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

01-big-smile

02-climber-on-aquarium

03-cheyenne-on-summit

04-dad-and-daughter

05-daryl-on-totem-pole

06-smiling-girl-at-practice-rock

07-opd-looking-at-oo

08-devils-tower-climbers

09-devils-tower-post-summit-psyche

10-lev-ledge

11-palisades

12-palisades-climber

5 stars

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.

5 stars

Great experience! Our guide was excellent!

5 stars

Hands down our best climbing day with a guide ever. Everyone had an opportunity to climb at their level and also challenge themselves. Our guide listened and asked questions to make sure he was delivering on how we wanted to spend our time and was thoughtful and engaging. We had fun climbing but also just being together as a family having an experience. I'd recommend Doug and Sylvan to any one.

Your Adventure Awaits

Our Friends

Book Now Call Now