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

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.

5 stars

Took the 4 hr trip with me and my 7 year old. The entire process from booking our trip to signing the consent on line to the end getting into our car and leaving was seemless. They made everything very convenient and hassle free. I would say that this is the best money spent as far as “attractions” go in the Black Hills although, I do feel that Sylvan Rocks is on a different level than the standard Black Hills tourist trap. Whether you’re a local or in the area on vacation, I highly recommend this guide service. We had Ryan as our guide and he was awesome. He was great with my 7 year old and provided great instruction for both of us. Definitely will be booking another trip with my wife sometime in the future to get a little more time climbing and probably do the 6 or 8 hr option. In conclusion, if you want to experience the hills, book a climbing trip with Sylvan Rocks. It’s the most bang for your buck and I can guarantee you won’t regret it!

5 stars

My girlfriend and I went climbing with Brandon and his team for our first climb in the Black Hills. They are great at explaining things, taking you to the best locations, and being safe. Recommend these guys all the way! Can't wait to come back!

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!

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