1% for the Planet x Golden State Guiding

Golden State Guiding is proud to announce we’re an official member of 1% for the Planet.

Supporting our community of climbers and outdoor enthusiasts has always been at the forefront of our service but equally important is our responsibility as a business to protect the natural places we recreate in for future generations.

Our commitment to preserving the environment begins in the field and with 1% for the Planet. We couldn’t be more thrilled to share this exciting news with our community and begin supporting the organizations we believe make a difference.

1% for the Planet member Golden State Guiding

Photo: @Jameson.Schultz

2nd Annual BBQ's x BELAY's x BEER's // Registration Open

Registration is officially open for our 2nd Annual BBQ’s x BELAY’s x BEER’s events in Joshua Tree, NP! Come climb with our professionally trained AMGA guides as we take you out to some of our favorite crags in Joshua Tree! Cost is $225 and includes 2 days of guided climbing, 2 nights camping, and dinner and refreshments Saturday evening. Click here to learn more about the event and register. Hope to see you out there!

BBQ's x BELAY's x BEER's Joshua Tree National Park Rock Climbing Event

GSG Ambassador Meetup // Eastern Sierra & Yosemite

Staying connected to the people that represent our company is important to us. Whether Guides or Ambassadors, we are all connected by this simple activity that brings us joy, rock climbing. We decided to head out into the alpine this past weekend with a few of our Ambassadors to tick a couple classic routes in the Sierra. GSG Ambassadors Shane McNichol, Kory McAfee and Founder of GSG Ryan Hartegan hit the road late Friday evening for a quick strike mission up the beautiful North Arete of Crystal Crag and one of the most breathtaking lines in all of Yosemite, the Regular Route on Cathedral Peak. These images basically sum up the weekend, stellar climbing, great companionship, and one of the most stunning sunsets any of them had ever witnessed as they descended Cathedral Peak. Weekends like this remind us of how incredibly fortunate we are for the friendships we’ve forged over the years, the natural landscapes we have the privilege of exploring and this beautiful planet we get to call home.

Cathedral Peak Yosemite National Park
Crystal Crag North Arete Mammoth Lakes Basin
Crystal Crag North Arete Mammoth Lakes Basin
Cathedral Peak Yosemite National Park

Golden State Guiding // Tech Video Shoot

We've officially begun shooting our first series of Tech Videos at Golden State Guiding! The video series will reinforce our commitment to furthering education for our climbing community by focusing on simple techniques, best practices and some obscure systems you may not find on other online tutorials. Our official launch is aimed at the end of the 2018 or beginning of 2019, keep a lookout!

Golden State Guiding Tech Video Shoot

GSG Welcomes Ash Gambhir to the Ambassador Family

Golden State Guiding's Ambassador Family just grew again! We're pleased to announce our latest addition to the GSG Ambassador Family, Ash Gambhir (@verticalnomad). Ash joins the program with a heart full of adventure and an impressive list of achievements, especially in the alpine. Recently awarded the Live Your Dream Grant by the American Alpine Club in 2018, Ash has been at it non-stop ticking some classic alpine lines. From the striking ice climb, Liberty Ridge on Mount Rainier, to the beautiful line, Fishhook Arete on Mount Russell, to a very recent ascent of Thunerbolt peak in the Palisades, Ash has spent more time at elevation than many people we know! Ash is also working as an Apprentice Guide with Golden State Guiding and is currently pursuing certification through the AMGA as a Single Pitch Instructor and plans to enroll in the AMGA Alpine Skills Course this fall. Along with his thirst for adventure Ash also enjoys giving back to his community by being an active member of the American Alpine Club's San Diego Chapter. We're incredibly excited to have Ash join the GSG Ambassador Family, be on the lookout for more trip reports from Ash which you can follow by checking out his blog Vertical Nomads at verticalnomads.com

Ash Gambhir Golden State Guiding Ambassador
Ash Gambhir Golden State Guiding Ambassador Liberty Ridge Mount Rainier
Ash Gambhir Thunderbolt Peak Palisades Eastern Sierra

Mount Emerson // South East Face

Getting a client to the top of their first alpine route is always an incredibly satisfying moment. The progression people are capable of in such a short amount of time these days is impressive to say the least. We always make sure to assess our clients physical and mental capacities before putting them on an alpine objective but sometimes it's a no-brainer as was the case with Jake last week during his first alpine ascent of Mount Emerson's South East Face. GSG Guide Joshua Reinig had the pleasure of guiding Jake up this moderate alpine route in the Eastern Sierra just outside of Bishop and what an incredible day they both had. Technical climbing right off the deck followed by a long scree chute and rib hoping, ending with a knife edge traverse, we'd say Jake got the full value experience his first day in the alpine! Thanks to Jake for giving us the chance to guide him in our favorite arena and to GSG Guide Josh for facilitating the day. 

Mount Emerson Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing
Mount Emerson Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing
Mount Emerson Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing South East Face Waterfall Route

Mount Sill // Swiss Arete // Palisade Range

Another successful outing into the Palisade Range went down this past weekend! These 3 badass ladies conquered the Swiss Arete (5.7, Grade III), during a 3 day outing in one of our favorite places to guide. Perfect temps, good vibes and an all around great time was had by all. Big congratulations to these 3 for summiting one of the more iconic peaks in the Eastern Sierra! Also, big thanks to GSG Lead Guide Josh Reinig for facilitating the outing and to GSG Guide Greg Davis for taking the time to be mentored by Josh. We couldn't do it without our awesome Guide Family! 

Eastern Sierra Alpine Climbing Mount Sill Swiss Arete
Eastern Sierra Alpine Climbing Mount Sill Swiss Arete
Eastern Sierra Alpine Climbing Mount Sill Swiss Arete
Eastern Sierra Alpine Climbing Mount Sill Swiss Arete
Eastern Sierra Alpine Climbing Mount Sill Swiss Arete

Gym 2 Crag // July Series Wrap Up

We just wrapped up another Gym 2 Crag series for the month of July and had nothing but happy participants at the end of the course! Knots and Hitches, Top Rope Anchors and Rappelling skills were taught throughout the 3 weeks at our partner gym Vertical Hold then we took it to our local crag, Mission Gorge, where our students put their newly acquired skills to the test! Big thanks to everyone who attended the G2C for the month of July we couldn't be more pleased with your success! Also, big thanks to our newest apprentice Scott Iwamoto for helping facilitate the day out!

Gym 2 Crag Mission Gorge Rock Climbing San Diego
Gym 2 Crag Mission Gorge Rock Climbing San Diego
Gym 2 Crag Mission Gorge Rock Climbing San Diego

Beating the Heat // Holcomb Valley Rock Climbing

With California temperatures reaching all time highs at lower elevations we opted for cooler temps and took a short drive to Holcomb Valley just outside of the town of Big Bear, CA. The first good indicator was that we were able to find a close parking spot at the southern lot! Crowds were minimal, temperatures optimal, and good vibes were being spread among the guides and our two clients as we climbed up numerous pitches throughout the day. It's always a pleasure catching up with repeat clients and Lauren and AJ were stoked to get back out with us. Thanks for the great day you two and big thanks to GSG Guide Greg Davis for facilitating. 

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Holcomb Valley Rock Climbing Southern California
Holcomb Valley Rock Climbing Southern California
Holcomb Valley Rock Climbing Southern California

Sierra Single Pitchn' Event // Eastern Sierra

Another amazing weekend with great people in a beautiful place! We wrapped up our Sierra Single Pitchn’ Event in the Eastern Sierra and I think it’s safe to say we’re still coming down from a big high! We spent 2 nights camping in beautiful Rock Creek Canyon and ventured out each day into the Eastern Sierra, sampling some fine rock climbing along the way. Day 1 was spent at Clark Canyon where we climbed large formations composed of volcanic rock followed by a dip in Rock Creek Lake to round out the day. Day 2 we ventured north into the Mammoth Lakes Basin area where we spent the day climbing at Horseshoe Slabs, nestled between Horseshoe Lake and beautiful pine trees of all shapes and sizes. The Sierra is a very special place to all of our Guides, it’s a privilege to be able to introduce people to a place so near and dear to our heart. Thanks to everyone who attended the first annual Sierra Single Pitchn’ Event, this is just the beginning of more fun outings to come on the Eastside! Also, big shout out to GSG Guide Greg Davis for facilitating the weekend and to GSG Guide Tyler Dandurand and GSG Apprentice Guide Sarah Barille for helping along the way. Awesome team we have, couldn't do it without you guys!

To view the full gallery of photos click here.

Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing Horseshoe Slabs Mammoth Lakes Basin
Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing Clark Canyon Mammoth Lakes Basin
Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing Horseshoe Slabs Mammoth Lakes Basin

Girls Leadership Wrapup

The Summer 2018 Girls Leadership Program with Golden State Guiding has officially finished! We’re proud to have supported this fine young group of girls over the course of the last 3 weeks at our local crag, Mission Gorge, as they broke through barriers they never thought imaginable! The girls were put into situations where team building skills were applied, the fundamentals of climbing systems introduced and the emphasis of safety was instilled through instruction of knots and best belay practices. We couldn’t be more pleased with how these girls progressed through the course of the last 3 weeks, great job to everyone! Also, as usual big thanks to GSG Guide @gregasaurus_flex and GSG Apprentice Guide @sarah___bee for facilitating all 3 weeks, couldn’t have done it without you!

Girls Leadership Rock Climbing Program Mission Gorge
Girls Leadership Rock Climbing Program Mission Gorge
Girls Leadership Rock Climbing Program Mission Gorge
Girls Leadership Rock Climbing Program Mission Gorge
Girls Leadership Rock Climbing Program Mission Gorge

Successful Summit of Mount Sill (14,154') // Sierra Nevada

We're pleased to share with you 2 clients, Jesse Felten and Angel Castaneda, successfully reached the summit of Mount Sill (14,154') via the North Couloir route on July 1st, 2018 with GSG Guide Josh Reinig. Mount Sill is 1 of 15 fourteener's in California and is considered a technical peak needing the appropriate skills to ascend and descend her slopes safely. Snow travel up to 50+ degrees is involved along with technical rock climbing up to low 5th class during the crux of the route. Jesse and Angelo both demonstrated the ability to keep it cool under pressure while ascending this beautiful peak in the High Sierra, also known as Nee-na-mee-shee, meaning Guardian of the Valley. Congratulations on your ascent gentleman and big thanks to GSG Guide Josh Reinig for facilitating a safe and fun weekend for our guests. 

Mount Sill Summit Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing
Second Lake North Fork of Big Pine Creek Temple Crag
Rope Skills Course Mount Sill Palisade Range Sierra Nevada Rock Climbing
Mount Sill Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing Palisade Range
North Couloir L-Shape Couloir Mount Sill High Sierra Mountaineering
Mount Sill Mountaineering High Sierra Nevada

GSG Ambassador Jordan Cannon Slideshow

The psych is still high from last nights slideshow with GSG Ambassador @cannonjtc! Thanks for taking the time to spread the stoke throughout our local climbing community Jordan, everyone was thrilled to have you come out and share your adventures for the evening! Big thanks to @verticalhold for hosting and to our local climbing organizations and partners @sandiegochapter_aac and @officialacsd for coming out and supporting this great event. We also wanted to thank @samuelcrossley and @callenhearne for all the great photos and video they provided Jordan with for the show. You guys rock, keep up the good work! And lastly, thanks to @randyleavittand @maximropes for spreading the word about the evening! Looking forward to more fun nights like this down the road. #gsgambassadors

Golden State Guiding Ambassador Jordan Cannon Slideshow
Golden State Guiding Ambassador Jordan Cannon Slideshow
Golden State Guiding Ambassador Jordan Cannon Slideshow

2nd Annual Girls Leadership Program // Day 1

The 2nd annual Girls Leadership Program is underway in sunny San Diego and what a great first day we had in the field at our local crag, Mission Gorge. These strong young women are back for their second year in a row with Golden State Guiding working on building confidence, working as a team in an outdoor environment and breaking boundaries they never thought possible. During the 3 days these girls are out with us they'll learn the necessary skills regarding safety checks with partners, rope skills, best practices for belaying, rappelling techniques and much more. Day 1 is complete and was a big success! Thanks to GSG Guide Greg Davis and GSG Apprentice Guide Sarah Barille for facilitating the day. Look for more updates as the program continues over the next couple weeks!

Girls Leadership Program Rock Climbing Mission Gorge San Diego
Girls Leadership Program Rock Climbing Mission Gorge San Diego
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GSG Ambassador & Guide Jordan Cannon Slideshow

Golden State Guiding is excited to announce GSG Ambassador & Guide Jordan Cannon will be presenting a slideshow at Vertical Hold Climbing Gym San Diego on July 2nd, 2018 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm). Come hear Jordan speak to adventure, traveling, mentor-ship, training, living simply and dreaming BIG! Free admission for the slideshow, $10 discounted day pass for any non Vertical Hold member wanting to climb afterwards with Jordan. All proceeds go to our local climbing organizations American Alpine Club - San Diego Chapter and Allied Climbers of San Diego. Looking forward to a fun evening! 

Golden State Guiding Ambassador Jordan Cannon Slideshow

GSG Apprentice Guide Ash Gambhir & Team Climb Liberty Ridge

Apparently Liberty Ridge is the go-to route this season for GSG Guides. Apprentice Guide @verticalnomad just topped out Mt. Rainier via the famous Liberty Ridge route last week. This is our second Guide in two weeks to ascend the route. Ash was awarded the American Alpine Clubs “Live Your Dream” grant earlier this year and Liberty Ridge was the coveted route of choice. Congratulations Ash and the rest of your team! Stoked everyone made a safe and successful ascent! 

Golden State Guiding Apprentice Guide Ash Gambhir Liberty Ridge
Golden State Guiding Guide Ash Gambhir Liberty Ridge Mount Rainier
Golden State Guiding Guide Ash Gambhir Liberty Ridge
Golden State Guiding Guide Ash Gambhir Liberty Ridge

Jesse Ray Joins GSG's Guide Family

Golden State Guiding is excited to announce our latest addition to the GSG Guide Family, Jesse Ray. Jesse comes to GSG with a wealth of knowledge in multiple disciplines of climbing as well as education. Jesse is a certified AMGA Rock Guide, Single Pitch Instructor and an Apprentice Alpine Guide and is currently holding down the role as Outdoor Leadership Development Coordinator at SFU! Jesse’s passion for education and mentoring is something we look for in all of our Guides which makes him the perfect addition to the GSG Guide Family, and he knows a thing or two about climbing! Please join us in welcoming Jesse Ray to the GSG Guide Family! We’re incredibly excited to have him on board! 

Jesse Ray Golden State Guiding Guide Crystal Crag
Jesse Ray Golden State Guiding Guide Rock Climbing
Jesse Ray Golden State Guiding Guide

GSG Guide Kelvin Nguyen // Liberty Ridge Ascent

Golden State Guiding's Kelvin Nguyen, along with 6 other team members successfully made the summit of Mt. Rainier this week via the Liberty Ridge route. Conditions were as good as they get, reported Kelvin once back to basecamp. Rangers reported this was the first successful ascent of the route all season, great job everyone! Big congratulations to Kelvin sending a long time dream, couldn't be more happy for him. Keep crushing Kelvin!

Kelvin Nguyen Liberty Ridge Mount Rainier Climbing
Kelvin Nguyen Liberty Ridge Mount Rainier Climbing
Kelvin Nguyen Liberty Ridge Mount Rainier Climbing

Jonathan Wachtel Joins GSG Ambassador Family

Golden State Guiding is proud to announce the latest addition to the GSG Ambassador Family, Jonathan Wachtel. Jonathan joins the GSG family with a wealth of knowledge regarding climbing and is highly respected throughout the climbing community. Co-founder of the San Diego Chapter's American Alpine Club, Jonathan has deeply rooted himself within the community helping grow this actively we love so much. Jonathan holds an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certification, is a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy and as of more recent a new dad! Please join us in welcoming Jonathan to the GSG Family!

Jonathan Wachtel Half Dome Rock Climbing Yosemite, CA
Jonathan Wachtel Ice Climbing

Campn' n Crimpn' Wrap Up!

Well the inaugural Campn' n Crimpn' event in Joshua Tree, National Park is officially over and what an amazing weekend we had! We chased shade all weekend long in the park and were rewarded with some fantastic memories. First outdoor climbs and rappels went down, gear and anchor clinics were facilitated and an overall fun time was had in the park and back at camp! We can't thank the Campn' n Crimpn' participants enough for coming out with us this weekend in Joshua Tree. It was a fantastic weekend and we look forward to the next CnC event in the future! Click here for a photo gallery of the weekend.