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Climbing Areas

MINNESOTA
Blue Mounds State Park
Barn Bluff, Red Wing
Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls)
Elys Peak
Palisade Head
Shovel Point
Sawmill Creek Dome
Section 13
Carlton Peak

WISCONSIN
Devils Lake State Park
Willow River State Park
Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls)

Mike Farris Home Page

Blue Mounds

Want the joys of quartzite without the Devils Lake crowds? This is your place. There's a lot of scope for exploration and even on busy spring weekends there's no need to climb within earshot of other climbers. It's often warmer here than anywhere else in the MN-WI area, a boon for early or late-season climbing.

Unfortunately, nobody ever reports any unpublished routes to me. I know there are dozens of named routes out there--please let me know what they are.

Useful Links:


Area Weather

Blue Mounds State Park

Bruce McDonald on Balcony Center (5.10***)

Area Updates:

  • Purgatory (page 39, route 33) is most easily climbed by going more or less straight up above the little alcove at the start; moving left about halfway up, then back right a few feet higher, is easiest. The line in the photo is too far to the left.
  • Parking continues to be an issue at the south end of the cliffs. Hike in from the north if you can. If you use the south lot, carpool! Meet in town and drive one car up; do the same from the campground.

Additional Comments:

  • The Blue Mounds Inn has closed, depriving climbers of a gut-busting Saturday night dinner. The Magnolia Steak House is across the freeway and offers both bar grub and huge steaks.