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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

5 stars

My boyfriend and I booked a 6 hour session with Shankar, and had a fantastic time! We both have indoor climbing experience, him some outdoor climbing experience, and we were afraid that we wouldn't find climbs that were "just right" for us. Shankar did an excellent job picking climbs for us, he made it fun, and we felt super safe the entire time. I highly recommend booking with him at Sylvan Rocks!

5 stars

Ross was our guide and he did an awesome job showing us the basics of rock climbing and making the whole group comfortable with what we were about to do. Overall just a cool guide! Very pleased with the customer service and clear communication from the Sylvan Rocks team. 10/10 would recommend to new and experienced climbers.

5 stars

We've been climbing with Sylvan Rocks for years and each time it is a highlight of our trip to SD. Our guide over the years has been Chris, who is always friendly and attentive to your safety and skill level. We strongly recommended Sylvan Rocks for an adventure of a lifetime!