Why Climb with Exum Guides?
The classic Needles climbs were done in the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 1980’s. A climber from today may find the protection to be less than one would wish, however, the pro can be considered completely acceptable for the decades mentioned above. And, due to the nature of the rock, there is often no opportunity to add further protection, even with cams, short of using bolts. Adding bolts to established routes in the Needles is not done. Further, many of the routes are quite difficult to locate, due to the complex nature of the Needles terrain. For these reasons an experienced guide can be a great help, if not essential, unlike many other rock climbing areas.
Guiding
Exum Mountain Guides will focus on guiding the classic Needles routes rather than providing group climbing schools. Our guide-to-client ratio is typically one-to-one and two-to-one. Some climbs can be managed fine with three-to-one client to guide ratio. However, the nature of most routes does not allow for more. If a person wants climbing instruction, we are happy to provide that within the ratios described above. In fact, instruction will always be part of any climb. Located in Hill City is Sylvan Rocks, a climbing school providing larger group instruction and we are happy to recommend them for larger groups.
The Guides
Exum Black Hills is managed by long-time Exum Teton guides Cindy Tolle and Peter Lev (see bios under Exum Guides link). Cindy grew up in the area and can claim many first ascents in the Needles. Peter is a relative area newcomer who now lives here; he is focusing on the Needles classics. Cindy has been guiding for 25 years and Peter for over 40 years. Other local guides will be coming ‘on line’ as well, and we expect visits from the Exum Teton guides and their clients once they discover this most fabulous rock climbing area.
Visit: http://www.exumguides.com