Explore

Where the Fun Really Begins! (Ages 5 and Up)

Take your climbing and fun to the next level! Our six-hour Explore Climbing course is a private, custom course for families with kids, beginners and skilled rock climbers alike. Our guides will tailor the climbing experience to your level! During a six-hour Explore Climbing course, our climbing guides will meet you at the South Dakota Outdoor Shop in Custer, South Dakota at 7:45 am. Your guide will outfit you with all the necessary climbing equipment for your day. You will then travel to Sylvan Lake (roughly 12 minutes, transportation not provided), where a variety of climbing venues are available. Your guide will assess your skill level, and create a customized climbing adventure just for your party. If you want to climb as many summits as possible during your day, your guide will make that happen. Or if you would like to spend your day focusing on hard skills such as building anchors, placing trad gear, and becoming a more technical rock climber, your guide can do that as well. The important thing to remember is that this day is customized for YOU!

Ages 5 and up, parent or guardian MUST be present!

Locations

Custer State Park
Palisades State Park

Agenda

Skills Review
Routes Tailored to Ability
Learn to Rappel

Climbers Per Guide

3:1 maximum Custer State Park
4:1 maximum Palisades State Park

Pricing

Custer State Park
1 climber = $300
2 climbers = $200 / climber
3 climbers = $185 / climber
4 climbers = $200 / climber
5 climbers = $185 / climber
Groups 6+ = $175 / climber

Palisades State Park
1 climber = $275
2-4 climbers = $185 / climber

Notes

All Equipment is provided.
Ages 5 and up, Parent or guardian MUST be present!
For parties of 4+ please call to book your adventure.

Your Adventure Awaits

1. Schedule

Book online or call us to schedule the perfect adventure.

2. Instruction

Feel confident with certified instructors.

3. Climbing

Enjoy an adventure of a lifetime!

5 stars

We booked a 6 hour lesson with Brandon and Chris in early September, 2020. We are a family of 5 with kids age 11, 9 and 6. This was our first outdoor rock climbing experience and it was amazing! We thought we would be getting to scale some large boulders outside. In the end, three of us climbed to the top of Rhinoceros Rock, a mountain in Custer State Park that is 130 feet high! Brandon and Chris were great guides and teachers. They worked extremely well with the kids, including helping my 6 year old not be afraid of heights and feel safe. They were very thorough, safe and fun. I highly recommend using Sylvan Rocks Climbing School if you are anywhere close to the area. It was the highlight of our trip to the Black Hills.

TripAdvisor

5 stars

Brandon was our guide for the day. We chose the 4 hour climbing adventure and was absolutely perfect for us. My husband and I don't have a lot of experience with climbing and Brandon did a fantastic job at explaining everything. He talked us through every step of the way and felt safe. He went the extra mile with us and greatly appreciate it! Would go again for sure. Thanks so much!!

TripAdvisor

5 stars

We had a great time climbing with Jeff at Sylvan Rocks Climbing School. The company is really well run and you can tell that they are fully invested in making sure you have a great time. The owners are guides themselves so they do everything they can to make sure you feel safe, challenged, and satisfied with your experience. We even went out during an unseasonably snowy day in September and had a blast. Highly recommended!

TripAdvisor

The Highest Standards

Accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association

As the only AMGA Accredited Guide Service in the area, we are committed to a high standard of climbing professionalism. The AMGA is an internationally recognized association offering courses, exams and certifications designed to certify guides and instructors as well as accredit businesses.