San Juan Mountain Guides LLC - Ouray, Colorado

Barbara Rose

My friend and I recently completed the Intro to Ice Climbing two day group course. I highly recommend considering this company if you are at all interested in exploring the world of ice climbing. I had the most phenomenal and positive experience that was greatly aided by our guides. Jake and Henry were both incredibly experienced, super encouraging, and very patient. They both gave the basic instructions without over complicating what can be an overwhelming new sport. I greatly appreciated that they showed us the basics and then simply had us get going. There is nothing better than hands on experience. Jake and Henry both continued to guide us as we learned and provide encouragement in difficult spots. They provided constructive criticism while maintaining an upbeat and supportive guiding approach.

At initial sign up online you are provided with clear information on what to generally expect and what to bring. They provided the technical gear. All the gear is provided and fitted first thing on day one.

Jake and Henry provided an experience I will not forget and in fact plan to continue exploring. At the end of the adventure they both provided suggestions for continued learning and exploration not only in the world of ice climbing but other outdoor guided experiences. I felt my safety was of priority and that both guides were extremely professional. I highly recommend San Juan Mountain Guides. A big thanks to Jake and Henry specifically!

Barb Peckumn

An experience of a lifetime! The Telluride Via Ferrata guided by Luke was an amazing experience! My friend and I were quite nervous about it. We met Luke in the morning of the event and it didn’t take long for us to gain the confidence we needed to take the trek. We were so impressed with Luke’s skill, confidence and reassuring demeanor. This job suits him so well! For two, in our upper 50’s and 60 with no previous rock climbing experience, it was very manageable with a high level of focus. Huge smiles and thanks to San Juan Mountain Guides! I’ll never forget it!

Mike Thode

Quality guide service with experienced instructors.

My brother and I took the two-day intermediate Ice climbing course from San Juan Mountain Guides. Steven was our instructor/guide. We have a lot of rock climbing experience but very little ice climbing, three previous days between us.

The course was extremely well organized in a step-by-step learning process. The terrain was perfectly selected to work on what skills the instructor demonstrated. The skills and techniques were given in little chunks on each climb, so you weren't overloaded with thinking about too much. We both felt our skills and confidence improved vastly during the two days.

Steven is an excellent instructor who, although quiet, exudes an aura of humble competence. His instruction is very friendly, patient, straight forward, and easy to understand. His instruction was followed by a demonstration that was easy to mimic. After each climb Steven would evaluate our technique and give us feedback. I have instructed my fair share, and been exposed to very good instructors, over my 33-year career and I would rank Steven in the excellent category.

We found that our only limit was what our 60-year-old bodies would take. Although we live at 1,000 feet, we didn’t find it hard to last the two full days of vigorous activity at a high altitude because we learned how to climb proficiently and efficiently. I would recommend San Juan Mountain Guides and would use them in the future.

Josh Geurian

Brought my daughter (17) with me (43) to the Intro to Ice Climbing 2 day. Could not be more pleased with the experience. Guides were super friendly and super knowledgeable. Taught us on things like proper ice climbing technique, but also setups and ropes. Really looking forward to taking more courses with them.

Peter Troller

I did a private lesson for Ice Climbing and it was awesome. Henry explained everything to me and showed all of the set-up and prep that goes into the process. The ice climbing was so fun and so challenging. Henry celebrated my successes and walked me through how to improve. He gave the perfect amount of guidance and feedback. A cool dude for sure and a great guide. Thanks an amazing experience SJMG!!!

jennifer cepeda

This was such a cool first experience for me and my husband. Our guide Luke made this experience 10x better with all his tips and words of encouragement. This experience made our trip to Ouray unforgettable! A big thank you to Luke for all the great pictures he took of us too!

Steve yon

took a two day guided trip to the ouray ice park through san juan mtn guides. quite simply the best climbing trip ever. the front office and the guide were both top shelf. everything smooth and simple. i'll definitely be going again.

Robin Ferris

These guys are the best! I took two, 2-day, back-to-back ice climbing courses from them in the Ouray Ice Park plus a fifth day of private guiding. All their guides are first class. Super motivated, upbeat, positive, patient, and above all knowledgeable. And I didn't just pick them out of a hat... A friend whose opinion I greatly respect had also used them and highly recommended them. Really great experience!