Was referred to the SJMG's by Claire Knutson of Ouray KOA... 2 other friends and I were greeted by Patrick for our first Via Ferrata. He helped us gear up, grant us a practice run, and was super knowledgeable about the terrain and history behind Via Ferrata. I was also reppin LEAGUE ONE VOLLEYBALL (LOVB), and this turned out to be one of the best adventures I have ever experienced. So much so, I ordered climbing gear and plan many more trips ahead! An emphatic thank you SJMG's for an unforgettable bucket list moment, and for fueling the inspiration to climb! read more

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Guides are nice, but uninterested in doing their job. I paid for four hours and got two, because the early for some reason. No one really seemed to know what was going on or how long their clinics were supposed to last and things kept changing. So they stuck me in another clinic, but it wasn't a climbing clinic, which is what I had paid for and wanted. One of the guides could've belayed me, but chose instead to stand around and watch the other Guide give the lesson on anchors. I would not use this company again for anything. read more

My wife and I tried the Via Ferrata. We didn't really know what to expect. It was better than we could have imagined. It was a little physically demanding and at times a little scary but I think that is what made it sooo fun. We are buying our own equipment so we can do it some more. Our guide, Rosston, was fantastic. He was excellent at helping us through our first Via Ferrata endeavor. He was very knowledgeable and personable. read more

Office is convenient and clean. Rental was a snap. Gloves were provided. Instruction was simple. Chad was awesome. He was personable and made us feel super comfortable. Can't go wrong having a guide who climbs Everest (and other peaks, and ice climbing) when he's showing novices how to use a Via Ferrata. Had a great time! Thanks for the photos. read more

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I went only to rent equipment and they were very accommodating very nice and very informative. Only $45 to rent a bunch of helmets and equipment to go hiking or climbing on the via Farratta climbing park. Would highly recommend and you don't really need a tour guide, although they offer it. read more

Amazing trip with Jake in the Chicago Basin over Labor Day weekend! He's the best! We summited all 3 14ers in one day, and always learn something new from him. read more

I travel to Ouray every year with my family. My wife loves to ice climb, but we are relatively inexperienced so we typically use a guide. We have used a few guides over the years but in terms of professionalism and maximizing your "ice time", San Juan Mountain Guides was by far the best. Dave and Jim took out our group (6 adults) in January 2017. The ropes were already in place and they knew we were beginners so they put us in a spot that would be challenging but not impossible. After some helpful instructions, we started climbing right away, no messing around. They gave me tips while up on the wall which ultimately helped improve my technique. I made it to the top several times, which was a great feeling (despite it being a "simple" route). I will be back to Ouray next year with my family and there is no question that I'll be going back to SJMG to ice climb again. read more

San Juan Mountain Guides - Tours Near Me - Ouray, Colorado

This place was awesome! The guide first figured out what we had already done and then made sure to take us to new spots for ice climbing. He was patient, safe and very helpful. I learned more today with a guide than the clinic with famous athletes. Super bonus that equipment was included. Very nice, friendly people read more

San Juan Mountain Guides is an amazing and dedicated team of professional alpinists who not only excel at the sport and excel at teaching, but they bring a level of articulation, expertise, care, and wisdom to teaching, guiding, and ensuring every individual learns a lot and has a great experience. We were led by a particularly incredible and intelligent guide named Leon, assisted by a visiting Colombian guide named Alex. Leon has a wealth of experience matched by a way of teaching that is precise, encouraging, and attentive to detail and safety. I came with my boyfriend - we are mountaineers, we also climb (mostly indoor - bouldering, lead, top rope), and are avid trail runners and mountain bikers. We've had experience on relatively big mountains, locally and abroad, but we wanted to bridge some technical gaps and begin to hone more intermediate or serious techniques and sports (such as ice climbing)! We were worried that such a course would be too "beginner" and lose time to reviewing skills we've already honed. Not the case whatsoever. What we got instead was perfectly suited for us -- we learned so much more than just ice climbing technique and finesse. We learned and practiced how to safely set up a top rope anchor, V line, and explored varied terrain and pitches. The level of instruction and attention to us as individuals and as a group was stellar. You will not be disappointed by the incredible humans on the SJMG team. read more

We first learned to ice climb with SJMG a few years ago and had such a great time we've gone back to them several times for guided backcountry and Ouray Ice Park climbing. All of their guides we've been with have been amazing, patient, safe, informative, funny and kind. This can be an intimidating sport to get into so having an excellent first experience with 1st class instructors (many of whom are sponsored professionals in their sport) and quality equipment makes all the difference. I HIGHLY recommend SJMG, can't say enough good things about them!!! read more

We had the BEST AIARE level 1 Avy- guided hut-course thought SJMG. Our guides, Kurt & Colt we're incredible! They were so knowledgeable & professional! The whole trip was well organized, informative, & fun! Would highly recommend to anyone looking into guided trips/ backcountry education! read more

My friend went in to rent gear for five of us but was told everyone needed to be present to rent gear. Totally understandable and okay. The gentleman working told her they opened at 8am the next day and she told him we'd be coming in. Come 8am they're not open and a line outside has formed. At 8:29 a girl walked up and told everyone she needed two minutes to get her stuff set up before helping anyone. While she didn't apologise or acknowledge being so late she was still friendly at least and had a happy attitude. A few minutes later the same man from the night before walked up to help her. He was pretty rude to us and dismissive. All five of us in our group commented on his attitude after we left. read more

I cannot say enough good things about the experience we had on the Ouray Via Ferrata. Thanks Nate and San Juan Mountain Guides. This experience is the best family adventure we've ever had. It's was like Goonies, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Lord of the Rings and Mission Impossible rolled into one live action, choose your adventure, outdoor mountaineering escape room. So fun, so well designed and so safe! We've enjoyed other adventures from your awesome team in the past but this one was definitely and all-time favorite. read more

We didn't hire a guide from San Juan, but had a very bad experience with one. We were climbing in South Park, and one of our party had just started leading a route. He had placed one screw and was about 20 feet above it. A guide from San Juan looked down from the anchor point, and saw our friend climbing. Multiple people in the canyon told him there was a climber on the wall, and he saw our friend. He told us he "had" to throw the rope since it was park rules that we hadn't claimed an anchor, and threw the rope while our friend was still on the wall. The rope hit his lead line. Thankfully, he was safe, but it could have ended much worse. I would expect a lot more from a mountain guide - their entire job is to keep people safe, and he created a very unsafe situation for our friend on the wall because he was too impatient to wait 5 minutes. read more

Aaron Livingston was our ice-climbing guide and he was really great!! Got this as a gift trip for my husband and I, and knowing that my husband wants to get into the sport, Aaron showed him better techniques and answered so many questions. I was apprehensive, and he was extremely patient with me, being a newbie. We're excited to come back, and we will probably ask for the same guide again to take us on additional adventures shortly. read more

I booked an ice climbing guide the first week the Ouray Ice Park was open this year and had a fantastic experience. SJMG made the process really simple and casual and I felt well prepared with the information and tools given us. Our guide had over 15 years of experience climbing ice and was also a professional backcountry climbing and skiing guide, and was super cool, informative and fun. She taught us everything about the tools and technique required to build a strong foundation in ice climbing practice. I learned so much, had an amazing experience, and might have even gotten hooked. I'd recommend SJMG to anyone looking to have a genuinely rad time, learn a ton, and get off the beaten path. Definitely not for tourists or sideliners. I hope to be back soon for some backcountry expeditions! read more

I bought this $750 "experience" for my husband as a gift. It was horrible for him from start to finish. Due to snow and the pass being closed, the group couldn't make it to the hut on the first night. SJMG had the group sleep in the classroom in Ouray. My husband complained enough so they got him a hotel room, but the didn't get that for anyone else in the group. They also didn't pay for dinner on the first night, even though that was supposed to be included at the hut. The group finally made it to the hut on Saturday afternoon. The participants had to carry all of the food to the hut. The "appetizers" were cheeze-its, stale tortilla chips, and salsa. The dinner was rice and bean tacos (no meat). If you're expecting to ski from the hut--do not do this trip. On Sunday morning, the group didn't get to do any runs from the hut and just skied back to their cars. Do not pay the extra $250 to do the hut based class. I would not recommend this group whatsoever. They were not accommodating and did not have a good contingency plan when Red Mountain Pass was closed--which is a very usual occurrence. read more

I am a long time climber and found myself without a partner on a planned trip to Ouray to ice climb. Fortunately, I connected with San Juan Mountain guides who set me up with Micah, who was phenomenal. Not only competent and safe, Micah was a great instructor who really tuned up my technique and rope skills, making for very efficient changeovers on the multi-pitch ice routes in the Ouray/Silverton area where we climbed. We swapped leads and I got a lot more out of my two days with Micah than if I had climbed with someone else. Annie from San Juan Mtn guides also was a good communicator who touched base with me more than once to ensure that my days went smoothly. Finally, it was a bonus that Micah had me demo some updated ice climbing boots from the San Juan office at no additional charge. I recommend Micah and San Juan Mountain Guides without reservation. read more

San Juan Mountain Guides - Leading and learning on an ice climb in Ouray - Tours Near Me - Ouray, Colorado

We are a family of 4 (mom, dad, 2 boys 15 and 13) from the flatland of Iowa but longtime lovers of the mountain West and most things outdoors. We like to be active and are reasonably fit. We were looking for some backcountry mountain exploring that we couldn't do on our own. Our San Juan guide, Jim Turner, took us out on a well-balanced and appropriately challenging 4 day and 3 night backpacking trip in the Weminuche Wilderness. We saw NO one else the whole time and had the beauty of the No Name basin, surrounded by majestic peaks, all to ourselves! Our guide was actually one of the best things about the trip. Jim was friendly and constantly looking for ways to enhance our experience. He has many years of experience climbing and backpacking, and he taught us tons of useful backcountry knowledge. We asked him to "teach us enough to put yourself out of a job," and he certainly tried. By the end of the trip, Jim thought we were ready to do a similar trip on our own and we felt confident that we could (with a few new gear items). Another thing to know about Jim is that he is humorous and witty. He kept up lively conversation while delivering backcountry pointers, even while we were out of breath from the climb. Due to late spring snow, the 14ers were not accessible to us, so we can't comment on Jim's skills in climbing, but that's his forte, and as good as he is with his backcountry skills, we would trust him guiding a climb. We can't say enough good things about Jim. We highly recommend him! read more

San Juan Mountain Guides - Entering No Name basin - Tours Near Me - Ouray, Colorado

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I highly recommend these guys. From making the reservation, to their efficient follow up and check-in, everything leading up to the day was perfect. Our guide Dawn was unbelievably good. She quickly assessed our climbing abilities and provided the guidance, encouragement and instruction we needed to climb for 3.5 hours on increasingly more challenging routes. We always felt safe, yet challenged to push ourselves. This was an important part of a road trip I was taking with my daughter before she heads off to college and this needed to be a great memory. it was that an more. Thank you Dawn and SJMG for a great day. We'll be back in the winter to ice climb. read more

We recently engaged San Juan Mountain Guides to put together a 14-day trip for our Boy Scout troop after our planned trip to Philmont was cancelled (due to fires). SJMG planned an awesome high-adventure trip that included rock climbing, canyoning, eight days of backpacking in the Weminuche Wilderness of Colorado and a day trip to Telluride's Via Ferrata. Our guides (Mason & Patrick) were well versed in the back country and were a pleasure to work with. SJMG's management (Nate, Mark and Mike) really went out of their way to ensure a great experience. For me, my son and the others on the excursion, this was the trip of a lifetime! read more

We had a blast rock climbing today! The climbing was doable for all ages and skill levels. Our guides made us feel safe and secure along the way. And made the trip way more enjoyable for everyone involved!! Shout out to Aaron, Pat, and Derek for an overall amazing experience!! read more

Just finished yet another adventure day on the Ouray Via Ferrata with San Juan Mountain Guides and Nate Disser, who is a true professional. I am typically way out of my comfort zone on these outings, but Nate's calm and clear direction inspires confidence and always creates and incredible experience. In the midst of a stressful few months, this was a much needed getaway to fresh mountain air and a perfect distraction to focus on breathing and taking in the incredible views. Thank you for an awesome experience yet again and for all of the safety reassurances from the gear and route rigging to all of the COVID-19 safety guidelines in place! I will be back! read more

My partner and I booked Jim for 3 days. He took us sport climbing the first day, up a 14er the second, and on a nice multi-pitch climbing route the final day. He was incredibly experienced and spent much of the trip providing valuable information on gear, rope setup, staying safe in rugged conditions, etc. He was also immensely knowledgeable about the Ouray area, and told plenty of awesome stories about the old mines in the area as we were driving to and from our adventures. We can't wait to get back for another adventure in the area. read more

Awesome. I very seldom climb as a guided client, but my friend talked me into an Ouray trip at the last minute and had already booked a day with San Juan. We spent a day out with Geoff, and it was an awesome introduction to the park. Very professional and efficient, and the instruction was top notch. I have climbed ice before, but I learned a lot of techniques to improve my climbing. I strongly recommend San Juan Mountain Guides if you are looking for a guide in Ouray. read more

Overall, a great experience with SJMG. I did ice-climbing for 4 days with Andrew and I had a good time. There are other guide services for the area however SJMG seems to be the main outfit so I went with them. I can't compare them to the other services however my experience was great. I had all my own gear however I think when you book to climb with them, all the ice-climbing gear is included - most companies charge you for rentals. I did't look closely at the gear (since I didn't use it) however it was all brands you recognize - nothing cheap or "for rental only". Andrew was great and planned each day at the park at a different area so I go to see as much of the park as possible - not necessary however a nice touch. Andrew asked what I wanted to accomplish and let me do just that. I really just wanted to climb and he didn't make go through any unnecessary safety or anchor building classes - although he did ask if I wanted to. I felt like my time was very well spent with him. As a single climber, I felt the size of the team at SJMG guides was good. The Ice Park was busy when I was there however the guides work together and you can switch out routes and the other guides even allowed me to work in with there groups so I was able to do way more climbs than I would have if I was on my own or with one friend. I was able to get in a full days worth of climbing done in just a few hours. I am sure I will book again with them next year! read more

Excellent day hike in Durango with Andrew, professional, friendly and knowledgeable. We are middle aged beginning hikers and he was very helpful and made the day perfect for us. We would recommend this company for any level of hiking,or climbing needs. read more

My husband and I fulfilled a decade+ long dream by taking the Intro to Ice Climbing class with Jason Burleson. He is the consummate professional, placing safety above all else while also bringing his very fun and friendly personality. He is an excellent teacher, very patient with people who have varied skill levels and taught us a lot about technique and building anchors. He fulfilled our wishes to really challenge ourselves, accommodated our desire to take photos of each other by anchoring us so that we could peer safely over the ledge, and made himself available every evening if we wanted to hang out. He also had great tips on where to eat and go within Ouray. We had a fabulous time thanks to Jason! read more

I've used these guys 4 times to guide some incredible ice climbs in the Ouray/Silverton area. I can't say enough about the overall excellence of this crew! If you're looking for extremely high quality guides, this is the place. read more

We had an excellent tour of the via Ferrata yesterday. Our guide Andrés was on time, flexible, and ready to lead us on an incredible adventure! Andres was knowledgable, patient, and gave us just the right amount of information to make us feel safe and prepared. We are so thankful we had his experience read more

We went with our guide Bill for ice climbing. We had no experience. Bill was very patient and stayed upbeat and encouraging the whole time. Had a wonderful experience! read more

I had been researching a guide company ever since seeing a you tube on the Via Feratta in Telluride. I sent out a couple emails requesting information and Nate at San Juan Mountain Guides responded within 12 hours, providing the information I requested. I made a reservation and throughout the process, Annie and Nate made sure everything went smoothly. They were also very accommodating when some in our climbing party had to reschedule. My guide, Chad Peele, and I went ahead with our plans to hike the Via Feratta that day and had a great time. Chad is a great guide who is very professional while being personable, a good communicator, safe and makes sure YOU feel safe and confident. The Via Feratta is a fantastic trip that is more mental than physical, full of great views and a total adrenalin rush. I recommend that you double check your cell phone coverage for Telluride that you can contact your guide the morning of your trip, be ready for weather to interrupt your trip and be flexible to reschedule if needed (it poured rain a couple hours after we were done), take a go pro cause your friends won't believe you did it! read more

I did a custom four day backpacking trip with San Juan Mountain Guides that went above and beyond my dreams! My guide, Jim, was wonderful - highly competent & professional, attentive, safety focused, very encouraging - and led me through spectacular regions of the Weminuche Wilderness. I had an excellent experience with SMJG on every aspect of my trip, and they made sure my trip was exactly what I was looking for. I highly recommended them! read more

We had a great time with San Juan Mountain Guides and our guide, Jeff. SJMG were very professional and provided all the gear. We got all of our gear prepped the evening before at SJMG office on Main Street, so we were ready for our private intro course the next morning maximizing our time spent climbing. We were taught the fundamentals, climbing techniques and even learned how to build a few different ice anchors with ice screws. Our guide paid close attention to our personal safety while still making sure we had a good time. This was my first time on technical ice and I gained a ton of knowledge in a one day trip. I already know how to build anchors from years of rock climbing, and now after learning ice climbing fundamentals from SJMG, I feel confident to start top roped ice climbing on my own. We are now looking forward to coming back and taking an advance lead ice climbing course with San Juan Mountain Guides! read more

San Juan Mountain Guides - San Juan Mountain Guide prepping our ice climbing route at the Ouray Ice Park - Tours Near Me - Ouray, Colorado

I scheduled an advance ice climb and went to all the expense of getting to Ouray only to have the guide cancel at the last minute, saying he hadn't climbed the route and didn't feel comfortable climbing with someone he hadn't climbed with before. These are all things that should have been dealt with by management in advance, but management was just as faking, saying the support their guides just deciding to bail. Not a way to run a business. Bottom line: don't use these guys for advanced climbing, even if they swear they will, you never know if they will come through or not. read more