Top guns for hire

If you want to follow in the footsteps of a pro mountaineer — at least the climbing part of it — hire one as a guide. What should you be looking for?

Many mountaineers recommend guides certified by the American Mountain Guides Assn. Founded in 1979, the organization offers guide training and certification in rock, alpine and ski mountaineering.

The pros also suggest hiring guides familiar with emergency medicine and rescue techniques, and finding someone who makes you comfortable. “A lot of new guides underestimate the human element,” says Kathy Cosley, a guide based in Bishop, Calif.

But not every climbing guide believes you need the AMGA seal of approval to get clients up in the world.

“Guiding was never about organizations or official approval,” says Karl “Baba” Bralich, a guide working unofficially in Yosemite.

Official or unofficial, look out for climbing skills, expertise in local terrain and satisfied customers.

Here are a few places to start your search:

American Mountain Guides Assn.
Boulder, Colo.
(303) 271-0984
https://www.amga.com

Southern California Mountaineers Assn.
https://www.rockclimbing.org

Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School
Joshua Tree, Calif.
(760) 366-4745
https://www.joshuatreerockclimbing.com

Yosemite Mountaineering School
Yosemite, Calif.
(209) 372-8344
https://www.yosemitemountaineering.com

American Alpine Institute
Bellingham, Wash.
(360) 671-1505
https://www.mtnguide.com