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Rushmore in April

Original Post
Agarciap · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 46

I just moved to the Midwest, and want to hit up Rushmore in early April, the temp averages look good, but I have no idea if that is still a little early in the season. Will Rushmore be an enjoyable place to camp and climb for a long weekend in early April, or will it be muddy and have seepy rock? Obviosuly at this point its a wait and see on the weather, but if anyone has information that would be awesome.

andyedwards · · OR · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 205

Rushmore is solid and doesn't seep, maybe some cracks do, but not really. Things dry out after storms pretty quickly if it's dry, sunny and breezy enough. I've spent some time there in various years during May, and it can good climbing, or rainy, cold and windy. Watch the weather and go when the forecast is good. It might also snow, so there's that.

Agarciap · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 46

I figured it would dry quick, that's awesome, thanks!

Jacob Mader · · Rapid City · Joined Dec 2013 · Points: 15

I climb Shmore all months of the year as we often have blue bird days outta nowhere. so long as there hasn't been a squall of storms and the Temps are above 40 I'd say give her a go. Been there last week a bunch.

Agarciap · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 46

I was told that we could hit up Sylvan Lake even with the Needles Highway closed by parking somewhere nearby and walking in, is this true? If so, does anybody know where to park and what the approach is like?

Mike Gibson · · Payson, AZ · Joined Jul 2006 · Points: 0

see link

safetravelusa.com/sd/

road is closed below switchbacks/tunnel for construction till June 15.

However, what you can do is go down to custer and back up north on 89 to intersection and then its a very short walk in to sylvan from there.

Mike Gibson · · Payson, AZ · Joined Jul 2006 · Points: 0

Also it will probably be obvious, but you can walk down the service road (quick left then quick right just past cabins) to save a bit of effort.

Agarciap · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 46

So assuming we are at Rushmore, we go south on 16, then North on 89? Seems easy enough, thanks.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Wyoming, Montana, Dakotas
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