Climbing the tower was one thing I've wanted to do for a long time but couldn't seem to find the time. Finally, just called and made the decision. Shankar was my guide, and he made the whole experience happen. He knows how to coach and teach rock craft. Really had a great trip. Hope to do some more climbing again.
We booked a lesson and guided climb on our recent trip to the Black Hills, and LOVED it. I'm a solo dad with three kids (14,12,7) with almost no climbing experience. Our guide, Chris, was exceptional in keeping things on a very beginner level for us, but giving the kids a ton of confidence in what they were doing on the climb (Chris mentioned he's been doing this for 21 years!). On the way home my 12-year-old daughter was literally checking out where she can get into rock climbing in the Twin Cities, she enjoyed it so much. Plus, we climbed at Sylvan Lake, which is an incredibly beautiful setting. Booking was easy. Pricing was very reasonable for a half-day experience, and I mean... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ everything in the Black Hills is "tourist pricing," so if you're going to penny pinch, maybe don't come to the Black Hills. Could not have been happier with the experience, and we will definitely be back.
Hubby and 2 kids (11 and 15) had the pleasure of embarking on this climbing adventure with Shankar as guide and they absolutely loved it! Shankar fueled the day w knowledge, humor, and enthusiasm! We will proudly display our Sylvan Rocks car stickers and make reservations to climb again ASAP! Next time they climb they get to go to even cooler climbing spots cuz they have done “climbing 101” already! Bring snacks and water!
