Rock Climbing

EXPERIENCE PALISADES

Palisades State Park is one of the top 5 most popular state parks. A small, but scenic geologic wonder, it is nestled among the sheer cliffs overlooking Split Rock Creek just a half-hour from Sioux Falls. The park offers the regular menu of outdoor activities: camping, hiking, picnicking, sightseeing, and a unique form of outdoor excitement for the more adventuresome at heart. Palisades is one of just a few premier rock climbing sites in the Midwest. Numerous climbing routes are easily accessed and provide a wide assortment of climbing experiences. The Sioux quartzite formations play host to a variety of face and crack climbs, with a few hidden bouldering sites thrown in for good measure. Whether toproping a novice route on South Wall, Rattlesnake Rock, or a more ambitious route at Swing Set Cove or Positron, climbers from all over make the trek to Palisades. Climbing is just one of many popular activities taking place at Palisades and a number of common courtesies are expected. Also, since the geologic resources and related ecosystems are unique, and in some cases quite fragile, a few climbing restrictions have been developed over the years. Check with the park office for the latest information regarding climbing in the park. They can provide tips on low-impact climbing, resource protection, co-existing with other park visitors and safe climbing practices in order to have best climbing experience possible. The nearby City of Garretson, just two miles north of the park, provides all the services necessary for an extended visit. With a campground, gas stations, grocery store, eating establishments, a motel, convenience stores, specialty shops, a new library, mechanics and even a few local “watering holes”, this small community does it right when it comes to welcoming the traveling public. And for the history buff seeking to learn more about the legendary Jesse James and his “leap of faith”, the Garretson city park at Devil’s Gulch adds a unique dimension to what the Palisades area has to offer. Rock climbing, doesn’t necessarily mean traveling to the mountains. Sometimes a prairie oasis like Palisades State Park may offer more than meets the eye. And the views experienced while hanging from a rope fifty feet above the waters of Split Rock Creek are quite different than those experienced by other park visitors. It’s all a matter of perspective! Palisades State Park is located 10 miles north of I-90 off Exit 406 near Brandon. For more info, contact Palisades State Park, 25495 485th Avenue, Garretson, SD 57030, 605-594-3824 or visit the park webpage: gfp.sd.gov/ parks/detail/palisades-state-park.

Palisades State Park