Company History

Sylvan Rocks has been a climbing tradition in the Black Hills since 1989.

It all started in 1974 when Susan Schierbeck was taken climbing but not taught anything about what was going on. Without any explanation of knots, gear, proper communication, anchor systems, safe rappel skills, or even how to move on the stone, she was tied in and taken up routes far too diffucult for her to enjoy.

Some may have never touched the rock again, but 15 years later, that initial experience prompted Susan to found Sylvan Rocks. She created a climbing school that focused on fun while learning, and taught solid climbing techniques to build the skills needed for a lifetime of adventure.  

Her operation grew from a small guide shack below the Sylvan Lake Lodge in Custer State Park to a successful downtown Hill City, South Dakota business. In 1991 SR gained accreditation from the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), the foremost authority on guiding in the United States.

“We’ve come a long way since 1989....I had a chance to prove our school’s teaching philosophy of thoroughness and have really enjoyed all the wonderful people who have been through our programs and are now solid climbers.” ---Susan S

Granite Sports outdoor store in Hill City became the new home for Sylvan Rocks. Being outside climbing was Susan's first love, but the successful gear store demanded more and more of her time. In 2002 running two businesses finally became too much for one person to manage.  Michael and Nicole Keegan took up the helm at Sylvan Rocks. Mike had been working for Sue and had long dreamed of owning and operating his own climbing school. They ran the school for three great seasons with the help of Matt Mieczkowski our current head guide.

In 2006 the time was right for us (Cheryl and Daryl) to purchase SR and pour into it our passion for Black Hills climbing. We have been traveling and climbing together since 1993 when we met here in the Needles on a college climbing trip to South Dakota.  We've made climbing and traveling a focus in our life and have had many great experiences wandering in far away places all over North and South America.  It's been a good life together, climbing rocks of all types, paddling whitewater, mountain biking, visiting great places and cultures, and meeting all the other wanderers seeking adventure and living out their dreams.  We look forward to sharing a summit with you as part of your Black Hills adventure.