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Live Beta for Red Rock and Beyond
Hire a Climbing Guide in Red Rock
Climb with confidence. Get matched with the right guide
— or book Mike D directly.
Let Us Match You (Free Concierge)
Want to climb, but not sure with who?
We work with Vegas’ most trusted guide services and instructors. Tell us your goals, and we’ll personally connect you.
Fill out the quick form below — we’ll follow up within 24 hours.
Or call Mike D @ 860-304-2336 today!
Book a Climbing Day With Mike D
8 hr
425 US dollars
8 hr
625 US dollars
30 min
1,350 US dollars
30 min
2,500 US dollars
30 min
4,000 US dollars
30 min
12,000 US dollars
Mike Donaldson is a certified climbing guide and registered employee of multiple permitted guide services in the Las Vegas area. All guiding is conducted through fully permitted, insured, and legal operations in compliance with Red Rock Canyon and BLM regulations.
When you book a day with Mike D, you’ll be matched with the appropriate permitted outfitter based on availability, objective, and group size. Your day will be professionally managed and 100% legit — no sketchy stuff, ever.
Why Choosing the Right Guide
in Red Rock Matters
Red Rock Canyon is one of the top climbing destinations in North America, with world-famous sandstone walls, hundreds of classic routes, and year-round sun. But unlike other areas, guiding here is tightly regulated: only five companies hold legal permits to offer climbing trips inside the conservation area.
If you're planning a trip to Red Rock and want a guided experience—whether you're brand new to outdoor climbing or looking to tick a classic like Crimson Chrysalis or Epinephrine—this page gives you the full breakdown.
We are not a guide service. LasVegasClimbing.com is an independent local resource. We're not affiliated with any of the guide companies listed here. This page is for informational purposes and is based on public information as of 2025.
How Guiding Works in Red Rock
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Permit-Only Access: As defined in the current climbing management plan, only four guide services are allowed to guide in Red Rock under full-time permits issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
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Insurance & Certification: Legal guides carry insurance, follow strict group size and safety limits, and are usually PCGI or AMGA-certified.
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Guest Permits: A small number of "guest permits" rotate each year for seasonal access, but they are limited to a handful of user days.
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Hiring a permitted guide means you're getting someone who knows the area, respects its rules, and can get you on the best climbs with minimal hassle.
Full Comparison of Red Rock Canyon Guide Services (2025)
Listed from Least to Most Expensive
1. Red Rock Climbing Guides (RRCG)
Website: www.redrockclimbingcenter.com
RRCG is a locally owned company based out of the Red Rock Climbing Center, Vegas’s original climbing gym. Their team emphasizes friendly, accessible guiding for beginners and intermediate climbers, with options for families, youth, and small groups.
Popular Trips:
Intro to Outdoor Climbing
Multi-Pitch for 1–2 People
Single Pitch Full Day: $350 (1 person)
Single Pitch Full Day $450 (2 people)
Multi-Pitch Full Day: $375 (1 person)
Multi-Pitch Full Day : $600 (2 people)
2. Mountain Skills Rock Guides
Website: www.climbingschoolusa.com
A long-standing Red Rock institution led by Jay Foley and crew, Mountain Skills provides private, customized climbing days for individuals or pairs. They are known for deep local knowledge, quiet professionalism, and strong multi-pitch experience.
Popular Trips:
Multi-Pitch Trad Classics
Custom Clinics
Single Pitch Full-Day (1 person) = $400
Single Pitch Full-Day (2 people) = $420
Multi-Pitch Full Day (1 person) = $425 - $475
Multi-Pitch Full Day (2 people) = $620 - $750
3. American Alpine Institute (AAI)
Website: www.alpineinstitute.com
AAI is one of the most established climbing schools in the U.S., with a strong emphasis on education, safety, and technical skill development. They operate nationwide and bring a curriculum-based approach to their Red Rock programs.
Popular Trips: Learn to Lead Trad or Sport
Self-Rescue & Anchor Clinics
Full Day Single or Multi-Pitch: $475 (1 person)
Full Day Single or Multi-Pitch: $650 (2 people)
4. The Mountain Guides (TMG / Exum)
Website: www.themountainguides.com
TMG is part of the Exum/Jackson Hole lineage and offers polished, high-end guided experiences for climbers of all skill levels. Known for premium service and AMGA-accredited staff, they specialize in classic multi-pitch and technical climbs.
Popular Trips:
Custom Full-Day Guiding Class IV Multi-Pitch
Intro Climbs
Full Day Single or Multi-Pitch: $390 (1 person)
Full Day Single or Multi-Pitch $550 (2 people)
Choosing the Right Guide for You
Consider these questions:
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Want to learn skills or just get up something cool?
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Prefer a full-day objective or a chill intro session?
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Private guide or group trip?
Not sure who to go with?
We’ll help you figure it out → Call Mike @ 860-304-2336
or join the Vegas Climbing Club for trip-planning help.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Do I need a permit to climb in Red Rock?
Not if you're climbing recreationally. Only commercial guides need permits.
- Are all these companies legal?
Yes. As of 2025, these are the four primary full-permit holders for climbing guiding in Red Rock.
- Are gear and transportation included?
Most companies provide helmets, harnesses, and ropes. Some include shoes. Always ask.
- What if it rains?
Red Rock sandstone becomes dangerous when wet. Guides will reschedule or reroute your day.
- Final Note: LasVegasClimbing.com is here to make climbing in Red Rock safer, easier, and more fun. We’re not a booking agent. We are not a guide service, and are not directly affiliated with any specific guide service.
We just believe every climber deserves solid info and a rad trip. If you’re a representative of one of the companies listed and want to suggest edits or collaborate, drop us a line.
We’re locals. We’re climbers.
We’re here to support the scene.
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