About

My name is Erik and I’m the founder and lead guide for Vertical Pursuits.

My journey in the mountains started when I was 18, mostly revolving around bouldering and breaching into the outdoor climbing world. When I was 20 years old I embarked on a 2 year guide course that took me through the Northern Ice Cap of Patagonia, Picos De Europa of Spain and up to the rugged Eastern Alaskan Range. Since then, I have traveled and guided in various places until I made Yosemite Valley my home and training ground for over 4 years. While I lived in Yosemite, I made multiple trips up El Capitan, including in a day ascents, and free climbed many of the classic formations and routes in the park.

I now live full time in Sacramento in between when I’m traveling for work and for climbing. 

My goal for Vertical Pursuits is to create meaningful mentorships and experiences for climbers looking to push themselves in the vertical world. Through my climbing progression, I’ve had the luxury of being coached and mentored by high level guides and climbers, which allowed me to take my climbing to new heights. I’m hoping to give that same level of knowledge back to the climbing community. 

Whether your a new gym climber looking to take yourself outdoors or a seasoned trad climber looking learn the skills to climb El Cap, Vertical Pursuits is here to take you to new heights.  

Certifications
– AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide
– AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
– American Avalanche Association Level 1
– Wilderness First Responder
– Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians Level 1

Erik G.

Hi, I’m Kevin, Co-Owner of Vertical Pursuits. I grew up mostly in the North Eastern US but began traveling and climbing after high school and never looked back. I’ve been lucky to climb in over 10 countries and have done many first ascents on 3 continents. Now I mostly travel in my janky van in the Great American West with occasional trips abroad. I’m surprised to say I’ve been guiding for nearly a decade on rock, ice, mountains, and skis but now mostly focus on delivering highly personalized and precise rock climbing instruction.

It would be fun to list more accomplishments but I truly don’t think that’s what climbing is about. My goal is to be a damn good teacher of the skills people need to prepare for and take on some of the biggest challenges of their lives; not so they can brag about it on Instagram or in a website About page :), but so they learn about themselves, the people around them, and the world we live in.

I’m an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and have some expensive other bits of paper too. I pride myself in thinking hard about the skills I teach and how best to present them to you in a way that’s clear, concise, actionable, and appropriate for your skill level. Above all else I care. I care about you as a human being and hope we can get outside and learn from each other soon!

Kevin H.

Certifications
– AMGA Certified Rock Guide
– AMGA Single Pitch Provider
– AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide
– AMGA Ice Instructor Course
– AIARE Rec Level 2
– Wilderness First Responder

Mission

Stewardship
Mentorship
Passion
Sustainability 

Vision

Mentoring new and experienced climbers to connect them to the vertical wilderness.

Values

  • LNT (Leave No Trace)
  • Safety
  • Efficiency