Guiding – An Adirondack Passion…
The art of guiding has existed in the Adirondacks for over a century and a half. In the late 1800’s guides such as “Old Mountain” Phelps and Bill Nye earned meager wages leading adventurous “summer folk” over the rarely visited summits of the Adirondack range. In the early 1900’s former Keene Valley resident John Case introduced European climbing techniques to the region. His protégés Jimmy Goodwin and Bob Notman along with world-renowned alpinist Fritz Wiessner, scoured the local countryside searching out the largest, most remote cliffs available. Their rock climbing explorations were the forerunner of what today has blossomed into an Adirondack passion.
Today, with the increased popularity of technical climbing, Adirondack guides once again find themselves in high demand. While appearances and methods may have changed, a few key ingredients for successful guiding remain intact, those being a warm personality, a passion for what one teaches and a professional approach that insures a rewarding experience. At Rock and River, all guides are selected based on their expertise, local familiarity, friendliness and ability to teach. They take their profession seriously, are committed to excellence and proud of the line of work they have chosen. Simply put, they are the most important element of our business and we believe they are what truly sets us apart.
Matt Horner
Matt’s been guiding at Rock and River for over twenty years and during that period we’ve watched him evolve into one of the most accomplished and respected ice climbers in the Northeast.
Don Mellor
Don is a climber, writer and guide who has spent most of his forty-plus years of climbing here in the Adirondacks. His resume ranges from multi-day ascents of the biggest rock walls in Yosemite to first ascents of ice routes in Newfoundland.
Jeremy Haas
Raised in Ithaca and currently teaching high school science, Jeremy’s one of those amazing people that seems to be a natural at whatever he does.
Chad Kennedy
Born in the neighboring town of Peru, Chad is Rock and River’s only “native born” guide.
Matt Wiech
Matt grew up in western NY where he learned to climb while still in high school.
Will Roth
Will grew up in downstate NY and was first exposed to climbing at age 13 through a three day climbing course here at Rock and River.
Jenny Mugrace
Born and raised just a few hours south of here, Jenny’s childhood was spent exploring the Adirondacks. Along the way she discovered her true passion in life – to spend as much time learning about and immersing herself within the natural environment.