Our Story

AMGA Certified Guides
All Gear Included
Adventure of a Lifetime

We believe EVERYONE can enjoy rock climbing with their friends and family at their own level.

We strive to share the vertical world, and give you a whole new vision from the summits of the Black Hills.

The Sylvan Rocks story started in 1974 when founder Susan Scheirbeck was taken rock 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 rock, she was taken up routes far too difficult for her to enjoy.

After an experience like that, many people would have never touched the rock again, but that initial experience prompted Susan to found Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service 15 years later. 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 Sylvan Rocks gained accreditation from the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), the foremost authority on climbing and mountaineering guide training 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.

Climbing was Susan’s love, but the growth of her other business venture, Granite Sports outdoor store, demanded more and more of her time. By 2002 running two businesses finally became too much to manage.

Sue sold Sylvan Rocks to Michael and Nicole Keegan, who had long dreamed of owning and operating a climbing school. They ran the school for three great seasons with the help of Matt Mieczkowski, as head climbing guide.

In January 2006, Daryl Stisser and Cheryl Mayer Stisser, who met in the Needles on a college rock climbing trip, purchased the climbing school and began pouring their passion for Black Hills climbing into growing the business. They successfully operated Sylvan Rocks for 14 seasons, transforming it into the premier rock climbing guide service in the Black Hills region.

In the spring of 2020 during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Daryl and Cheryl decided against opening for the season; and then concluded that it was time to pass on the Sylvan Rocks’ legacy to someone else that shared their love for climbing and guiding in the Black Hills. By mid-August they had found their successors.

Black Hills native, Brandon Emery, and Indiana native turned Black Hills transplant, Jeff Llewellyn, who had each spent multiple seasons guiding for Sylvan Rocks, chose to follow their shared dream and purchase the company. They were able to open the business for a limited late summer and fall season in 2020, followed by a record season in 2021! In March 2022, Brandon purchased Jeff’s interest and is now the sole owner. I am very excited to continue building upon Sylvan Rocks’ well-established reputation as the premier climbing guide service in the Black Hills. The Sylvan Rocks team and I look forward to sharing a summit with you as part of your Black Hills vacation adventure!

Owner Signature

Brandon Emery Owner / AMGA Certified Guide

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5 stars

Great folks here at Sylvan Rocks! I had an 8 hr guided adventure booked with them. Unfortunately ‘twas the morn’ of our adventure and the rain was a-threatenin’. My heart took a dive as I reckoned we weren’t gonna make it to the Spires of Cathedral. Brief was the pain though, as my guide, Shankar, lead us up to some of the most stunning views atop Sylvan Lake! It was my first multi-pitch climb and Shankar instilled confidence by remaining cool and calm. I’ll always remember his words “slow is smooth; smooth is efficient “. Thanks Sylvan Rocks and Shankar! 🤙🏼.

5 stars

Great. Fabulous. Epic. Fantastic. All the best adjectives to describe the experience we had! Co-owner Jeff, Chris S and Shankar made our first climbing adventure the best it could have been! All 9 of us, ranging in age from 7-45, were total rock climbing newbs but we never felt like it! The whole crew at Sylvan Rocks set about to ensure that we all felt secure and ready to rock. We did the 6HR group climb at Custer State Park/Sylvan Lake. After ample time to practice, we split into 3 groups by ability and hit the big ones (not that the "little" ones were any joke though 😅 🙃) Rock climbing was never, ever on any bucket list of mine but I positively can tell you, each and every one of us will be back! Definitely a highlight of our Black Hills trip!!!! Thanks again from our whole crew!! August 2021.

5 stars

Our guides Jeff (owner) and Ross were excellent. Taught us the basics of the gear, eqpt, tying the rope figure 8, and making sure we were secure and safe. Shared climbing tips and tricks. It was our family's first time and it was such a positive experience for the kids that they loved and enjoyed it inspite of cooler temp and the wind blowing keeping us cooler than what we wanted (floridians). They were great with the kids and were able to keep them interested, motivated and encouraged to keep going for the top or take a break and go for it again :) They made it fun!!! Now they want to climb wherever they can in florida ;) Thank you for taking such great care of our family and making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for all!

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