myself a 10a-10b climber (indoors) and have only climbed outside about a half dozen times.

How much experience do you think is required prior to taking a guided trip to either Devil's Tower or the Black Hills?

If you can learn to put on crampons at Everest Base Camp you can climb Devil's Tower. Frank Sanders will drag your ass up that thing and you won't even have to get out of your Winnebego.

Not much experience necessary. See Frank Sanders.

Frank is the man! and free camping in his front yard, a stones throw away from the tower.

devilstowerlodge.com/

I sincerely appreciate the feedback so far. Keep it coming!

When I worked at Sylvan Rocks in the Hills we offered a 3 day Tower Package.

We're talking absolute beginners here.

Day 1 the Basics follow 5.5-5.8.

Day 2 the first multi-pitch climb we took them on was only 5.3 and the pitches super short. That afternoon if you could follow a full pitch 5.8 mountainproject.com/v/class… it's rated 5.7 here but it used to be a 5.6. Most agree it's a 5.8 with 3 short cruxes and a lot of rests.

Day 3 off to the Tower for the Durrance originally rated 5.6. Most agree the Durrance pitch is 5.8 the crux is short but the pitch never gets easy.

So in other words you'll be fine.

Seems like the guy who was guiding there a lot back in the 90's just took people straight up the Durrance. You got your lessons on the go.

aschwartz wrote:I am a guide with Sylvan Rocks Climbing School & Guide Service and work throughout the Black Hills and Devils Tower. Check out our website sylvanrocks.com. I was wondering when you were thinking of climbing in the area? Send me an email if you interested. anthony.schwartz@yellowjackets.bhsu.edu

ask Frank to take you up Tulgey Wood. It's 10a

pretty much +1 to all the frank sanders comments. i went up early this year with two buddies of mine, one had only climbed maybe 3 times. we all had a blast. i went back a month later to lead 70% of durrance and then went of walt bailey maybe another month after that with my buddy. i'm about to head back next week to lead the whole the thing. you'll be fine. talk to frank.

Learn to climb hand cracks and learn to Chimney. Frank Sanders is a friend of mine from the early 80s and a real character. He will get you up the Tower and entertain you the whole way. It is a really amazing place and you will remember your first time up it for the rest of your life.

Thanks again for all the replies. I've yet to hear anything but absolute praise for both Frank and Devil's Tower as a whole.

I wanted to extend a quick thank you for everyone who convinced us to climb devils tower. We recently climbed the classic Durrance route and stayed at the Devils Tower Lodge with Frank Sanders and his crew. The lodge is by far the most amazing place we've ever visited and cannot wait to go there again. It truly is a magical place where dreams become reality and lives are forever changed.

Once again, thank you to everyone who posted in this forum and convinced us to simply take a chance.

"Blessed are those who live out their dreams"

kamrujj wrote: "Blessed are those who live out their dreams"