Sylvan Rocks Climbing School And Guide Service
Sylvan Rocks Climbing School And Guide Service
Sylvan Rocks Climbing School And Guide Service
5
Adrenaline & Extreme ToursClimbing ToursHiking & Camping ToursDay Trips
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
Rock Climbing Guides in the Black Hills of South Dakota since 1989. Adventures for ages 5+ (with a participating adult). No experience needed. All rock climbing gear is supplied. Join us at Custer State Park, South Dakota. Call for a reservation and we will meet you at South Dakota Outdoor Shop (632 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730) for your guided rock climbing tour. Locations at the Needles of Mount Rushmore, Palisades State Park, and Devils Tower for more experienced climbers. Please reserve as far in advance as possible so that we can best plan to serve you.
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Sylvan Rocks Climbing School And Guide Service
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
387 reviews
Excellent
381
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Lexy
3 contributions
Sep 2021
My boyfriend and I did the 4 hour Discover Custer State Park excursion, and it was a great introductory session for beginner rock-climbing. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took time to really explain how the equipment works, the different techniques for climbing, etc.
I think it was a little too expensive for what it was, especially because within the 4 hour excursion, each person would only climb for about 45 min total (and this is with 2 people, I can't imagine how it would be if there were more people on the excursion). This is because there was only one guide which meant there was only one person who can belay which meant there would only be one climber at a time. Also by the time you got up to Sylvan Lake, more than an hour of the excursion has gone by since you have to go to their main office to get all the gear, then drive yourself up to Sylvan Lake where you have to purchase a park pass (20$ for 1-7 days or 35$ annual pass), and then wait for the guide to set up all the ropes. You are also expected to tip the guide, which was posted on signs all over their office, which I think was pushy. So what was 200$+tax ended up being nearly 300$ after the park pass + tip.
I'd love to go again if we return to Custer, because the climbing was so fun and exciting! But it was just really expensive for what it was, and there was a lot of unnecessary wasted time.
I think it was a little too expensive for what it was, especially because within the 4 hour excursion, each person would only climb for about 45 min total (and this is with 2 people, I can't imagine how it would be if there were more people on the excursion). This is because there was only one guide which meant there was only one person who can belay which meant there would only be one climber at a time. Also by the time you got up to Sylvan Lake, more than an hour of the excursion has gone by since you have to go to their main office to get all the gear, then drive yourself up to Sylvan Lake where you have to purchase a park pass (20$ for 1-7 days or 35$ annual pass), and then wait for the guide to set up all the ropes. You are also expected to tip the guide, which was posted on signs all over their office, which I think was pushy. So what was 200$+tax ended up being nearly 300$ after the park pass + tip.
I'd love to go again if we return to Custer, because the climbing was so fun and exciting! But it was just really expensive for what it was, and there was a lot of unnecessary wasted time.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veronica M
3 contributions
Oct 2021
On our family vacation (mom-46, dad-51 and daughter-11) from Texas. Had our first outdoor rock climbing adventure with our guide Zane. To say he was amazing is an understatement. We booked the DiscoverTour (4 hours) and were paired with another couple for a total of 5 people per 1 guide (The website says a Max of 6 per 1 guide). I felt like this ratio is appropriate for the tour. For first timers, he took the time to teach us proper technique for tying knots, connecting to the harness, and belaying. It was definitely a first rate experience for us newbies. They were on time and ready to go at the meeting point. Very organized.
Written October 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
toddl0713
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
Will def be a returning climber any future trips to the Black Hills. My son and I did the 6 hour guide and enjoyed every minute of it. We learned several new techniques a got to to climb in a beautiful area. Felt we really had the opportunity to custom our trip and dial it up the challenge to our liking. Our guide Ben was a pro. You can tell he’s experienced and enjoys passing on his knowledge of climbing. Price was right, business is efficient, staff is trained with guides that return each season, and has a good policy when it comes to cases of cancellation by either party or weather.
Written July 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lilly B
4 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
I am a 16 year old who loves climbing and am on an indoors team but have never climbed outdoors until now. This was one of my most favorite experiences and if you are contemplating whether or not you should go climbing, I say do it! It is 100% worth it! Zayne was my guide and I did not feel scared at all! Everything was walked through step by step and I learned new skills outside. I really have no words to describe how much fun I had. I definitely will be back to go climbing again!!! Thank you so much Zayne!
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lily, thank you so much for the great review! We are so glad you enjoyed your time climbing, Zayne had a great time out there with you! Come climb with us again!
Written June 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
D Eric
6 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
We took our 11 year old grandson on a trip to the Black Hills and he really wanted to try technical rock climbing. We picked Sylvan Rocks frankly because they climbed at Sylvan Lake which I knew was a very pretty location. The climbing experience couldn't have gone better. We chose the 4 hour trip which was the right amount of time and our guide, Matt, was friendly, safety conscious, and provided a challenging and rewarding experience for our first time climber. Well done Sylvan Rocks.
Written July 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brande S
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
From booking to walking out after the climbs the entire experience exceeded our expectations. Communication with Brandon and our guide Jeff was prompt, informative, they were on top of everything! The climb was a surprise gift for my husband and they worked with me to keep it that way. Jeff was communicating the day before regarding questions about the climb and the day of the climb for weather updates. Safety is their number one priority. As a novice to climbing the instructions were clear, concise and going in Jeff had a plan, but also fluid with options. He was full of answers to all my questions and informed about Palides climbs. He provided excellent feedback with climbing technique, suggestions on how to move during the climb. Overall outstanding experience and can’t wait to climb with him again!
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlie B
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
My two sons and I are climbers with our own gear. We took this six hour class to not only teach my sons anchor building techniques but also to teach this "old climbing dog" of 35 years of climbing experience the new/better way of doing things. Ryan's knowledge and way of teaching was outstanding! After the instruction, we did manage to get a couple of climbs in as well to top off a beautiful day in the needles! So cool!
Written August 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KS2019
3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Zayne was an incredible climbing guide for my 16 yr old daughter whom up until this trip had only climbed indoors. She fell in love with outdoor climbing because of Zayne and his genuine interest to give her a climbing experience within her comfort zone. He made it fun, challenging and gave her an incredible glimpse into the climbing possibilities that await in her future. I am forever grateful and she can’t wait to return and climb with him again. Hands down best of the best!
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristen thanks so much for the kind words! Glad Lily enjoyed her climb and we can't wait to have you back!
Written June 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emy C
Watertown, United States4 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We had a great time learning how to climb safely. My boys are 12 and 14 so we chose to do a group setting with four others. Matt was extremely patient with these younger children and also helped my boys at their level. We appreciated his ability to instruct to each age, patience, support when needed and praises when they hit their goals. Tons of positive things to say about him as an instructor and this company! We will be back for one on one lessons to help them advance their climbing. THANK YOU MATT!
Written July 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan M
21 contributions
May 2024 • Family
My kids and I were lucky enough to experience this awesome opportunity at Sylvan Lake! Our guides were so kind, patient and reassuring as my kids and I made the climbs. Our ages were from 8-41 and they helped build confidence in my most apprehensive kiddos.
Thank you so much for the great opportunity and sharing your expertise! I would highly recommend this experience!!
Thank you so much for the great opportunity and sharing your expertise! I would highly recommend this experience!!
Written May 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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