Join us for the Black Hills Climbers Coalition monthly meeting on Sunday, May 18th at 6:30 PM at the South Dakota Outdoor Shop in Custer. We'll be reviewing results from the recent community survey, sharing updates from our meetings with local land managers, and opening the floor for your questions and ideas.

New 2025 Meeting Schedule:
Starting this month, BHCC meetings will be held during the third week of each month. The specific day and location may vary depending on the season and to ensure accessibility for different parts of the community. We’ll post each meeting’s details in advance on our website calendar and social media.

As always, if you miss a meeting, you can catch up anytime by reading the Meeting Notes on our website.

See you there!

Join us on Tuesday, May 6th from 5:00–8:00 PM at Black Hills Basecamp for a special La Sportiva Shoe Demo!

This is a fantastic opportunity to test out the latest climbing shoes from La Sportiva, including models like the Finale, Skwama, and Mandala. Whether you're a seasoned climber or new to the sport, trying different shoes can help you find the perfect fit for your climbing style.

The Black Hills Climbers Coalition (BHCC) will also have a booth at the event—stop by to learn more about our initiatives, upcoming events, and how you can get involved in the climbing community. Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow climbers and enhance your gear knowledge!

REEL ROCK-19 FILM TOUR

Reel Rock Film Tour is back! The BHCC is happy to announce that we will be screening Reel Rock 19 on March 22nd & 28th

Reel Rock 19 showcases three world-premiere climbing films spanning disciplines, characters, and continents: a heartfelt story of second chances in love and climbing on Squamish’s legendary Cobra Crack; an outrageous 18-day big wall epic on Patagonia’s towering Torre Central; and the pursuit of a lifelong dream—a 5.15 first ascent—made possible by an unlikely partnership. Reel Rock 19 is on tour worldwide starting March 2025.

Scroll down for more information.

March 28th Screening | Matthew’s Opera House & Art Center | Spearfish, SD

When: March 28, 2025 | Doors Open @ 4:30PM | Film starts at 6PM

Where: Matthew’s Opera House & Art Center | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783

Cost: $20 Pre-sale | $25 at the Door (Pre-sale ends March 24th)

Along with entry into the film, your ticket price includes entry into our gear prize raffle. The raffle includes an assortment of outdoor gear generously donated by local Black Hills businesses. Come join us at the Beacon’s comforting atmosphere while watching the top athletes in our sports push the limits to whats possible. Click the button below to buy tickets for this screening!

The Tour Lineup

DEATH OF VILLAINS

Featuring: Kai Lightner & Joe Kinder

A former child climbing-prodigy confronts his struggle with disordered eating to attempt his life-long dream of climbing a groundbreaking 5.15 first ascent, with the help of an unlikely, and controversial partner.

RIDERS ON THE STORM

Featuring: Siebe Vanhee, Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll & Nico Favresse

Three Belgian big-wallers endure eighteen days of howling snowstorms, frozen feet, and gnarly runouts in their attempt to make a long-coveted alpine first ascent. 

THE COBRA & THE HEART

Featuring:  Didier Berthod, Thomasina Pidgeon & Cedar Pidgeon

 A turbulent 20-year saga of love, loss, and redemption: a whirlwind romance, a crushing defeat on a legendary climb, a religious epiphany, and family betrayal, all building to a desperate bid for a rare second chance—at love, fatherhood, and climbing.

Our Sponsors

REEL ROCK-19 FILM TOUR

Reel Rock Film Tour is back! The BHCC is happy to announce that we will be screening Reel Rock 19 on March 22nd & 28th

Reel Rock 19 showcases three world-premiere climbing films spanning disciplines, characters, and continents: a heartfelt story of second chances in love and climbing on Squamish’s legendary Cobra Crack; an outrageous 18-day big wall epic on Patagonia’s towering Torre Central; and the pursuit of a lifelong dream—a 5.15 first ascent—made possible by an unlikely partnership. Reel Rock 19 is on tour worldwide starting March 2025.

Scroll down for more information.

March 22nd Screening | The Custer Beacon | Custer, SD

When: March 22, 2025 | Doors Open @ 5:30PM | Film starts at 7PM

Where: The Custer Beacon | 351 Washington St., Custer, SD

Cost: $20 Pre-sale | $25 at the Door (Pre-sale ends March 17th)

Along with entry into the film, your ticket price includes entry into our gear prize raffle. The raffle includes an assortment of outdoor gear generously donated by local Black Hills businesses. Come join us at the Beacon’s comforting atmosphere while watching the top athletes in our sports push the limits to whats possible. Click the button below to buy tickets for this screening!

The Tour Lineup

DEATH OF VILLAINS

Featuring: Kai Lightner & Joe Kinder

A former child climbing-prodigy confronts his struggle with disordered eating to attempt his life-long dream of climbing a groundbreaking 5.15 first ascent, with the help of an unlikely, and controversial partner.

RIDERS ON THE STORM

Featuring: Siebe Vanhee, Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll & Nico Favresse

Three Belgian big-wallers endure eighteen days of howling snowstorms, frozen feet, and gnarly runouts in their attempt to make a long-coveted alpine first ascent. 

THE COBRA & THE HEART

Featuring:  Didier Berthod, Thomasina Pidgeon & Cedar Pidgeon

 A turbulent 20-year saga of love, loss, and redemption: a whirlwind romance, a crushing defeat on a legendary climb, a religious epiphany, and family betrayal, all building to a desperate bid for a rare second chance—at love, fatherhood, and climbing.

Our Sponsors

🎄 BHCC Christmas Party 2024 🎄

When: Monday, December 18th, 6:00–8:00 PM
Where: Black Hills Basecamp

Let’s come together to celebrate a successful year for the Black Hills climbing community!

Why Celebrate?

2024 has been an incredible year for the BHCC and our climbing community. From advocating for climbing access to fostering sustainability and building stronger connections, we’ve accomplished so much together.

Want to learn more about what we achieved this year? Click here to see the highlights and milestones we’re celebrating!

What to Expect

• Catered Food: Enjoy a delicious spread and connect with fellow climbers.

• FREE Climbing for BHCC Members: A special thank-you to our members—climb on us!

• Games and Giveaways: Have fun with some festive games and a chance to win exciting items! 🎁

• Holiday Cheer: Celebrate the season and reflect on a fantastic year with your climbing community by bringing your best Christmas Sweater! 🎉

Not a BHCC Member Yet?

There’s no better time to join! Sign up today to support climbing access and enjoy free climbing at the party.

Let’s wrap up 2024 on a high note—celebrating our achievements, sharing good food, and enjoying a fun evening together!

See you there!

Monthly Meeting

Every third Monday of each month in 2024, the BHCC will hold public meetings to inform BHCC members and the Black Hills Climbing community about topics such as volunteer opportunities, summaries of board member meetings, committee updates, etc.

The majority of our meetings will take place in Rapid City, with every third meeting being held in Custer or Spearfish. Please refer to the calendar and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on meeting locations and times.

Click below to sign up for our newsletter and learn ways to be more involved/show support with the BHCC.

Monthly Meeting

Every third Monday of each month in 2024, the BHCC will hold public meetings to inform BHCC members and the Black Hills Climbing community about topics such as volunteer opportunities, summaries of board member meetings, committee updates, etc.

The majority of our meetings will take place in Rapid City, with every third meeting being held in Custer or Spearfish. Please refer to the calendar and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on meeting locations and times.

Click below to sign up for our newsletter and learn ways to be more involved/show support with the BHCC.

Our yearly potluck/climbing event at South Seas will be held September 21st! Starting at around 9AM we will be setting up tables and ropes so people can enjoy, not only some high quality rock climbing, but food as well. Please feel free to add to the event by bringing your favorite dish/beverage.

If you have any more questions please reach out to us!

Monthly Meeting

Every third Monday of each month in 2024, the BHCC will hold public meetings to inform BHCC members and the Black Hills Climbing community about topics such as volunteer opportunities, summaries of board member meetings, committee updates, etc.

The majority of our meetings will take place in Rapid City, with every third meeting being held in Custer or Spearfish. Please refer to the calendar and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on meeting locations and times.

Click below to sign up for our newsletter and learn ways to be more involved/show support with the BHCC.

Monthly Meeting

Every third Monday of each month in 2024, the BHCC will hold public meetings to inform BHCC members and the Black Hills Climbing community about topics such as volunteer opportunities, summaries of board member meetings, committee updates, etc.

The majority of our meetings will take place in Rapid City, with every third meeting being held in Custer or Spearfish. Please refer to the calendar and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on meeting locations and times.

Click below to sign up for our newsletter and learn ways to be more involved/show support with the BHCC.

Monthly Meeting

Every third Monday of each month in 2024, the BHCC will hold public meetings to inform BHCC members and the Black Hills Climbing community about topics such as volunteer opportunities, summaries of board member meetings, committee updates, etc.

The majority of our meetings will take place in Rapid City, with every third meeting being held in Custer or Spearfish. Please refer to the calendar and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on meeting locations and times.

Click below to sign up for our newsletter and learn ways to be more involved/show support with the BHCC.

Trail Day with Mt. Rushmore

Come join the BHCC & Mt. Rushmore in cleaning up the Wrinkled Rock Trail along the South Seas climbing area. This will begin on July 11th from 10-12pm and will mainly involve the removal of invasive plant species and weeds along the trail. Hope to see you there!

Monthly Meeting

Every third Monday of each month in 2024, the BHCC will hold public meetings to inform BHCC members and the Black Hills Climbing community about topics such as volunteer opportunities, summaries of board member meetings, committee updates, etc.

The majority of our meetings will take place in Rapid City, with every third meeting being held in Custer or Spearfish. Please refer to the calendar and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on meeting locations and times.

Click below to sign up for our newsletter and learn ways to be more involved/show support with the BHCC.

Trail Day with Mt. Rushmore

Come join the BHCC & Mt. Rushmore in cleaning up the Presidential Trail along the monument of Mt. Rushmore. This will begin on June 6th from 10-12pm and will mainly involve the removal of invasive plant species and weeds along the trail. Hope to see you there!

There will also be another trail day with Mt. Rushmore along the Wrinkled Rock Climbing area coming this July! So, stay tuned for more information on this.

Black Hills Bouldering Guidebook Launch Party

This event will be taking place at Black Hills Basecamp Climbing Gym from 6-8 PM in celebrating the release of the first ever Black Hills Bouldering Guidebook by Logan Grosz!

• If you purchase a guidebook at this event you will be entered to win a crash pad.

• There will be food supplied.

• Logan will be present to sign books.

• Local Vendors, like Black Hole Resole, Death Grip, & Hold my Earrings by Harper will be present as well!

Monthly Meeting

Every third Monday of each month in 2024, the BHCC will hold public meetings to inform BHCC members and the Black Hills Climbing community about topics such as volunteer opportunities, summaries of board member meetings, committee updates, etc.

The majority of our meetings will take place in Rapid City, with every third meeting being held in Custer or Spearfish. Please refer to the calendar and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on meeting locations and times.

Click below to sign up for our newsletter and learn ways to be more involved/show support with the BHCC.

REEL ROCK-18 FILM TOUR

Reel Rock Film Tour is back! The BHCC is happy to announce that we will be screening Reel Rock 18 on May 10th & 11th.

Reel Rock 18 is on tour worldwide. Immerse yourself in four new climbing films from across the globe: a visionary first ascent on Japan’s mythical Mt. Mizugaki; a climbing community held together in war-torn Ukraine; a treacherous free ascent of Jirishanca in the Peruvian Andes; and an exploration of Mallorca’s deep-water soloing. Presented by The North Face, supported by Black Diamond and Yeti.

Scroll down for more information.

May 11th Screening | The Custer Beacon | Custer, SD

When: May 11th, 2023 | Doors Open @ 6PM | Film starts at 7PM

Where: The Custer Beacon | 351 Washington St., Custer, SD

Cost: $20 Pre-sale | $25 at the Door (Pre-sale ends April 30th)

Along with entry into the film, your ticket price includes entry into our gear prize raffle. The raffle includes an assortment of outdoor gear generously donated by local Black Hills businesses. Come join us at the Beacon’s comforting atmosphere while watching the top athletes in our sports push the limits to whats possible. Click the button below to buy tickets for this screening!

The Tour Lineup

Jirishanca

Featuring: Josh Wharton and Vince Anderson

Locations: Jirishanca, Peruvian Andes

Renowned alpinists Josh Wharton and Vince Anderson attempt a free ascent of the Jirishanca, an epic 20,000-foot peak in the Peruvian Andes. The duo will have to tackle 5.13 face climbing, horizontal ice roofs, technical mixed terrain, and treacherous snow mushrooms as they reconcile the inherent risk of climbing with their love of alpine adventure.   

Yeah Buddy

Featuring: Angie Scarth-Johnson, Hazel Findlay

Location: Mallorca, Spain

 Australian climber Angie Scarth-Johnson, who first made her mark setting records at a young age, teams up with veteran adventure climber Hazel Findlay to explore the best of Mallorca’s deep-water soloing.

With My Heart

Featuring: Sachi Amma

Location: Japan

Follow the philosophical journey of Japanese climbing phenom Sachi Amma, as he evolves from three-time world champion to traditional climbing purist, culminating in a visionary first ascent on the mythical Mt. Mizugaki.

Climbing Never Die

Featuring: Matt Groom

Location: Ukraine

Climbing journalist Matt Groom journeys deep into war-torn Ukraine to discover a community held together by climbing and patriotism, but indelibly changed by war.

Our Sponsors

REEL ROCK-18 FILM TOUR

Reel Rock Film Tour is back! The BHCC is happy to announce that we will be screening Reel Rock 18 on May 10th & 11th.

Reel Rock 18 is on tour worldwide. Immerse yourself in four new climbing films from across the globe: a visionary first ascent on Japan’s mythical Mt. Mizugaki; a climbing community held together in war-torn Ukraine; a treacherous free ascent of Jirishanca in the Peruvian Andes; and an exploration of Mallorca’s deep-water soloing. Presented by The North Face, supported by Black Diamond and Yeti.

Scroll down for more information.

May 10th Screening | The Elks Theater | Rapid City, SD

When: May 10th, 2023 | Doors Open @ 6PM | Film starts at 7PM

Where: The Elk Theater | 512 6th St., Rapid City, SD

Cost: $20 Pre-sale | $25 at the Door (Pre-sale ends April 30th)

Along with entry into the film, your ticket price includes entry into our gear prize raffle. The raffle includes an assortment of outdoor gear generously donated by local Black Hills businesses. Come join us at the Beacon’s comforting atmosphere while watching the top athletes in our sports push the limits to whats possible. Click the button below to buy tickets for this screening!

The Tour Lineup

Jirishanca

Featuring: Josh Wharton and Vince Anderson

Locations: Jirishanca, Peruvian Andes

Renowned alpinists Josh Wharton and Vince Anderson attempt a free ascent of the Jirishanca, an epic 20,000-foot peak in the Peruvian Andes. The duo will have to tackle 5.13 face climbing, horizontal ice roofs, technical mixed terrain, and treacherous snow mushrooms as they reconcile the inherent risk of climbing with their love of alpine adventure.   

Yeah Buddy

Featuring: Angie Scarth-Johnson, Hazel Findlay

Location: Mallorca, Spain

 Australian climber Angie Scarth-Johnson, who first made her mark setting records at a young age, teams up with veteran adventure climber Hazel Findlay to explore the best of Mallorca’s deep-water soloing.

With My Heart

Featuring: Sachi Amma

Location: Japan

Follow the philosophical journey of Japanese climbing phenom Sachi Amma, as he evolves from three-time world champion to traditional climbing purist, culminating in a visionary first ascent on the mythical Mt. Mizugaki.

Climbing Never Die

Featuring: Matt Groom

Location: Ukraine

Climbing journalist Matt Groom journeys deep into war-torn Ukraine to discover a community held together by climbing and patriotism, but indelibly changed by war.

Our Sponsors

Mount Rushmore Trail Day/Clean Up

    Join us at Mount Rushmore National Memorial to celebrate National Volunteer Week. Members of the community are invited to join park staff to assist in enhancing the beauty of the location by picking up litter and other items that have found their way off the main trail.

This event kicks off National Park Week and celebrates the spirit of voluntarism and community engagement that have kept places worth supporting and visiting for over a hundred years. Registration for the event can be completed below or through a sign-up on the day of the event.  

This will include the removal of litter on select areas within Mount Rushmore with the company of a National Park Service employee. The event will begin at 10:00 AM MDT. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Monthly Meeting

Every third Monday of each month in 2024, the BHCC will hold public meetings to inform BHCC members and the Black Hills Climbing community about topics such as volunteer opportunities, summaries of board member meetings, committee updates, etc.

The majority of our meetings will take place in Rapid City, with every third meeting being held in Custer or Spearfish. Please refer to the calendar and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on meeting locations and times.

Click below to sign up for our newsletter and learn ways to be more involved/show support with the BHCC.

Monthly Meeting

Every third Monday of each month in 2024, the BHCC will hold public meetings to inform BHCC members and the Black Hills Climbing community about topics such as volunteer opportunities, summaries of board member meetings, committee updates, etc.

The majority of our meetings will take place in Rapid City, with every third meeting being held in Custer or Spearfish. Please refer to the calendar and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on meeting locations and times.

Click below to sign up for our newsletter and learn ways to be more involved/show support with the BHCC.

Monthly Meeting

Every third Monday of each month in 2024, the BHCC will hold public meetings to inform BHCC members and the Black Hills Climbing community about topics such as volunteer opportunities, summaries of board member meetings, committee updates, etc.

The majority of our meetings will take place in Rapid City, with every third meeting being held in Custer or Spearfish. Please refer to the calendar and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on meeting locations and times.

Click below to sign up for our newsletter and learn ways to be more involved/show support with the BHCC.

Monthly Meeting

Every third Monday of each month in 2024, the BHCC will hold public meetings to inform BHCC members and the Black Hills Climbing community about topics such as volunteer opportunities, summaries of board member meetings, committee updates, etc.

The majority of our meetings will take place in Rapid City, with every third meeting being held in Custer or Spearfish. Please refer to the calendar and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on meeting locations and times.

Click below to sign up for our newsletter and learn ways to be more involved/show support with the BHCC.

Dave Rone Ice Climbing Presentation

When | December 9th @ 7:30 PM (After Board Elections)

Where | Black Hills Helicopters, Inc

in Keystone, SD

24035 US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751

Dave Rone started rock and ice climbing at Interstate Park, on the St Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin, almost 50 years ago. He made his first trip to Devils Tower in 1977, and a few years later found the Black Hills. And since then, he’s visited some other places that are almost as good! 

Using photos, and video, Dave’s presentation, Winter Climbing: Laughs, Gasps, and Occasional Sends, will take you through some of the stuff that's gone on over the years. And it will highlight some remarkable areas and routes, including the Canadian Rockies, the Lake Superior region, Quebec, Norway, and Patagonia. 

Whether you're a winter climber or not, you’ll find Winter Climbing entertaining and informative, and it may even lead you to stepping into crampons and grabbing ice tools!  

BHCC Board Member Elections

Starting at 6 PM

Located at:

BLack Hills Helicopters, INc.

24035 US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751

This year we will be using an online voting platform so BHCC members who are unable to be at the location for elections can still vote.

Click below to vote now!

Nominations

Brandon Emery | Vice President

Jim Slichter | Treasurer

Mark Rafferty | President

John lang | Secretary

Jason McNabb | Member at Large

Colin Boyd | Vice President

Chris Pelczarski | Secretary

Peyton Rafferty | Publicist

Ron Yahne | Member at Large

Katy Mazer | Publicist

Join us for the BHCC Christmas Party, in collaboration with the Paha Sapa Grotto! Embrace the Christmas spirit with a gingerbread build-off, captivating guest speakers, live music, a food truck, and the delightful touch of Lost Cabin Beer. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your baking skills and win a fantastic prize from Lost Cabin Brewery. Let’s celebrate the season together in style!

Schedule Breakdown

3 PM | Party Starts and 8 teams together for gingerbread build off

4 PM | Pocket Junkies Band Begin to Play

4:30 PM | Build off Starts (1 hour to finish, prize provided by Lost Cabin Brewery)

6 PM | Band Ends, and Tandor Bacado Food Truck Open

6:15 PM | Guest Speakers Begin

7 PM - Close | Eat, Drink, and Socialize

Scroll down for more info about our collaborators.

Paha Sapa Grotto

The Paha Sapa Grotto is an internal organization of the National Speleological Society located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and is dedicated to the study, conservation, and enjoyment of caves.

Browse this page below or our events or projects page to find out more about what  specifically we are involved with.  

The Paha Sapa Grotto usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of every month in Hill City , at the Chute Rooster.  Each meeting normally begins with a presentation about caves, caving, or geology, followed by the business meeting.  Current Grotto projects are discussed at the meeting.  We also offer caving trips once a month for beginners!

Pocket Junkies Band

The Pocket Junkies are a conqlomeration of seasoned iazz and blues professionals who are currently residing in the Black Hills.

The line-up:

Jimmy Reed from the Blue Collar Brass Band is on bass and sousaphone.

Sivan Hoch, who, before the pandemic. was a touring musician based out of Denver, playing with acts such as Markus King, Robert Randolph and Paul Pesco of the Hallnoats. He's on sax.

Johnny Hastings is a local Rapid City blues guitarist who has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Buddy Guy.

Kaleb Britton is a fabulous local drummer who grew up in Rapid City and lived in New Orleans for ears playing with onlv the best.

Eric Luba is on keys and vocals. He's from Denver, where he remains a top hire. He's shared the stage with many great bands including Vulfpeck and DJ Williams of Karl Denson's Tiny Universe.

Tandor Bocado

A food Truck offering a diverse menu of world cuisine, using a wood fired tandoor oven and a wok.