03/11/2026
Introducing a new series: the Local Crag Spotlight ☀️🧗♀️
There are tons of great places to climb within an hour of Sioux Falls so we’ve decided to highlight some of the crags in our area! Each post will feature a different local climbing spot - what makes it unique, what to expect, and why it’s worth the visit. Whether you’re new to climbing in our area or you’ve been pulling on these rocks for years, we hope this series helps you discover, or rediscover, some local favorites!
First up is Cactus Patch 🏜️ at Dells of the Sioux
This one is off the beaten path and chances are, you might not even know it exists! That’s because it’s one of the newer bolted areas at the Dells, it’s located across the river, and it isn’t yet on Mountain Project (coming soon! 👀)
Where’s it at? About 50 yards downstream, or south of Peanut Gallery North. Getting to this one is fun! Park at the little gravel turnout (see map) and walk across the street towards the river where you’ll find a path that takes you through the brush. Keep an eye out for cacti 🌵👀 and be sure not to walk on the paved driveway or mowed grass, it’s private property. About a half mile in, you’ll find a pair of rap bolts, they can be tricky to spot! There’s also a short fourth class scramble a bit further along the path located near the fence. Once you’ve made it down, there’s an easy traverse over the water back to Cactus Patch where you’ll find 3 bolted routes just waiting to be climbed! 😎 All graded 5.8, this wall boasts some fun, classic Dells style climbing! Check this crag out if you’re looking for moderate, off the beaten path sport climbing routes with excellent river views!
Added bonus: the base and wall of this area have recently been cleaned up and it’s currently free of overgrowth! DM if you have any questions and tag us when you climb here!
