Devil's Tower Climbing Beta

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General Information

We flew into Rapid City South Dakota

Camping gas can be purchased as you are leaving Rapid City. There is a Walmart or KMart on the left side of the highway.

Showers can be found at the "fort" near the entrance of the park.

The Black Hills of South Dakota are relatively close and a great place to climb if the waether at the Tower turns ugly.

Crook County Memorial Hospital (28 miles away in Sundance, WY) 307 283-3501

Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service 605 574-2425

Climbing Beta

We used Devil's Tower National Monument Climbing Handbook by Guilmette, Carrier and Gardiner and

Devils Tower Wyoming and The Black Hills, South Dakota

Sign in at the ranger's station before climbing

Bring big pieces of protection

Bring more water than you think you will need

Recommend two ropes for rappel

Be careful to stay in the same line of rappel stations. A climb or rappel to the side can be confused with the rappel you want.

Bring sunscreen

Allow time for the approach if it is unfamiliar

The Durrance route does not end at the top of the tower

The rappel from the summit brings you to a lower part of the tower than the Durrance route start, so if you leave stuff at the base of the climb you will have to hike back.

All photos ©2003. Please do not use without permission.
Last updated: April 10, 2003