Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service — Local services in Custer

On our recent trip to South Dakota my wife and I decided we wanted to learn the basics of rock climbing. We found a great place in Custer called Sylvan Rocks and booked our event via the internet. We chose the 6 hour adventure in Custer State Park. On the web form, I also filled in what we wanted to learn and our expectations. The day of our climb we arrived at the shop and were immediately greeted by smiling staff members. Sylvan provides everything you need but we already had our climbing harnesses and shoes. We met our guide, Brandon. He inspected our harnesses, confirmed our expectations, and off we went to the park. If you do not have a pass for the park you will need to get one before entering. Check out the park earlier in the week and get your pass so you can get right to the climbing sites. My wife and I each grabbed a rope bag, our helmets and gear, then followed Brandon to the climbing sites.

First thing you need to know, if you are going to learn to climb or climb with a guide, go with someone who is certified. Earlier in life I was a certified dive instructor. As with diving, climbing certifications are critical. All of the guides at Sylvan are certified. Enough said.

Brandon was extremely professional. He took the time to listen to our desires and then implemented our requirements on the wall. We received instruction on the ground prior to beginning our first climb and then before we knew it, we had climbed a 40 and 60 foot pitch. After additional training and a snack break, we climbed a 155 foot pitch. More instruction and we were top roping together. I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed our time with Brandon. He is an incredible teacher. His background as the co-owner of the shop and his life and living on the wall is very heartwarming.

Upon returning to the shop, we were again greeted by staff who ask us how our adventure went. One thing you need to know about the store, if you need anything for climbing, they have it in the shop. And not only for climbing, but other sports as well. Brandon had some extra time so we hung out on the front porch of the shop for a little while and had a few snacks before we left for the day.

Totally fun, extremely professional, highly recommend, we...

My 13-year-old son recently climbed with Sylvan Rocks Climb & Guide Service for two days, and it was without a doubt one of the best and most impactful experiences in his budding climbing career.

I don’t have a climbing background, and the eager enthusiasm of young climbers and what they want to do can often surpass their actual ability. The booking team at Sylvan Rocks was patient, energetic, and provided me with all the information and confidence I needed to book a trip that fit his skill level.

My son climbed both days with Pete, who was phenomenal. Pete is a strong, technical climber with extensive experience across a wide variety of rock and ice, which immediately put me at ease. Within a few climbs, he quickly determined my son’s strengths and weaknesses and adapted the rest of the trip to challenge him in new ways without causing frustration.

Pete took a relatively timid climber and coached him in a way that made him flourish. I’m still amazed at what they accomplished together. More importantly, my son is now more enthusiastic than ever about climbing.

Young climbers often look to guides as role models; their influence is significant and helps shape their future climbing style, approach to safety, and overall mountain “attitude.” This expectation is a lot to ask of guides given their compensation, but it is a reality.

Additionally, climbing tends to attract individuals who are not fond of authority, and my son is no exception. In past experiences, he has seen guides (or parents) as obstacles rather than helpers, which makes the job even tougher.

In this regard, Pete excelled. He has a silent authority—measured, balanced, and never visibly rattled or raising his voice. This gives him immediate credibility with his students, especially young ones.

Pete’s approach to climbing embodies the ethos I want my son to follow. More importantly, Pete was able to inspire these concepts in my son in a way that no one else has. He’s the real deal, and I’ll be eternally grateful for his positive contributions to my son’s...

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!

UPDATE 7/9/2024 - it’s been 2 years since I wrote this review. Finally made it out for an 8 hour day with my wife. My previous review remains unchanged. This trip was focused mainly on learning and I can honestly say our guide/teacher(Ryan again) exceeded my expectations! The degree of professionalism, attention to detail, and general knowledge of climbing is unmatched.

I’ve now experienced sylvan rocks in a fun go-out-and-climb setting as well as a purely instructional setting and all I can say is that they are the real deal. I have absolutely nothing negative to report.I continue to be amazed. If you’re reading any of these reviews, you’re at least contemplating booking a trip. I say just go for it. You will 100% get your moneys...