Cathedral Spires, South Dakota

One of Custer State Park’s unique and stand-out features is the Cathedral Spires – a group of granite pillars located in the Needles that have been designated a National Natural Landmark.

The Cathedral Spires of South Dakota are a striking feature that manages to stand out from the dramatic landscape of the Black Hills. Besides providing beauty for the eyes, the Cathedral Spires offer classic traditional rock climbing and hiking.

Location

The Cathedral Spires are located in Custer State Park along the Needles Highway, 2.5 miles east of Sylvan Lake.

Climbing

Cathedral Spires, like the surrounding Needles area, is home to some great climbing. The five main granite ridges (aptly named One, Two, Three, Four and Five) are easily accessible with a short walk (roughly one mile) from the main parking area, located along Needles Highway between the Needle’s Eye and Ten Pins. While many climbers enjoy the solitude found in the gullies between the ridges and the longer multi-pitch routes, be aware that the climbing is not always straightforward and gear placement can be difficult.

Hiking

For non-climbers, or climbers who enjoy hiking on rest days, the Cathedral Spires Trail leads past Cathedral Spires and the Limber Pine Area on its way toward Harney Peak and Sylvan Lake, although it doesn’t actually connect with the Harney Peak trail system. The trail does lead past Cathedral Spires and the Limber Pine Area.

• 5 miles 
• 2 hours 
• Moderate to strenuous 
• Out-and-back

Camping

Entrance to Custer State Park is $6/person or $15/vehicle for one to seven days. Entrance to the State Park is covered with an Annual Park Entrance License, which is available for $28. Camping fees begin at $16/night and go up to $21/night, depending on campsite. Cabins are also available for $45/night.