Illinois · Rock climbing · Simpson · Near Goreville

Pricker Peak

9 routes
5.10a – 5.12c
Sport · Trad
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Pricker Peak open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Pricker Peak, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Pricker Peak is a climbing area in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, about 4.5 miles from the Dixon Springs Agric Ctr weather station. It sits among several other climbing areas, with The Monument and South Canyon both about 0.1 mile away. The area has nine routes, eight of which are sport climbs and one is trad. The grades run from 5.10a to 5.12c, with the median at 5.11c. Cheerio Bowl is a 5.10a sport route, and Raisin Bran is a 5.12c sport route. The climbing is concentrated close together, so it's easy to string several routes into a single visit. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby weather station show May highs around 77°F and October highs around 71°F, while July and August average in the upper 80s. Middle Falls and North Bluff are both within half a mile for a hike. Redbud Campground - Bell Smith Springs is about 2.2 miles away, and Lusk Creek, a paddling spot, is about 7.6 miles off.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Primitive Campsite Jackson Falls

    Campground

    Campground · 0.5 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Subway

    Fast food

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Water Fall

    Attraction

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Goreville
  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Pricker Peak

    Best months: March–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      43° / 25°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      49° / 29°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      59° / 37°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      70° / 46°

      10 wet

    5. May

      77° / 56°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      85° / 63°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 66°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 65°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      82° / 57°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      71° / 46°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      57° / 37°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 29°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Dixon Springs Agric Ctr, IL, 4.5 mi away at 527 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Routes (9)