Wrinkled Rock Climbing Area

The Wrinkled Rock Climbing Area sits on the north side of Highway 244 along the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, right on the western boundary of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Managed by the Black Hills National Forest in partnership with the Black Hills Climbing Coalition, the area offers a wide variety of granite rock climbing routes across dramatically textured formations — and it's completely free to visit. It's also the starting point for the hike to Old Baldy Mountain. The trail winds through ponderosa pines before giving way to granite boulder scrambling near the top, where hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of Keystone, the surrounding Black Hills, and the back side of Mount Rushmore. Dogs are welcome on the trail but may need assistance on the final rocky push to the summit. The site is day-use only (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.), with a toilet facility and parking on site. No fees, passes, or permits are required.