yoga + climbing retreat

in the black hills of South Dakota
June 18-21, 2024

#muddygoesclimbing

black hills
south dakota

Join Muddy Waters Yoga Studio along with our friends and local climbing guides at Big River Climbing Guides for three days of guided rock climbing in the Needles of South Dakota, one of the most amazing rock climbing destinations in the United States!

Custer State Park is home to some of the most amazing multi-pitch spires in the country. Easy access and moderate difficulty make this trip an ideal first multi-pitch climbing trip. This retreat will teach participants the foundational skills needed to climb routes that are more than one pitch in length. Muddy Waters couldn’t be more excited to offer this unique experience. Indulge in daily yoga and meditation classes, climb, hike, and explore the breathtaking views.

As always, our retreats are meant to create unforgettable experiences that leave you feeling empowered and transformed from the inside out by pushing yourself beyond what you thought was possible.

If you've ever wanted to learn to climb or want to continue learning, join us in South Dakota this summer. 

Registration opens April 22nd with priority registration to those on the I'm Interested list. Only 10 spots available. 

this retreat is for you if you…

Love to live big and learn something new
Always up for an adventure
Yearn for once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Enjoy connecting with like-minded people
Desire time to set aside all the hats you wear
Want to have a ton of fun!

The Black Hill’s wild and lush landscapes will capture your heart and take you by the hand to a deep, expansive and unforgettable journey.

Let's answer the question you may asking...

What if I've never been climbing?!
This retreat is for ALL-LEVELS of climbers. Beginners are welcome (and encouraged!). The theme of this retreat is adventure and pushing past your comfort zone in a supportive and loving environment. We will be working with an amazing retreat team that will meet us where we are. The only goal is to have fun!

retreat itinerary

retreat itinerary

June 6, 5:30-8pm

In order for everyone to feel comfortable and get to know each other we are offering an in-town practice session at the Sugarloaf. During this 2-3 hr session we will get fitted with gear, talk about the trip, and learn some basic skills so we can have more fun when we are out West!

Intro Day at Sugarloaf


June 17

You'll want to make your way to South Dakota today as we start bright and early on Tuesday. There are many lodging options near and around Custer State Park. We are happy to help you find lodging, but please note this is not considered part of the retreat. 

Day 0


June 18

Welcome to the Needles of South Dakota, one of the most amazing rock climbing destinations in the United States! Arrive at State Game Lodge in Custer, South Dakota by 9am. We will do our welcome and opening circle once everyone arrives and coffee and an assortments of pastries and muffins will be available. For our first day Climbing (whole group) we will meet at Game Lodge and depart to the trailhead, which is a scenic 25-30 min drive from the lodge. We will explore some fun climbs in an area called Moonlight Ridge. With a short approach hike (less than 15 min) and plenty of fun moderate routes to get acquainted with the Needles rock. The Moonlight Ridge area is a perfect area for our group. We will spend the day trying different climbs and hopefully standing on top of a couple smaller spires too! After a day of climbing, enjoy yoga + meditation before a group dinner at State Game Lodge (menu). 

Day 1


June 19

Yoga will be early this morning, hopefully outside with nature as our soundtrack. Breakfast will be on your own and State Game Lodge opens as early as 7am and has all kinds of breakfast options. We will split the group in half. The first group will climb The Cathedral Spires while the other group will hike Black Elk Peak. The Cathedral Spires are the centerpiece of Needles climbing. With climbs over 400ft tall! They are exhilarating, easily accessed, and host numerous amazing summits. The approach hike takes approximately 20-25 minutes and is fairly moderate with the views becoming more amazing until we reach our objective: Spire 2. We will set up a base camp in an awesome spot between numerous spires and climb to an amazing summit with breathtaking 100 mile views of the Black Hills and beyond. The climb is approximately 300ft long, and our professionally trained multi-pitch guides will safely lead us on a vertical voyage which will take approximately 2.5 hours base to base. From the summit we will have an amazing view of Black Elk Peak where the other group is hiking to that day! Depending on time and energy we may climb a second spire in the vicinity.


Black Elk Peak via Harney Peak Trail is a 6.4 mile loop trail in Custer State Park, offering the highest available views of the rocky land that makes up the Black Hills and also includes a heart-pumping incline to a historic stone fire tower at the top. Our starting point for this trail is at popular Sylvan Lake that offers stand-up paddling, kayaking and canoe rentals. Find Trail 9, which begins just across the footbridge leading to the swimming beach. Plan 4-5 hours for this trail, and the lakeside store is available for snacks, gifts & lunch. This is approximately a 7 mile loop and will take between 4-5 hours to complete.

After a day of climbing and hiking, we'll get ready for a super fun night! Together, we'll go on a wildlife Jeep tour and meet up for a Chuck Wagon Cookout in the mountain canyon for a feast and live entertainment with Western flair. 

Day 2


June 20

Yoga will be in the morning again today followed by breakfast on your own. The groups will switch and the first group will hike while the second group will head to the spires (see above!). 

After everyone returns, there'll be time to relax before our final dinner together at State Game Lodge. 

Day 3


June 21

Our final yoga class will be in the morning before saying our goodbyes and heading back home! If you want to extend your trip (we recommend this!) and climb one more day, our guide from Big River Climbing Guides has availability for guiding today on a first come first serve basis! 

Day 4

INCLUSIONS

  • Lodging (double rooms) at Game State Lodge 

  • Welcome snacks + beverages upon arrival 

  • Lunch and dinners on June 18, 19, & 20 

  • Buffalo safari tour that will take you off-road to the private, interior dirt roads of the Park. Trek through the park in an open-air Jeep in search of pronghorns, elk, and the noble buffalo

  • Chuck Wagon Cookout in a mountain meadow canyon for a feast with live entertainment! 

  • All climbing equipment

  • Expert guidance from Big River Climbing Guides and intro day at Sugarloaf

  • Daily yoga + meditation classes 

EXCLUSIONS

  • Travel to and from Custer State Park

  • Breakfasts 

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Anything else not mentioned on the inclusion list 

COST

The trip cost in total is $1,555.
A $400 deposit is required to save your spot. 

Payment plans available. Trip must be paid in full by June 10, 2024.

join us for an adventure