Best Rock Climbing Guides in United States
United States has 43 notable rock climbing guides for 2026. 21 guides hold IFMGA certification, the highest international standard. Rates range from $180 to $3195 per day. Benegas Brothers Expeditions ranks highest based on credentials and client reviews.
Top Rock Climbing Guides in United States
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IFMGA-certified; 5.0-star rating from 10 reviews.
AMGAIFMGAMountain Guide - 2.
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AMGA-certified; 5.0-star rating from 1 review.
Rock GuideAMGA Certified Alpine GuideAMGA Certified Rock GuideAMGA - 23.
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AMGA-certified; 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
AMGARock GuideAMGA Certified Rock Guide - 25.
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- 33.$180–$275/day
AMGA Rock Guide certified; 5.0-star rating from 9 reviews; operates in Moab and Red Rock Canyon.
AMGA Rock GuideAMGA Apprentice Alpine GuideAMGA Apprentice Ski GuideAMGA Single Pitch InstructorWFR - 34.$250–$255/day
AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide certified; 5.0-star rating from 9 reviews; operates in City of Rocks and Boulder.
AMGA Apprentice Rock GuideAMGA Apprentice Alpine GuideAMGA Single Pitch InstructorWFR - 35.$180–$180/day
AMGA Rock Guide certified; 5.0-star rating from 7 reviews; operates in Red Rock Canyon.
AMGA Rock GuideAMGA Single Pitch InstructorWFR - 36.$220–$220/day
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certified; 5.0-star rating from 12 reviews; operates in Red River Gorge.
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor - 37.$275–$275/day
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certified; 5.0-star rating from 2 reviews; operates in Moab.
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor - 38.
- 39.$250–$3195/day
5.0-star rating from 28 reviews; operates in Hot Springs and Red Rock Canyon.
- 40.$220–$220/day
5.0-star rating from 12 reviews; operates in Red River Gorge.
- 41.$180–$180/day
5.0-star rating from 7 reviews; operates in Red Rock Canyon.
- 42.$255–$255/day
5.0-star rating from 5 reviews; operates in City of Rocks.
- 43.$250–$250/day
5.0-star rating from 4 reviews; operates in Boulder.
Rock Climbing Guide Comparison — United States 2026
| Guide | Certifications | Rating | Price/Day | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benegas Brothers Expeditions | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | 5.0 (10) | — | Sandy, UT |
| Adventure Spirit Guides | IFMGA, Mountain Guide, AMGA | 5.0 (8) | — | Burlington, VT |
| The Mountain Guides | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | 5.0 (4) | — | |
| The Mountain Guides Colorado | AMGA, IFMGA, Guide Agency | 5.0 (1) | — | CO |
| SWS Mountain Guides | IFMGA, AMGA, Mountain Guide | 4.8 (29) | — | Mount Shasta, CA |
| Mike Poborsky | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | AL |
| Emilie Drinkwater | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Brian Smith | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Jackson Hole, WY |
| Alpine Ascents International | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Seattle, WA |
| Steve Banks | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Crested Butte, CO |
| Silas Rossi | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | New Paltz, NY |
| Mountain Madness | Mountain Guide, IFMGA, AMGA | — | — | WA |
| Ice Axe Expeditions | AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Truckee |
| Mikheil Nadiradze | IFMGA, GMGA, Mountain Guide | 4.9 (85) | — | Tbilisi, GA |
| Giorgi Gomiashvili | GMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | 4.8 (6) | — | Stepantsminda, GA |
| Ilia Berulava Guiding Team | GMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | 4.5 (60) | — | Tbilisi, GA |
| Beka Phajishvili | IFMGA, GMGA, Mountain Guide | 4.3 (6) | — | Tbilisi, GA |
| Shalva Margiani | GMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Mestia, GA |
| Saba Samadashvili | GMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Tbilisi, GA |
| Snow Vigil LLC | IFMGA, Guide Agency | 5.0 (1) | — | Oni, GA |
| Tornike Matsaberidze | IFMGA, Mountain Guide | — | — | Tbilisi, GA |
| Mick Pearson | Rock Guide, AMGA Certified Alpine Guide, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, AMGA | 5.0 (1) | — | Seattle, WA |
| Jerome Smart | Rock Guide, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, AMGA | 5.0 (6) | — | Moab, UT |
| The Mountain Guides Red Rock | AMGA, Rock Guide, AMGA Certified Rock Guide | 4.9 (10) | — | Las Vegas, NV |
| Nelson Day | AMGA, Rock Guide, AMGA Certified Rock Guide | — | — | Joshua Tree, CA |
| Scott Chapman | Rock Guide, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, AMGA | — | — | Glorieta, NM |
| Tj Ciotti | Rock Guide, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, AMGA | — | — | Gardiner, NY |
| Thomas Chapman | Rock Guide, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, AMGA | — | — | Tampa, FL |
| Swis Stockton | Rock Guide, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, AMGA | — | — | Linville Gorge Wilderness |
| Mike Schneiter | AMGA, Rock Guide | 5.0 (3) | — | Glenwood Springs |
| The Climbing Life Guides | AMGA, Rock Guide | — | — | CA |
| Eric Shaw | AMGA, Rock Guide | — | — | CO |
| Holly Mackin | AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide, AMGA Apprentice Ski Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, WFR | 5.0 (9) | $180–$275 | Moab, UT |
| Izzy Lazarus | AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, WFR | 5.0 (9) | $250–$255 | City of Rocks, ID |
| Selena Pang | AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, WFR | 5.0 (7) | $180–$180 | Red Rock Canyon, NV |
| Travis Sapp | AMGA Single Pitch Instructor | 5.0 (12) | $220–$220 | Red River Gorge, KY |
| Peggy Flavin | AMGA Single Pitch Instructor | 5.0 (2) | $275–$275 | Moab, UT |
| Chris Van Leuven | Rock Guide | — | — | CO |
| Heidi | — | 5.0 (28) | $250–$3195 | Winthrop University, SC |
| Matthew Kiroff | — | 5.0 (12) | $220–$220 | Red River Gorge, KY |
| Szu-ting Yi | — | 5.0 (7) | $180–$180 | Red Rock Canyon, NV |
| Lisa Van Sciver | — | 5.0 (5) | $255–$255 | City of Rocks, ID |
| Jess Worley | — | 5.0 (4) | $250–$250 | Boulder, CO |
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How to Choose a Rock Climbing Guide in United States
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Check certifications. IFMGA is the highest international standard. AMGA certification indicates a guide has passed rigorous assessments. Both ensure your guide meets professional safety and skill benchmarks.
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Match the guide to your skill level. Some guides specialize in introductory programs while others focus on advanced objectives. Read their profiles and contact them directly.
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Consider group size and format. Private guiding offers more flexibility but costs more per person. Small group programs are cost-effective and let you meet other participants.
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Verify local expertise. Guides with years of experience in United States know the terrain, weather patterns, and best zones for current conditions.
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Book early for peak dates. The best guides fill up months in advance, especially for holidays and prime conditions windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rock climbing guides are in United States?
There are 43 rock climbing guides listed in United States. Certifications among these guides include AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide, Guide Agency, GMGA, Rock Guide, AMGA Certified Alpine Guide, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide, AMGA Apprentice Ski Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, WFR, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide.
How much does a rock climbing guide cost in United States?
Rock Climbing guide rates in United States typically range from $180 to $3195 per day, depending on the guide, group size, and specific program.
What certifications do United States rock climbing guides have?
United States rock climbing guides hold certifications including AMGA, IFMGA, Mountain Guide, Guide Agency, GMGA, Rock Guide, AMGA Certified Alpine Guide, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide, AMGA Apprentice Ski Guide, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, WFR, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide. IFMGA is the highest international standard for mountain guides.
What is the best time of year for rock climbing in United States?
Rock Climbing in United States is available year-round, though conditions vary by season. Contact guides directly for the best timing for your specific objectives.
How far in advance should I book a rock climbing guide in United States?
Popular guides in United States book up 2-6 months in advance, especially for peak season dates. For the best availability, contact guides at least 3 months before your preferred dates.