Qualifications

Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service has been providing quality service and instruction in Custer State Park of the Black Hills since 1989. Our employees are experienced rock climbers and professional guides who have a sincere interest in teaching and sharing their climbing knowledge. We want you to enjoy rock climbing with a peace of mind, knowing that our guides and school uphold the highest of standards. Our goal is to give every guest the best day possible.

AMGA Accreditation
The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) is the leading authority in establishing accepted guidelines for safely guiding and instructing rock climbing.  We have been an accredited AMGA Rock Climbing School and Guide Service since 1991. In addition, many of our guides have completed testing and courses offered by the AMGA on their own.

AMGA accreditation requires us to:

Carry insurance through a nationally recognized organization.

Meet medical training requirements

Have permits from all the land managers we work with.

Our primary guides are certified Wilderness First Responders (WRF’s) or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s). WFR certifications require 72+ hours of advanced first aid training geared toward emergencies in remote outdoor environments. We never want to have an emergency on one of our courses, but we want to know what to do if something does happen.

SR currently has Special Use Permits at Custer State Park, SD, Devils Tower National Monument, WY, Mount Rushmore National Monument, SD, and Palisades State Park. SD. We are pleased that these organizations allow us the privilege of offering our services on the public lands that they manage.

Contact us to plan your Black Hills climbing vacation.