ARIZONA MOUNTAIN GUIDES

The Founder of Arizona Mountain Guides, Aaron Collins, caught the climbing bug in 1992, and broke in his first pair of climbing shoes on the 200’ wall of Owls Head in the San Tans Mountains near Queen Creek.  After getting to travel in South East Asia for 2 years, he joined the Marine Corps and did 2 deployments to the Middle East. He then transitioned to the Army to become a Medic/Nurse. Following that, he has climbed in many of the top climbing areas in the Country.  He first got into rock guiding outside of Zion National Park in the town of St. George in 2006.  Since then he has guided thousands of clients from the ages of 3 to 74 years old.  He works with Vets to get them out enjoying the country they served, including helping disabled vets reach new heights.  He has put up many amazing first ascents in Arizona. 

​

Some of Aaron’s favorite climbs and must do’s if you are in these area are:

In Arizona

​

The Hand 5.6
Superstition Mountains 

​

Jugorknot 5.6
Greevers Needle

​

Ali cat 5.7
Atlantis

​

Pathological Optimist 5.10
Totem Pole

​

Deadpool 5.8
The Pond

​

The Monk  5.6
Camelback 

Hanging Gardens 5.5
McDowell Mountain

​

Whats My Line 5.6
Cochise Stronghold

​

Hitchcock Pinnacle 5.7
Mt Lemmon

​

Mars Attack 5.10
Sedona 

​

Out side Arizona

​

Outer Space 5.8
Cascades WA

​

Shune’s Buttress 5.11
Zion NP UT

​

Castelton Tower 5.9
Moab UT

​

 Rubicon 5.10
Joshua Tree NP

​

Tunnel Vision 5.7
Red Rocks NV

​

Upper and lower Exum 5.7
Tetons WY

​

Positive  Vibration 5.11
Sierra Nevada CA 

​

Wolfs Head 5.6
Wind Rivers WY 

​

Tent Peg 5.7
Custer State Park SD

Though Yosemite is the Mecca of climbing, the crowds are a draw back. No one wants to wait in line to get on a climb. Even early birds aren’t guaranteed a first start on some of the classics in Yosemite.  If you are going, you will absolutely be amazed the Nutcracker 5.8 will give you a great taste of the Valley.