All Locations > S Dakota > Custer SP > Needles Eye Area

Moraine Spire Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map This is our best guess at this area's location.
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Routes in Moraine Spire

L › R R › L A › Z

Standard Route T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c

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GPS:	43.84169, -103.5458 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	1,422 total · 8/month
Shared By:	Tater Tot on Apr 13, 2010
Admins:	Peter Gram, Greg Parker, Mikel Madsen, Mark Rafferty Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

The Moraine Spire is a slender pinnacle that lies on the west side of the Needles Eye Tunnel, very close to Bloody Spire. There are four known routes up the spire. Those who climb any route that starts on the east side (tunnel side) of Moraine Spire should beware - the rock quality can be poor due to the blasting done for the tunnel. Also, stay out of the way of unaware tourists in the tunnel. Perhaps this spire is best climbed early or late season. You might consider hiking in while the road is still closed.

Getting There

From Sylvan Lake, drive along the Needles Highway until the road opens up to a parking lot. You'll know you're there if you see tourists walking around asking "Where's the Needle?" The road will curve to the left through a long tunnel. Park before the tunnel. The spire is the obvious tall pinnacle closest to the tunnel on the left side about 1/4 of the way through the tunnel.